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: 101
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Christmas
Lamberhurst
Haven't you heard? The Cheer-O-Meter, the very measure of festive magic, is running low, and only the joy of families like yours can raise it high once more
Tour
Pulborough
Experience the Gold Medal-winning Tour & Tasting at Wiston Estate, celebrated as Experience of the Year 2023/24 at the Beautiful South Awards! Perfect for all seasons, our tour is winter-friendly, fully undercover, and fully accessible, so you can…
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…
Arts
Arundel
Craft garlands, edible wreaths and cookie cutter bird feeders to celebrate the holiday season in your garden, while helping to feed your feathered friends!
Cost: £10 per person, plus price of centre admission ticket. For adults only.
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
Chichester
Join our theatre Elves for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their enchanting workshop before believers meet Father Christmas himself. You can take an 'elfie and little ones receive an early Christmas present to place under the tree. Our elves…
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.
Arts
Station Parade, Eastbourne
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting at Eastbourne's Ninkaci!
Our friendly local artist will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
️ What's included: All the painting materials…
Arts
Chichester
Women's Work (2025, 60 mins) is a new documentary directed by Nicola Black, about internationally acclaimed artist Caroline Walker.
The hour-long film follows Walker over the past 5 years, creating work around themes of childcare and nurture in…
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…
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…
Special Events
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening as our Ice Queen summons her powers to light up the train before it steams into the night on a brand-new, family-friendly narrative journey!
Exhibitions
Chichester
An exhibition sharing the story of the Christian faith in Sussex, revealed through people, events and objects, from 1075 to the present day.
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…
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.
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Arundel
Stay onsite a little longer to watch pied wagtails, egrets, and marsh harriers gather for their evening roost. The hides will remain open an extra hour, while the Living Collection, Reedbed boardwalk, and Willow Sphere close at 4:30 pm as usual.…
Christmas
Selsey
Get ready to skate into the festive season at Seal Bay, with our magical Ice Skating Rinkopen from 12th December to 2nd January.
Whether you're a seasoned skater or taking your first glide, it's the perfect way to celebrate with friends and…
Sporting Events
Wadhurst
Overview
Organised by Wadhurst Runners, the Bewl 15 & 5 mile races return on 5th July 2026.
The 15 mile race is the original round Bewl Water race and the only one which includes the nature reserve with its stunning lakeside views. Once voted the…
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…