2025 marks 25 years since the doors opened to the Millennium Seed Bank c Jim Holden

25th Anniversary

Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst, c Jim Holden

What's On in Sussex

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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.

What's on in Sussex this weekend?

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.

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Staying overnight 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

Sussex events near me

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.

Inspiration

  1. LAMBERT BARNARD PANEL
    An exhibition sharing the story of the Christian…
    1. 14 Feb 20251 Feb 2026
  2. 200 Years Dieppe - Newhaven Line
    A major exhibition in Newhaven marks the 200…
    1. Beachy Head Marathon Credit Sussex Sport Photography
      The Beachy Head Marathon is one the biggest…

      Number of results:

      Number of results: 101

      , currently showing 21 to 40.

      1. Rye Ancient Trails 30k & 15k

        Type

        Type:

        Sporting Events

        Rye

        The stunning course winds through the ancient trails across High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, linking the Norman churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh. This spectatular event starts off on the high street…

        Dates

        From:
        13 Sept 2026
      2. Christmas Wreath Workshop

        Type

        Type:

        Christmas

        Brighton Road, Lower Beeding

        27, 28, 29 & 30 November and 4, 5, 6, & 7 December | 10:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 15:00
        Surround yourself with friends, family or join in to make a new friend whilst indulging in warming treats of mulled wine and mince pies.

        Tools and materials are…

        Dates

        From:
        4 Dec 2025to7 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 15:00
      3. South Downs Food Festival

        Type

        Type:

        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.

        Dates

        From:
        6 June 2026to7 June 2026
      4. Brett Lydd Half Marathon & 20 Mile

        Type

        Type:

        Sporting Events

        Lydd

        This long-established and highly coveted event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. It is the perfect opportunity to test your pace, hydration, and nutrition for…

        Dates

        From:
        29 Mar 2026
      5. Rathfinny Run

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        10 May 2026
      6. Dinosaur Adventure Live!

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        15 Feb 2026Open 14:00 -
      7. Saturday Art and Craft

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        20 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 12:00
      8. Workshop | Sparkling Glass Garland

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        6 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 13:00
      9. Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival

        Type

        Type:

        Days Out

        Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival is an annual five day festival taking place on the South Coast of England. The town wide celebration hosts free and ticketed gigs, parties, parades, and acoustic sessions in various venues across Hastings and St…

        Dates

        From:
        13 Feb 2026to17 Feb 2026
      10. Curious About Hastings

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        3 May 2025to3 May 2026
      11. Feast of Fiddles 31st Tour Comes to Bexhill Academy Theatre

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        23 Feb 2026Open 19:30 - 22:30
      12. A Truly Magical Christmas

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        22 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
      13. Eastbourne International Airshow

        Type

        Type:

        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. 

        Dates

        From:
        13 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
      14. Painting party in East Grinstead: The Ship Inn

        Type

        Type:

        Arts

        Ship Street, 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.

        Dates

        From:
        15 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00
      15. Workshop | Childhood Treasures: Illustration and Etching

        Type

        Type:

        Arts

        Chichester

        Create illustrations inspired by William Nicholson's Velveteen Rabbit and your favourite childhood toy with artist Helen Friend, using pen, ink, and etching techniques.

        Join artist Helen Friend for a creative workshop focussing on drawing and…

        Dates

        From:
        7 Feb 2026Open 10:30 - 15:00
      16. Burning the Clocks

        Type

        Type:

        Show / Display

        Brighton

        The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…

        Dates

        From:
        21 Dec 2026
      17. Special Event | Babes in Arms Guided Tour: Caroline Walker

        Type

        Type:

        Arts

        Chichester

        Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed guided tour of Caroline Walker: Mothering with one of our Curatorial Team. Discover Walker's paintings exploring the unseen labour of motherhood and childcare with your little one.

        This tour will last around 45…

        Dates

        From:
        11 Dec 2025Open 10:40 - 11:30
      18. Stargazing at Helen Garden

        Type

        Type:

        Special Events

        Eastbourne

        Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.

        Dates

        From:
        24 Jan 2026
        From:
        21 Feb 2026
      19. Festive Bauble Workshop with Bubbles

        Type

        Type:

        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,…

        Dates

        From:
        13 Dec 2025Open 13:00 - 15:00
        From:
        13 Dec 2025Open 16:00 - 18:00
      20. Martello Half Marathon

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        19 Apr 2026