Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex thanks to a range of tourist hot spots including the stunning South Downs National Park, two cities, Chichester and Brighton, an array of seaside resorts, characterful towns, and charming villages. Sussex hosts hundreds of exciting events, all year round for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers 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 has 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, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
Light up the night sky with Steamlights, a colourful trip on the Bluebell Railway, (15th Nov - 31st Dec 24), or visit the famous Battle of Hasting site and see it in a whole new light with Illuminated Abbey (3rd - 8th December). Explore the free sculpture and drawing exhibition - Here and Now, There and Then, Towner Eastbourne (16th November - 3rd March 25). Head along to the Ardingly Winter Fair, West Sussex and pick up a Christmas gift of two, (23rd & 24th November) before making a visit to Arundel which will be dressed to impress with twinkling Christmas trees and lights throughout the town for Christmas at Arundel (1st December - 31st December). Make sure you pop the 21st December into your diary, Brighton will be once again celebrating the shortest day of the day of the year and the move towards spring, with the fantastic free colourful Burning the Clocks parade (21st December 24).
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: 138
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Christmas
Chichester
Filling the North and East Streets of Chichester, the annual Chichester Christmas Market will be opening from 7th - 15th December.
With around 50 stalls selling Christmas gifts and novelties, accompanied by a mouth-watering selection of…
Music
Brighton
Join the friendliest choir in town!
The Free Brighton Choir is a volunteer-led singing group, open to everyone, regardless of age, singing ability or experience. No auditions, no requirements, no cost.
Special Events
Uckfield
Brighten up the chilly winter evenings with a seasonal lights spectacular!
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”…
Theatre
Chichester
Terence Rattigan's one act masterpieces Table Number Seven (from Separate Tables) and The Browning Version are paired for the first time, capturing one quietly momentous evening seventy years ago. Together, they confirm Rattigan as one of the great…
Christmas
Bexhill
The Pop Up Emporium are back at The Pelham in Bexhill for a Festive Evening Market!
General event
Worthing
If you have ever wondered 'are there any community choirs near me?' then the answer is firmly yes!
The Worthing Rock Choir is led by local musician Emma Steele. People who have already joined the choir, who hail from Worthing and further afield in…
Family
Station Road, Tenterden
We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974! There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…
Christmas
Uckfield
After our successful season last year, we aim to give you another wonderful festive experience with all the traditional sights, sounds and aromas of Christmas.
Music
BRIGHTON
Fans of legendary rock band Queen can look forward to another 'kind of magic' in 2025 when the official tribute band, Queen Extravaganza, tours the UK and Ireland to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic anthem, Bohemian Rhapsody…
Theatre
Saxon Lane, Seaford
Hey Kids, wanna come and see Santa? Join him on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th of December, 11am-3pm @ the Barn Theatre, Seaford, and experience a magical Christmas moment!
-Children's Activity Table
-Bake Sale - Delicious Home Made Cakes &…
Theatre
Chichester
The greatest, most powerful and dangerous figures who shaped English history are brought vividly to life in Robert Bolt's award-winning play. Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More – scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor and friend to King Henry VIII.…
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…
Christmas
Chichester
We're elf-static that Father Christmas is coming to CFT! We've been tinkering away with Master Elves, Tinsel and Beau, for a brand-new family experience.
Believers get to go behind-the-scenes at the Elves' Workshop, where creativity and craft…
Theatre
Chichester
The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the worldwide smash hit musical SIX is back on UK tour, returning to Chichester after two sell-out previous runs. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this sell-out Tudor take-off has won 35…
Christmas
Eastbourne
Get your skates on with a visit to Eastbourne's Lightning Fibre Ice Rink, which returns even bigger and better than before!
Christmas
Tunbridge Wells
A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – an after-dark stroll through iconic conifers
The National Pinetum at Bedgebury is a place where new memories are made when over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun…
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Discover the best in live comedy, featuring three top acts and an MC!
Boasting the hottest line-ups including Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jordan Brookes, Olga Koch, Barbara Nice, Jarred Christmas, Nina Conti, Sara Barron, and many more!
Komedia is a…
Markets
Brighton
Join us this December for the all-new Brighton Winter Fayre at St Peter’s Square. Spanning over three festive weekends, this magical event offers something for everyone.
Community
Battle
Artisan Craft Fair and Christmas Tree Festival