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.
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.
Walking
Hastings
Have fun (re-)discovering Hastings, 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, whilst exploring this historic seaside town. Curious About…
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
Bognor Regis
Ice Skating in The Park is BIGGER and BETTER this year at our location in London Road Coach Park, measuring in at 30 x 20 metres, the whole family can enjoy a traditional style rectangular Ice Rink.
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
Kick-start the festive season with a visit to see Santa in his magical grotto.
Step into Elf Training Camp
Ticket holders will begin their adventure by joining Elf Training Camp, where novice elves can take part in a series of creative tasks and…
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Sussex’s award-winning light trail is reimagined for 2025. A new trail full of exclusive installations, handcrafted lanterns, and immersive moments is accompanied by new experiences that promise more festive fun than ever! Just 30 minutes from…
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
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…
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:…
Special Events
Eastbourne
Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.
General event
Selsey
Get your skates on—our iconic ice rink is back!
From 12th December to 2nd January, the White Horse Complex reopens its sparkling rink to guests, owners, and the public. Whether you're twirling, gliding, or just finding your feet, it's the perfect…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
Childrens Events
Brighton
Far away, beyond the snow, and nestled in a perfect nook you’ll find a town called Christmas...
Clementine dreams of a place where gingerbread houses glow under twinkling fairy-lights, and chocolate coins are currency. Where the streets are filled…
Food
Burgess Hill
Gather family & friends & celebrate Christmas in style at The Oak Barn this festive season
• Celebration Festive Lunch
• Celebration Festive Dinner
• 9 Christmas Dinner, Disco & Entertainment Party Nights
• Boxing Day
• New Years Eve
• New…
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
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…
Childrens Events
Chichester
Join us for a creative and relaxed workshop session inspired by art from our collections and exhibitions. Whether it is block printing or creating a collage, these activities are suitable for all ages and abilities and make a wonderful addition to a…
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…
Music
Haywards Heath
Following their 2025 sell-out concert, ABBA Gold Europe returns to Borde Hill!
Get ready to dance the night away with a spectacular tribute to ABBA's timeless hits! Leading tribute band ABBA Gold Europe delivers an electrifying live performance,…
Childrens Events
Brighton
The UK’s most beautiful Christmas ice rink is back, powered by renewable energy. With its unrivalled setting in front of Brighton’s iconic Royal Pavilion, and ice like glass, the rink has been welcoming visitors since 2010. It’s still the UK’s only…