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: 101
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Christmas
Havant
Step inside Stansted House this Christmas and explore the beautiful Edwardian Mansion after it has been decorated for the Festive season.
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.
Christmas
Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne
Join experienced local artist and teacher Ella Berthoud as she guides you through painting your own personalised and beautifully designed Christmas bauble.
You will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of designs, create unique patterns,…
Comedy
Brighton
Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.
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:…
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.
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*.
Christmas
Brighton Road, Lower Beeding
Discover Festive Workshops at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens offers a delightful array of creative experiences to embrace the festive spirit, set against the backdrop of their enchanting gardens. Here are just a few of this…
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…
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…
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
Rye
The stunning course winds through the ancient trails across High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, linking the Norman churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh. This spectatular event starts off on the high street…
Special Events
Eastbourne
Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.
Christmas
Uckfield
After our successful season last year, we aim to give you another wonderful festive experience with all the traditional sights, sounds and aromas of Christmas.
Christmas
Lamberhurst
Haven't you heard? The Cheer-O-Meter, the very measure of festive magic, is running low, and only the joy of families like yours can raise it high once more
Sporting Events
Wadhurst
Overview
Organised by Wadhurst Runners, the Bewl 15 & 5 mile races return on 5th July 2026.
The 15 mile race is the original round Bewl Water race and the only one which includes the nature reserve with its stunning lakeside views. Once voted the…
Music
Bexhill on Sea
2026 and Feast of Fiddles set out on their Annual Tour once again – their 31st.
Two storming performances at the New Forest Folk Festival and Fairport's Cropredy Convention in 2024 promoted what has become their 8th recording and another live…
Arts
Chichester
Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed guided tour of Caroline Walker: Mothering with one of our Curatorial Team. Discover Walker's paintings exploring the unseen labour of motherhood and childcare with your little one.
This tour will last around 45…
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…
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…