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: 114
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Christmas
Worthing
We are so excited that 'So This is Christmas' is returning to Worthing for it's 10th anniversary. Brought to you once again by The Fairy Tale Fair and The Northbrook Friends of St Barnabas group you can visit 'So This is Christmas' on Sunday 7th…
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…
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…
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
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…
Childrens Events
Littlehampton
Join us in Littlehampton as we give the streets some Christmas spirit at our Christmas Lights Switch on event & Late-Night Shopping on the Saturday 22 November.
The High Street will be packed with festive cheer and lots of local retailers will be…
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
Brighton's most popular live music nights, every Thursday at this popular city centre venue, with free entry.
From cover pop, funk & soul bands, to rock covers and even steam punk and blues…there is something for everyone to tap along to while…
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:…
Food
Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne
Chef Dan Matthews will return to the Tasting Room this Autumn with a comforting seasonal feast, served and shared on long tables. Dan is one of our most popular Friday Night Supper Club chefs and we are looking forward to welcoming him again for…
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,…
Arts
Pevensey
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting at The Royal Oak & Castle in Pevensey!
Our friendly local artist will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
️ What's included: All the painting…
Christmas
Tunbridge Wells
Get ready to sparkle and shine this December as the festive family favourite Nativity! The Musical bursts onto the Trinity stage.
Based on the 2009 smash-hit holiday film, Nativity! The Musical will transport Tunbridge Wells into the mayhem of…
Heritage & History
Chichester
Join us for an illuminating talk from historian Dan Cruickshank about the research and stories behind his latest book The English House. Discover the rich histories of some of England's most fascinating homes — including our very own Pallant…
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…
Arts
Arundel
Time: 10:30am - 12.30pm OR 2pm - 4 pm.
Cost: £20 per person, plus price of centre admission ticket. WWT members admitted to centre for free.
Use willow and natural plants to make a wreath for your door - naturally made, simply beautiful.
Learn to…
Sporting Events
Wisborough Green
Overview
Join us to celebrate our 10th anniversary with a scenic race route showcasing the pretty West Sussex village of Wisborough Green - with the start and finish in the village centre on the green. Runners of all standards are welcome, including…
Special Events
Eastbourne
Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.
Childrens Events
Ashford
Meet Father Christmas in our magical grotto Santa's Grotto will open on Saturday, November 22nd and will be welcoming visitors every weekend until Christmas. It will also be open on Monday, December 22nd through to Wednesday, December 24th, for…