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: 198
, currently showing 101 to 120.
Festival
Haywards Heath
Celebrate life in full bloom at Borde Hill Garden Festival, where the splendour of nature meets aspirational outdoor living – featuring guest speakers, curated stalls, fringe events, live music, fusion food and kids corner.
Nestled within the…
General event
Sheridan Terrace, 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”…
General event
Brighton
With plenty of excellent stalls, you can enjoy a brilliant range of plant-based bites, as well as a fantastic range of gifts, crafts, beauty and other treats.
Sporting Event
Crawley
Show 2
An incredible celebration of gymnastics with the theme Legends and Icons held at the K2 Crawley. We are sure you will be singing and dancing along and hope everyone enjoys their day full of surprises and fun.
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…
Heritage & History
Station Road, Tenterden
Come join the fun and splendid madness at the K&ESR Steampunk Weekend!
Steampunk dives into the world of Victorian Science Fiction, looking back through history and the fantastical works of H.G. Wells, Mary Shelley and Jules Verne (to name a few!)…
Arts
Brighton
We'd dive head first into this ocean of technicolour. No talent necessary for creating Big Blue, our friendly whale swimming around the open water – I hope that little boat won't get in the way.
Splash around in the paint (and your beverage) and…
Arts
Brighton
Looking for an artistic escape that is as refreshing as a hot cup of tea in the morning? Here it is.
Capture the serenity of the English Countryside with this UK-inspired artwork. Whether you are a seasoned painter (like us) or simply a beginner,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Horsham
3-5 & 24-26 May | Doors open 18:00 | Last entry 20:00
Bask in live music as the sun sets over our vibrant spring gardens with our exciting series of late-night openings.
BACK for 2024 after a sell-out first year!
Explore our 240-acre estate,…
Arts
Brighton
Why this artwork? Because you're the mane event. Using a base of neutral colours, Into the Lion's Den channels the king of the jungle with a colourful twist. We honestly think this big cat should be in the next Lion King movie.
Your ticket…
Other
Buxted
Step back to the 1920s for an exclusive Great Gatsby-inspired event.
Step back in time to the glamorous 1920s for this exclusive Great Gatsby event at Buxted Park Hotel. Indulge in a weekend of luxury, entertainment, and revelry worthy of Jay…
Food
Chichester
Experience the mouth-watering combination of cheese and chilli at the Chichester Cheese and Chilli Festival. Held annually in Chichester, this festival features a range of local and international cheese makers showcasing their products, as well as a…
Performing Arts
Brighton
You are cordially invited to a spooky storytelling performance by author C.J. Carter-Stephenson. With the help of an immersive soundscape and projected images, C.J. will bring two of his horror stories vividly to life.
First on the agenda is AND…
Theatre
Chichester
Austria, 1938. Free-spirited nun Maria is sent away from her abbey to become governess to the widowed Captain von Trapp's seven children. She brings music and laughter back to his unfeeling household, but the future holds more joy and jeopardy than…
Sporting Event
Eastbourne
June will see Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park open its doors once again to the Rothesay International (Eastbourne) WTA tournament, which has run in Eastbourne since 1975, showcasing some of the world's finest female tennis talent as well as the men…
Other
Brighton
Come and create a variety of fresh and flavourful Mexican dishes before sitting down to dine with your fellow foodies! The easy to follow recipes are ideal to recreate at home – an impressive feast for your next dinner party!
Typical menu:
Gorditas…
Tour
Washington
Join us for a guided walking tour of our beautiful vineyards hidden away in the South Downs, which incorporates a tasting of our award-winning English Sparkling wines and a picnic lunch in the vineyard. Join us for a guided walking tour of our…
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 -…
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…