Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex thanks to a range of tourist hot spots including the stunning South Downs National Park, two cities, Chichester and Brighton, an array of seaside resorts, characterful towns, and charming villages. Sussex hosts hundreds of exciting events, all year round for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers 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 has 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, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
It's festival time on the South Coast with the return of the Worthing Festival, West Sussex, a creative multi-arts festival from 8th - 23rd June which includes music, dance, theatre, and exhibitions for all ages. The Battle Festival returns in July, set against the iconic backdrop of Battle Abbey, East Sussex from 12th - 28th July, whilst the breathtaking festival of the air, Eastbourne International Air Show, celebrating 30th years of flying, returns in August 2024, 15th - 18th August. Don't miss Brighton's colourful, and creative energy with a host of events throughout the summer including a month-long pop-up event during this year's Euro's - Central Park Brighton (F) (14th June - 14th July 24), Ibiz Proms on the Seafront (29th June), Brighton Pride (3rd - 4th August), that welcomes thousands of visitors for a colourful celebration of inclusion, Brighton and Hove Triathlon (1st September), and Gin and Rum Festival (14th September).
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: 173
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Special Events
Tenterden
A whole weekend of pure nostalgia recreating the sights, sounds and fashions of the 1940s
Heritage & History
Station Road, Tenterden
1940s Weekend
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May 2024
A whole weekend of pure nostalgia recreating the sights, sounds and fashions of the 1940s
Early booking is recommended for this popular event!
Trains will be departing every 45mins from 10.30am -…
Heritage & History
Station Road, Tenterden
Guest locos will be operating passenger services between
Tenterden and Bodiam - details will be announced here soon!
Bodiam and Robertsbridge will be linked by a Heritage bus service
(exclusively for K&ESR Freedom ticket holders)
The line between…
Special Events
Eastbourne
A fantastic free emergency services spectacular on Eastbourne's seafront Western Lawns.
Performing Arts
Brighton
A unique and very special concert celebrating the music of Giuseppe Verdi. An actor (Jamie Martin) plays Verdi and is given a 21st century interview by BBC TV's Sally Taylor about his life and music. The extraordinary Sussex symphony Orchestra and…
Performing Arts
New Romney
New Romney Am Dram present an evening of songs and 'stuff' from a century of stage musicals.
With a little bit of dancing thrown in for good measure. Joining the adult cast will be our Youth Group who always add fun and enthusiasm to the show…
Childrens Events
Brighton
Award-winning theatre troupe Improbotics presents A.L.Ex and the ImpRobots: an AI Show for Kids, and a brand-new science comedy show for young audiences.
Join A.L.Ex the cute robot and the ImpRobots, a team of science adventurers embarking on a…
Music
Chichester
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields will visit several of the UK's most beautiful cathedrals for a programme featuring some of the world's most sublime music. From Mozart and Beethoven to Vaughan Williams and a new piece from Errollyn Wallen CBE…
Talks
15-16 Kings Walk, Hastings
Celebrating 75 years of the home of the British Surrealism movement, Lee Miller and Roland Penrose' son, Antony, joins us to talk all things Farley house.
Located here in East Sussex, Farley House was the meeting place of some of some of the key…
Arts
Brighton
The Artists Open Houses festival provides a unique experience for visitors, where you can view an array of work from contemporary and original local artists and makers in their homes, as well as meeting the artists and buying artwork and crafts…
Run / Rally
Station Road, Tenterden
We are delighted to welcome back the Austin Counties Car Rally 2024!
A wide variety of these amazing classic cars will be parked across the Tenterden Town Station site and are well worth a visit.
Free entry with Train Tickets.
£1 Platform Tickets…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
Comedy
Horsham
Get ready for a night of hilarity and laughter, as three top acts from the London comedy circuit regale you with witty wisecracks and tall tales.
Gardens
Arlington, Nr Polegate
This Plantswoman's tranquil garden provides interest through the seasons. Woodland Garden created around a majestic oak tree. Colour themed Middle Garden. Courtyard Gardens with seasonal container displays. Front Garden a spring and autumn joy with…
Festival
Battle
BATTLE FESTIVAL is a firm fixture on South East England's cultural calendar, winning public and critical acclaim. The festival stages performances in iconic settings and attracts world-class performances and audiences to 1066 Country.
Special Events
Battle
A delightful celebration of stories, music, and art.
Festival
Battle
Now in its 15th year, the Battle Festival Scarecrow Competition will have a classic theme this year – "Top of the Crops" – to complement Beautiful Battle's Summer Flower Displays.
Festival
Battle
A one day music festival set against the stunning backdrop of Battle Abbey.
General event
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Battles Through History is the new Multi period living history show you simply MUST get to in 2024!
Set in 150 acres at the South of England Showground, this show is set to be the Last Hurrah of the summer season. Not only a great day out for…
Run / Rally
Battle
This 10k race takes you through the scenic and historic streets of Battle.