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.
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.
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 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.
Number of results: 90
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
Rowlands Castle
The South Downs Food Festival returns to Stansted Park on the 6th and 7th of June 2026, bringing a spectacular weekend of food, drink, and celebration.
Special Events
Eastbourne
Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.
General event
Worthing
If you have ever wondered 'are there any community choirs near me?' then the answer is firmly yes!
The Worthing Rock Choir is led by local musician Emma Steele. People who have already joined the choir, who hail from Worthing and further afield in…
Music
Brighton
Boasting four huge stages of music, the biggest '00s and '90s bands, artists and DJs from around the world, funfair rides, a '90s arcade, Retro Bars, an RnB Roller Disco, Gormet Street Food, Exclusive VIP area and so much more, this is the ultimate…
Sporting Events
East Grinstead
This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 2nd of May with a 10 mile race, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 mile the 3rd of May and finishing in Burgess Hill on the 4th of May with a 10k. Combined, these race make up the Mid Sussex…
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,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Arundel
Stay onsite a little longer to watch pied wagtails, egrets, and marsh harriers gather for their evening roost. The hides will remain open an extra hour, while the Living Collection, Reedbed boardwalk, and Willow Sphere close at 4:30 pm as usual.…
Christmas
Goudhurst,
Step into a winter wonderland like no other as Christmas at Bedgebury returns for 2025!
Immerse yourself in a new, reimagined trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, created by the award-winning light trail producers behind events such as…
Sporting Events
New Romney
The Romney Marsh 10K is organised by Nice Work on behalf of the Romney Marsh Rotary Club. The course uses the flat tarmac country lanes around the pretty Kent town of New Romney. You won't be disappointed by the views as you explore this stunning…
Arts
Chichester
Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.
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…
Christmas
Nr Cranbrook
Tired of the Christmas crowds? Escape to Sissinghurst Castle Garden for a gentle festive atmosphere this winter.
Immerse yourself in relaxed, natural decorations, Christmas trees, and wreaths.
Pause under the Tower and enjoy the views, elevated …
Arts
Arundel
Time: varies so check the 'What's On board' when you visit.
Drop-in for hands on family fun with Festive Crafts every day of the school Christmas Holidays.
This activity is included in your admission price, which is free for WWT Members.
Also on:…
Christmas
Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne
Our Tasting Room will open on 13th & 14th and 20th & 21st December, 11am to 5pm, for the return of our Christmas Wine Tasting Weekends with wine tasting, mulled vermouth & mince pies!
We will have every bottle across our range open for you to…
Theatre
Chichester
An enthralling, charming and magical tale that tells the true story of Father Christmas.
For 11-year-old Nikolas, whose nickname is Christmas because he was born on 25 December, life isn't easy. With only a doll made out of a turnip to keep him…
Exhibitions
Arundel
Discover the art of wildlife wood carving with the Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers. Meet the talented carvers, admire a stunning display of their work, and watch live demonstrations as they bring nature to life in wood.
This showcase is included in…
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…
Sporting Events
Battle
The BBB10k is truly a treat to race. It takes runners through the pretty and historic streets of Battle, exploring the surrounding villages before finishing at the ancient Battle Abbey. It's a fast course with some hilly sections and a great race…
Christmas
Eastbourne
Enjoy Christmas events in Eastbourne at bankers corner. There will be Christmas carols, a Live music stage, Choirs, Christmas Market and Christmas Music all day 9am-5pm.
Christmas
Brighton Road, Lower Beeding
LEONARDSLEE LIGHTS
presents
"A Midwinter Light's Dream"
This winter Leonardslee Lights returns with a dazzling new route and expanded cast of light, sound and spectacle. Wander through woodland scenes bathed in light, music and mystery as nature…