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.
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.
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Enjoy the very best comedians on the circuit, with a glass or two of bubbly and some delicious food.
Performing Arts
Rye
Concentrating on Shakespeare's relationship with the festive season, this show will get everyone into the spirit of Christmas with bawdy humour, disguises, song, cakes, ale and a ghost or two!
Exploring the…
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…
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…
Christmas
Havant
Step inside Stansted House this Christmas and explore the beautiful Edwardian Mansion after it has been decorated for the Festive season.
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.
Exhibitions
Arundel
Discover the art of wildlife wood carving at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, with the Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers. Meet the carvers, see a display of stunning carving work and watch live carving demonstrations. This activity is included in your…
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.
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…
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…
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
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
Arts
Boat, Chichester
The Paint Club runs a monthly paint and sip evening at the Boat House in Chichester Marina. Even if you haven't painted before you'll be amazed at what you can create!
Arts
Chichester
Join us this January for a Thursday Late exploring art, care, and creativity.
Enjoy an exclusive film screening and Q&A with Caroline Walker, artist of Mothering (sold separately). Women's Work (2025, 60 mins) follows Walker over five years as she…
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…