Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex thanks to a range of tourist hot-spots including a national park, two cities, Chichester and Brighton, and selection of seaside resorts. We've got hundreds of exciting events taking place all year round for residents, day-trippers and holiday makers to enjoy.
To find out what's on in Sussex today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place. If you're looking for what's on when it's raining, the coastal geography of Sussex means you can switch the beach for a trip to a local castle, all of which have a calendar of seasonal events to entertain children and adults.
You'll find an enviable supply of themed festivals in Sussex, from food and drink festivals bursting with local produce, which is amongst the best in the UK, and full to the brim with English wine as this county has the ideal conditions for a host of vineyards giving a unique flavour to any event. Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, an adventure, guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
Don't miss this year's Brighton Festival which kicks off on the 4th - 26th May 2024. This wonderful indoor and outdoor celebration of the arts is a highlight on the South East event calendar and includes dance, circus acts, shows, comedy, and more. Look out for the Olivier Award-winning performance maker, Marisa Carnesky, the newly refurbished Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre which opens to welcome premieres and international productions to Brighton Festival 2024 and for the children, the British Animation award-winning Kensuke’s Kingdom, adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling children’s book.
Take a look at our featured list for inspiration and then scroll to the bottom of the page to see hundreds of more events 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
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Sussex. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.
Number of results: 147
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Discover the best in live comedy, featuring three top acts and an MC!
Boasting the hottest line-ups including Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jordan Brookes, Olga Koch, Barbara Nice, Jarred Christmas, Nina Conti, Sara Barron, and many more!
Komedia is a…
Gardens
Arlington, Nr Polegate
This Plantswoman's tranquil garden provides interest through the seasons. Woodland Garden created around a majestic oak tree. Colour themed Middle Garden. Courtyard Gardens with seasonal container displays. Front Garden a spring and autumn joy with…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Eastbourne
This annual 10 day eco festival returns - to celebrate our beautiful surroundings and promote sustainable living.
There are many events throughout the festival, from an Eco Fair on 11 May on the Western Lawns to a Big Beach Clean on 12 May.
Past…
Childrens Events
Brighton
Maria Morevna became an Eco Warrior when the Moth told her that the destruction of rivers, trees and wild land affected even the smallest creatures and would change her world. Captured by the Wizard Korchei, to stop her destroying his plans, she is…
Food
Eastbourne
The full music line-up has been announced for this year’s Beer & Cider by the Sea.
The three-day event takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 17-19 on the Western Lawns on Eastbourne seafront.
Festival
Brighton
The Great Escape is the festival for new music, showcasing 500 emerging artists from all over the world in 30+ walkable venues across the city and a pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach. It’s the first place to discover your new favourite artist…
Music
Brighton
Join the friendliest choir in town!
The Free Brighton Choir is a volunteer-led singing group, open to everyone, regardless of age, singing ability or experience. No auditions, no requirements, no cost.
Hastings
Avast ye, Hastings Pirate Weekend is upon us again!
Walking
Brighton
Have fun (re-)discovering Brighton, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air.
Curious About Brighton visits not just the obvious places, but some…
Childrens Events
Chichester
Explore and learn this Easter holiday…
Join an Easter Egg Trail around the Museum's 40 acre site, running from Tuesday 2 - Sunday 14 April. Watch the bakers demonstrate their skills in the historic bakehouse over the Easter weekend. There will be…
Childrens Events
Goudhurst
Easter Family Fun
28 March - 14 April
Code Cracking Quest £2 per person
Thursday 28 - Saturday 30 March
10am - 1.30pm
Follow the trail, collect the letters, crack the code, return to the visitor centre and collect your egg-citing chocolate reward…
Other
Buxted
Step back to the 1920s for an exclusive Great Gatsby-inspired event.
Step back in time to the glamorous 1920s for this exclusive Great Gatsby event at Buxted Park Hotel. Indulge in a weekend of luxury, entertainment, and revelry worthy of Jay…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Visit Wakehurst for Rooted this summer
7 July to 17 September
This year, Wakehurst are celebrating one of the world's most recognisable and loved plants – trees.
Incredible artists have created outdoor installations across Wakehurst that will…
Food
Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common
Live life in full flavour at The Rows & Vine, converted into a unique winter dining space by our Chardonnay vineyard. It's the perfect spot to sip, savour and celebrate.
We are now serving seasonal Sunday Roasts alongside our small plates menu.…
Heritage & History
Station Road, Tenterden
Tenterden Town Station will be the setting for a rally featuring more than a dozen vintage buses, with some offering free rides to a number of local destinations! This includes a service to connect with trains from both Headcorn and Ashford railway…
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
This Easter holiday bring your family and join the swashbuckling adventures of Bertram Bunny on a fantasy 'Easter Island' story trail.
Embark on a journey through the Garden as you search for the treasure hidden within the story boards, left behind…
Free Event
Eastbourne
Biggest free motoring spectacular on the South Coast with over 600 vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, buses, steam traction engines, commercial and military vehicles, ranging across a century of motoring. Also features a French Market, live music…
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Bingo, brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!
Brighton’s favourite comedy bingo show is bringing you a limited run of Saturday afternoon bingo
Tickets include:
- 2 hours bottomless selected drinks (including Bear Island Pale Ale, Bloody Marys, and…
Festival
Brighton
During May & June, Brighton Fringe welcomes international performers and audiences as it showcases the creative heart and soul of the city and its unique cultural heritage.
Exhibition
Hastings
Military vehicles, veteran, vintage and classic cars at the Stade, Hastings.