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: 91
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Music
Lewes
Join the Lewes Big Band as they present a joyful and festive evening of some of the best Big Band Christmas classics and fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Pieces will include White Christmas, All I Want for Christmas is You and O Holy…
Exhibitions
Chichester
An exhibition sharing the story of the Christian faith in Sussex, revealed through people, events and objects, from 1075 to the present day.
Christmas
Selsey
Get ready to skate into the festive season at Seal Bay, with our magical Ice Skating Rinkopen from 12th December to 2nd January.
Whether you're a seasoned skater or taking your first glide, it's the perfect way to celebrate with friends and…
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…
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,…
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…
Sporting Events
Polegate
This race has sold out every year since its inception five years ago - so it's in high demand! The Rathfinny Run is an exceptionally special running experience. It focuses on reducing it's environmental impact and encourages runners to reduce their…
Special Events
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening as our Ice Queen summons her powers to light up the train before it steams into the night on a brand-new, family-friendly narrative journey!
Childrens Events
Arundel
Grab your wellies and dive into the muddy magic of wetlands this February half term! From February 14 to 21, 2026, join us daily between 10 am and 4 pm for a week of hands on fun where mud isn't just messy — it's marvellous.
Cook up creations in the…
Christmas
Tunbridge Wells
Join us at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at Tunbridge Wells West on the Spa Valley Railway for a magical Christmas adventure—book your tickets today!
Step into the beloved story as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ departs from Spa Valley Railway, bringing the film to life.…
Christmas
Chichester
This December, enjoy a festive Thursday Late surrounded by beautiful art.
We'll be joined by La Diva — the award-winning chamber choir from Bishop Luffa School — for an evening of heartwarming Christmas carols around our magnificent Bösendorfer…
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…
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. It is the perfect opportunity to test your pace, hydration, and nutrition for…
Arts
Ship Street, East Grinstead
The Paint Club is in East Grinstead! We run regular painting workshops at Carlo Lounge and The Ship Inn every month.
Tickets include professional instructions from an artist, painting materials, plus a canvas to take home at the end of the workshop.
Exhibitions
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.
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…
Sporting Events
Tunbridge Wells
This famous race is much loved for its scenic and challenging route. It is steeped in local history and thanks to meticulous organisation, value for money and friendly marshals, entries are highly coveted. It was voted the No.2 Half Marathon in the…
Dance / Dancing
Brighton
London-based street dance crew Diversity got their start in 2007. Founded by choreographer Ashley Banjo and his younger brother Jordan, they were initially known as Swift Moves Juniors. Specialising in everything from popping and breakdance to…
Christmas
Station Road, Tenterden
We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974! There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…
Arts
Chichester
Create illustrations inspired by William Nicholson's Velveteen Rabbit and your favourite childhood toy with artist Helen Friend, using pen, ink, and etching techniques.
Join artist Helen Friend for a creative workshop focussing on drawing and…