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: 176
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Tour
Pulborough
Throughout the open season, Parham will run a variety of special tours of the House. These tours are designed for regular visitors who might never have had the opportunity to take a tour before. All places must be booked in advance via our website…
Carnival
Eastbourne
The biggest Seafront Carnival in the South East will return this year.
More than 1,500 walkers are expected to take part with some 25,000 fans and supporters.
Music
Chichester
It's been announced today that singer-songwriter and DJ, Craig David, best known for smash hit singles 'Re-Rewind', 'Fill Me In' and '7 Days', will present TS5 at 'Three Friday Nights' at Goodwood Racecourse – a series of unforgettable events…
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…
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…
Arts
Brighton
Grab your flock because your next night out is calling. Let's Flamingle is a vibrant, colourful creation putting the spotlight on these pink, tropical birds – I believe they're called flamingos.
This artwork is perfect to flamingle with friends,…
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”…
Childrens Events
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Your budding artists shall be inspired to learn new skills as well as completing at least 4 themed crafts plus a bag to decorate and take their crafts home in. We have a selection of trays out with different crafts to do alongside your child. Each…
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
Embark on an uplifting family adventure this May half term as you journey through the Garden on an engaging kids' wellbeing trail.
Children of all ages can give their mental and physical agility a good workout by discovering the hidden flowers…
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.
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.
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…
Special Events
Cocking, Midhurst
Welcome to the inaugural South Downs Festival of Food and Fizz, 12pm-5pm, 8th June 2024 in the beautiful medieval village of Cocking nestled under the South Downs.
We are very pleased to feature a variety of vendors who will excite your tastebuds…
Food
Station Road, Tenterden
Sunday Lunch New date added for Fathers Day 16th June! Sure to be popular!
A traditional Roast Lunch is served on Sunday afternoons between April & October. Especially popular for birthdays and family celebrations, the Wealden Pullman is available…
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…
Theatre
Brighton
From 1915 to 1940, Michael Dillon struggled against a world that insisted he was a girl. The only way he could live a full life was to invent gender affirming care for trans men. Body aligned, he began work on his soul. Heart-break, world travel,…
Music
Eastbourne
With more than 140 concerts across the season, Eastbourne Bandstand has a packed line-up in 2024, including the return of the 1812 Proms & Firework Nights on Wednesday evenings from 1 May to 25 September, and Traditional Sunday Afternoon concerts…
Comedy
Brighton
Every dress, every suit tells a story.
The year is 1989 and loveable, eccentric septuagenarian, Hilda, has run a second-hand clothes shop in Sheffield for three decades. She does it to make money to feed 30 stray cats. One day a journalist from The…
Markets
Pulborough
We are delighted to be hosting another "Sussex Day" at Parham. This delightful event will be a showcase for local produce, crafts and art in the picturesque setting of the Pleasure Grounds at Parham House.
Taking place on Sunday 16th June from 12…
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.