2025 marks 25 years since the doors opened to the Millennium Seed Bank c Jim Holden

25th Anniversary

Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst, c Jim Holden

What's On in Sussex

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Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex, thanks to its great family-friendly seaside resorts, vibrant cities, and gorgeous countryside.  You'll find a whole host of events and activities to enjoy on every visit, as the what's on calendar is full to bursting all year round. Whether you choose to head to East or West Sussex, visit for a city break in either Chichester or Brighton, or relax and explore the stunning South Downs National Park that stretches through both counties.

Don't miss the chance to join in the 950th anniversary celebrations at Chichester Cathedral, which includes a year-long exhibition and a spectacular light show in October or enjoy a trip on one of the Sussex steam railways as part of Railway 200.  2025 also marks 100 years since Drusillas Park invited families to experience its zoo, adventure play, and rides, as well as 25 years since the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst opened, now home to over 2.4 billion seeds.

What's on in Sussex this weekend?

To find out what's on in Sussex today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date, explore the featured list or head to the bottom of the page and explore the list of events in Sussex. If you are on a budget look out for the free events (F) taking place across the county. Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.

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Staying overnight in Sussex?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Sussex, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Sussex Accommodation

Sussex events near me

Sussex hosts hundreds of exciting events, all year round for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers to enjoy. The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Sussex. Find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.

Inspiration

  1. Dinosaur Adventure Live!
    Surely The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth! 65…
    1. 15 Feb 2026
  2. Stargazing at Helen Garden
    Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical…
    1. 24 Jan 2026
    2. 21 Feb 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 81

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. McFly - Borde Hill Summer Series

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    With Special Guests The Feeling & Remember Monday

    McFly are set to light up our stunning Parkland at Borde Hill on Friday 14th August, headlining an unmissable summer concert filled with huge hits and a stellar supporting lineup. With gates opening…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 22:30
  2. William Nicholson

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    This is the first major exhibition of the celebrated artist William Nicholson (1872 – 1949) in more than 20 years.
    Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic vision – from world-renowned still lifes,…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2025to10 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. Film Screening and Q&A: Women's Work

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Women's Work (2025, 60 mins) is a new documentary directed by Nicola Black, about internationally acclaimed artist Caroline Walker.

    The hour-long film follows Walker over the past 5 years, creating work around themes of childcare and nurture in…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Jan 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
  4. Royal Pavilion Ice Rink

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Brighton

    The UK’s most beautiful Christmas ice rink is back, powered by renewable energy. With its unrivalled setting in front of Brighton’s iconic Royal Pavilion, and ice like glass, the rink has been welcoming visitors since 2010. It’s still the UK’s only…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2025to4 Jan 2026
  5. GLOBALLS Date Night Package

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Brighton Marina, Brighton

    Looking for a unique and budget-friendly Valentine's Day date?
    Glow crazy in love with the GLOBALLS Date Night Package! ️‍♀️ Choose from any of our stunning UV light mini golf courses or Carnival games for a night full of fun and unforgettable…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 22:00
  6. Roald Dahl's The BFG

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Roald Dahl's unforgettable story The BFG comes to life in a magical new co-production from Chichester Festival Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Roald Dahl Story Company. This new adaptation by Tom Wells is directed by RSC Co-Artistic…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Mar 2026to11 Apr 2026
  7. Stargazing at Helen Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Eastbourne

    Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.

    Dates

    From:
    24 Jan 2026
    From:
    21 Feb 2026
  8. Eastbourne International Airshow

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 32nd year from 13th – 16th August 2026, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast. 

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
  9. Forbidden Nights

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    Forbidden Nights is made up of a male vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act all with an element of strip tease -- think Cirque du Soleil meets *Magic Mike*.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 19:30 -
  10. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile Series (Race 2)

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Nutley, Uckfield

    The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile Series at Pippingford Park is a series of two eco-friendly trail races where we strive to deliver an exhilarating running experience in a sustainable environment. Previously known as The Greener Earth Trail Race, 2024…

    Dates

    From:
    25 Jan 2026
  11. Rye Summer Series Race Four

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Rye

    The Rye Summer Classic Series provides a unique chance to enjoy one of Britain's most treasured conservation sites, covering a mosaic of interlocking shingle ridges, saltmarsh, intertidal grazing, reed-beds and saline lagoons. It can get windy on…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026
  12. Talk | How To See Now: The Female Subjects with Katy Hessel - Virgin Mary

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Join art historian Katy Hessel for a series of lectures dedicated to Biblical and mythological female subjects commonly depicted in western art history, from witches to the Virgin Mary, Medusa, Eve to Aphrodite. Borrowing from the 1972 book and…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
    From:
    26 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
    From:
    5 Mar 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
  13. Ice Skating in the Park

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Bognor Regis

    Ice Skating in The Park is BIGGER and BETTER this year at our location in London Road Coach Park, measuring in at 30 x 20 metres, the whole family can enjoy a traditional style rectangular Ice Rink.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2025to4 Jan 2026
  14. The Three Little Pigs

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    From the award-winning Stiles and Drewe (The Billy Goats Gruff, Honk!, Half a Sixpence) comes The Three Little Pigs – a "very curly musical tail" that is perfect for the whole family.

    This charming and witty adventure is full of catchy songs and…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2025to28 Dec 2025
  15. Tina Under the Stars

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll!

    Experience the raw power and electrifying energy of the UK's number one Tina Turner tribute act, Typically Tina. Backed by a full live band, this sensational performance captures the voice, the…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  16. Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers Showcase

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Arundel

    Discover the art of wildlife wood carving at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, with the Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers. Meet the carvers, see a display of stunning carving work and watch live carving demonstrations. This activity is included in your…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Jan 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  17. Burning the Clocks

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brighton

    The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Dec 2026
  18. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Summer Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Nutley

    The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026
  19. Bexhill After Dark 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Bexhill-on-Sea

    Bexhill After Dark 2026 brings the town to life with a spectacular mix of illuminated installations, interactive artworks and atmospheric performances inspired by The Four Elements.

    Expect towering inflatable creations, glowing walkabout…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Jan 2026Open 17:00 - 20:00
  20. Rye 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Peasmarsh near Rye

    This exciting event will be organised in conjuction with the Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Committee to help raise funds for the Village Hall. The race follows a challenging and scenic course on the quiet country lanes surrounding the pretty village of…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026