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 101 to 120.
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.
Arts
Pulborough
The upcoming art exhibition at Parham promises to be a vibrant showcase of creativity, featuring the works of both professional and amateur painters, sculptors, and potters from West and East Sussex.
Members of the Association of Sussex Artists…
Childrens Events
Brighton
On his 5th Birthday, rotten little boy Huxley (Levi Meltzer) is whisked away to the magical Land of Cardboard by his imaginary friend Mr. Cardboard (Miles Calderon). However, the corruption of ageing endangers Huxley's adventure and the innocence of…
Special Events
Arundel
What can visitors see and do at this event?
• See a selection of military vehicles used in the Second World War.
• Watch a number of WW2 re-enactments and displays.
• Join the fun by coming along dressed up.
• 'Peter' our steam locomotive will also…
Heritage & History
Chichester
Help keep our heritage crafts alive! Did you know that many heritage crafts are at risk of being lost forever?
Join the Weald & Downland Living Museum as they explore heritage crafts & skills from past to present, and learn about how we can conserve…
Free Event
Pett, Hastings
The first beer festival in Pett village!
Arts
Brighton
Give me some fin, dude! Join us for this bright and colourful class where you and the little Picassos can play with colour at this family-friendly session.
Our artists will be with you every step of the way of the creation, guiding you through from…
Music
Brighton
We are delighted to bring you a second edition of "Does My Festival Look Big In This" Another weekend of multi-genre bands in our favourite little venue.
Healthy Junkies
Mixing Punk Rock with Grunge, Psychedelic Rock, New Wave, Garage, Glam and…
Family
Uckfield
Get ready for the return of one of our most popular events of the year at The Bluebell Railway, welcoming back for 2024 our Branch Line Gala Weekend! This event is a must for all fans of branch line railways, providing a chance to see unique,…
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…
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…
Food
Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common
Live life in full flavour at The Rows & Vine, converted into a unique winter dining space by our Chardonnay vineyard. It's the perfect spot to sip, savour and celebrate.
We are now serving seasonal Sunday Roasts alongside our small plates menu.…
General event
Brighton
Join us for our hugely popular Couples Cook session – together you’ll cook an authentic Spanish starter (Espinacas con Garbanzos) followed by an impressive seafood Paella using traditional techniques and of course the all-important Sangria, then…
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.
Music
Brighton
Discover new favourites with samples from over 120 of the best gins and rums on the market, plus themed bars, music from award-winning DJs and live entertainment.
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…
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”…
Arts
Brighton
Quick! Take my pic – it's golden hour!
Country Cactus will warm up your soul and your home with its harmonious desert colours. Not only is this easy to paint, it gives you more time to focus on topping up your glass and gossiping with friends.
…
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,…
General event
Brighton
You will be hands on with your food preparation, this is not a cooking demonstration! So be ready to get to grips with the tools of our trade.
Most historians are inclined to believe that the macaron originated in Italy, probably Venice, and was…