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. 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.
Start planning your next event-ful visit to Sussex and make sure you don't miss some of the most popular events happening across the county - Chichester 950 Religion, Rebellion & Reformation exhibition, West Sussex (now until 15th November), The Brick Build at Battle Abbey, East Sussex (12th - 21st April), Tulip Festival at Pashley Manor, East Sussex (21st April - 5th May), Brighton Festival (3rd - 26th May 25) (F) and Brighton Fringe, East Sussex (2nd May - 1st June), Beer & Cider by the Sea, Eastbourne (16th - 18th May 2025), Chichester Pride (24th May 25), World of Wizardy at Bluebell Railway (28th - 31st May), Balloons and Tunes at Fontwell Park (13th & 14th June).
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.
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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: 115
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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.
Exhibitions
Petworth
For the first time in 20 years, a wide range of JMW Turner's artistic studies of the extraordinary landscape at Petworth House and Park will be exhibited in the very place that inspired him. Visitors will be able to discover more about his methods,…
Gardens
Chichester
Experience an exclusive tour of the renowned West Dean Gardens after closing hours, led by Head Gardener Tom Brown and expert members of the Garden Team. Your visit includes a warm welcome with drinks and canapés at the historic pergola.
Tom and…
Free Event
Eastbourne
There will be entertainment, live music, beer tent, stalls and a children's fair.
Spanning from the Wishtower slopes to the Bandstand, this event aims to astound, dazzle, entertain and delight visitors of all ages. The evening of the Saturday will…
Sporting Event
Brighton
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Take your next visit to Brighton to the extreme and challenge the whole family to take on the Sky Walk at the Brighton i360.
Theatre
Chichester
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the roof-raising 'godmother of rock 'n' roll', influenced countless musicians from Elvis to Johnny Cash. This sparkling, intimate portrait of Rosetta and her beloved singing partner, Marie Knight, restores these forgotten…
Festival
Fontwell, Arundel
It's the big family-friendly tunes and balloons event weekend at Fontwell Park Racecourse, near Arundel in West Sussex on the 13th - 14th June 25
Theatre
Chichester
An enthralling, charming and magical tale that tells the true story of Father Christmas.
For 11-year-old Nikolas, whose nickname is Christmas because he was born on 25 December, life isn't easy. With only a doll made out of a turnip to keep him…
Shopping
Brighton & Hove
Paper Daisy Events are delighted to announce their return to The British Engineerium for a grand weekend Spring Makers Fair with the museum opening and in steam throughout weekend too!
The event will be held over a full weekend Saturday 10th &…
Food
Eastbourne
The full music line-up has been announced for this year’s Beer & Cider by the Sea.
The three-day event takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 16-18th on the Western Lawns on Eastbourne seafront.
Easter
Hailsham
80,000 daffodil bulbs bloom in the grounds of a magnificent Tudor mansion.
Special Events
Haywards Heath
Join award-winning garden photographer Molly Hollman for an inspiring summer photography workshop. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Molly will guide you through the creative techniques needed to help elevate your flower…
Childrens Events
Goudhurst
The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest…
Sporting Events
Eastbourne
A chance for teams across the county to come and compete against each other.
LTA Summer County Cup events give players the opportunity to represent their County in team competition in national/regional stages.
The age group categories range from…
Food
Tillington, Petworth
Back for another year, our fantastic Feast in the Vines returns to our Petworth vineyard this August. Indulge in a mouth-watering banquet prepared by The Sussex Chef, who has curated a special menu that celebrates the incredible produce Sussex has…
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…
Music
Horsham
Leonardslee Family Nights - a family friendly extension of our sell-out event, Leonardslee Lates.
Unwind under the Sussex skies and join us for the return of this Leonardslee Family Nights at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens this spring half-term. Enjoy…
Food
Cowfold road, Bolney
Set amongst our 200 acre farm and orchards our stunning Taproom & Pizza Kitchen is open Wednesdays - Sundays and is honestly the best place to enjoy one of our ciders in the sun alongside a tasty handmade Pizza from The Safari Pizza company!…
Tour
Rowlands Castle
A knowledgeable tour guide takes you on a guided tour of the historic Stansted House.
Gardens
Haywards Heath
Transform your garden this summer by joining a hands-on workshop with Nina Leeming
Experience an unforgettable day with Nina Leeming of HOW TO LOVE YOUR GARDEN. This interactive hands-on workshop is your chance to create a beautiful, flourishing…