Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex thanks to a range of tourist hot-spots including a national park, two cities, Chichester and Brighton, and selection of seaside resorts. We've got hundreds of exciting events taking place all year round for residents, day-trippers and holiday makers to enjoy.
To find out what's on in Sussex today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place. If you're looking for what's on when it's raining, the coastal geography of Sussex means you can switch the beach for a trip to a local castle, all of which have a calendar of seasonal events to entertain children and adults.
You'll find an enviable supply of themed festivals in Sussex, from food and drink festivals bursting with local produce, which is amongst the best in the UK, and full to the brim with English wine as this county has the ideal conditions for a host of vineyards giving a unique flavour to any event. Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, an adventure, guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
Don't miss this year's Brighton Festival which kicks off on the 4th - 26th May 2024. This wonderful indoor and outdoor celebration of the arts is a highlight on the South East event calendar and includes dance, circus acts, shows, comedy, and more. Look out for the Olivier Award-winning performance maker, Marisa Carnesky, the newly refurbished Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre which opens to welcome premieres and international productions to Brighton Festival 2024 and for the children, the British Animation award-winning Kensuke’s Kingdom, adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling children’s book.
Take a look at our featured list for inspiration and then scroll to the bottom of the page to see hundreds of more events in Sussex.
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
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Sussex. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.
Number of results: 195
, currently showing 121 to 140.
Festival
Lewes
The Urban Van Fest is a 3 day and night camper van / van life festival set in the scenic setting of Plumpton Racecourse near Lewes East Sussex at the foot of the South Downs.
The Urban Van Fest is an event for van life enthusiasts and novices, those…
Festival
Rowlands Castle
Our highly popular Stansted Summer Festival will be back for 2024!
Join us for our fourth eclectic weekend of family fun, quirky entertainment and a little bit of the eccentric all within the setting of a Quintessential Country Estate.
Tour
Rowlands Castle
A knowledgeable tour guide takes you on a guided tour of the historic Stansted House.
Arts
Brighton
When life gives you lemons, paint Lemoncello and drink Limoncello. That's the quote right?
Bring the zesty vibes to your paint and sip session with this citrus artwork at Brighton's World's End Pub famous for its arcades and games. This…
Music
Brighton
The amazing Brighton Racecourse Antiques and Vintage Fair returns.
There will be 170+ indoor stalls bristling with all variety of unique and unusual items for sale.
The fantastic Swing singer, Steve Conway, will be performing throughout the day!…
Arts
Pulborough
The upcoming art exhibition at Parham promises to be a vibrant showcase of creativity, featuring the works of both professional and amateur painters, sculptors, and potters from West and East Sussex.
Members of the Association of Sussex Artists…
Comedy
Brighton
Award-winning stand-up comedian Richard Pulsford (Top 10 Edinburgh Fringe jokes 2019, 2021 & 2022, UK Pun Champion 2022 and current Scottish Comedian of the Year runner-up) hosts this show for history fans, returning to Brighton for the fourth year.…
Festival
Hastings
This popular community festival returns to Hastings Museum for a day of live music, creative workshops, talks, children's activities, food, and friends. We are working with the Refugee Week 2024 theme of 'Our Home'. Organised by Hastings Community…
Literature
Worthing
R.A.W. stands for Readers And Writers and this new evening is for both. Every month the writer and journalist Thomas H Green talks with a writer about both their work and about the world of writing, not just their process and creativity, but about…
Arts
Brighton
Dog lover? Same. Crazy cat person? Same. Horse enthusiast? Same. Bring your pet to life with their very own paw-trait.
Here's what you have to do:
Send a clear photo (and the cutest snap) of your pet to brighton@pinotandpicasso.uk
Remember every…
General event
Brighton
Fabuloso is the UK's biggest LGBTQ Pride festival and the Brighton & Hove Pride official fundraiser for the Brighton Rainbow Fund
“Historic, inspired and unparalleled. Brighton Pride is one of the best international pride festivals, we love it”…
Festival
Brighton
During May & June, Brighton Fringe welcomes international performers and audiences as it showcases the creative heart and soul of the city and its unique cultural heritage.
Special Events
Arundel
What can visitors see and do at this event?
• See a selection of military vehicles used in the Second World War.
• Watch a number of WW2 re-enactments and displays.
• Join the fun by coming along dressed up.
• 'Peter' our steam locomotive will also…
Festival
East Grinstead
DadFest is coming to the South East for the very first time, with a fun-packed weekend of activities for dads and children all ages. And what's more it is free for children. This unique festival takes place over two days in the summer and was…
General event
Streat
It’s a quintessential pairing: fresh seafood and sparkling wine.
Join us for a special evening of plateau de fruits de mer, served alongside our award-winning sparkling wines.
It is one of our most popular events at Artelium, so pre-bookings are…
Music
Worthing
Fun Monthly Sunday afternoon Jam session in Worthing for all Blues enthusiasts, singers, musicians and fans.
Performers/Jammers: All will get a chance up on stage if they wish, we work on a first in, first up basis, so come early to ensure a good…
Childrens Events
Cuckfield, Haywards Heath
Our summer school will be a fun packed 5-day course where students will learn choreographed routines and songs inspired by the Hit West End Show and Hollywood Film, Mary Poppins!
All students who book onto the course will have the opportunity to…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Visit Wakehurst for Rooted this summer
7 July to 17 September
This year, Wakehurst are celebrating one of the world's most recognisable and loved plants – trees.
Incredible artists have created outdoor installations across Wakehurst that will…
Christmas
The Grove, Rye
If you enjoyed last year's panto fun, you'll LOVE this year's Christmas Show!
From the same producers who brought you last year's success, Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Circus come this seasons Christmas extravaganza. Working once again…