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: 106
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Childrens Events
Goudhurst
The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest…
Arts
Queens Walk, 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.
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
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
The Paint Club is coming to Arundel! We will be at The Spur on the 7th May to paint a colourful rainbow tree. No painting experience required and our local professional artist will bring along everything you need to paint.
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,…
Arts
Chichester
Join glass artist Karen Ongley-Snook to craft a sparkling festive garland of decorated and tinselled glass pieces.
Step into the festive spirit with a hands-on workshop exploring the beauty of decorated glass. Karen will guide you through the…
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…
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
Robertsbridge
The Robertsbridge Bonfire Society return to present another wonderful instalment of their much loved Midsummer 10k & 5k race. This is a community affair. It boasts fantastic local support with some super volunteer marshals to cheer and guide runners…
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…
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…
Sporting Events
Goudhurst
Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury!
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…
Special Events
Eastbourne
Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.
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:…
Sporting Events
Seaford
The Seaford Martello Half Marathon is a scenic, but challenging event combining the stunning Seaford seafront with the beautiful South Downs. Organised jointly by Rotary Martello Seaford and Seaford Striders Running Club, this is one the nicest half…
Childrens Events
Eastbourne
Surely The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth! 65 million years in the making… Are you ready for the adventure?
Join our intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as we journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like Dinosaurs. Walk with us through the…
Christmas
Eastbourne
Enjoy Christmas events in Eastbourne at bankers corner. There will be Christmas carols, a Live music stage, Choirs, Christmas Market and Christmas Music all day 9am-5pm.