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: 132
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Christmas
Lamberhurst
Bring the whole family to enjoy Christmas at Bewl Water in the heart of our enchanted woodland in Kent and Sussex!
Special Events
Brighton
Burning the Clocks is a unique community event held on the 21st of December, created by Same Sky, that brings the whole city of Brighton together to mark the shortest day of the year. Local people make lantern and parade through the city, they pass…
Christmas
WORTHING
Worthing Ice Rink will return to Steyne Gardens for the winter.
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 &…
Food
Cowfold Roaf, Bolney
Cider and Pizza Served fresh from Wednesday to Sunday
General event
Brighton
Brighton’s Christmas Makers Fair at Wagner Hall
Paper Daisy Events return for their 4th year at this lovely venue, right in the heart of central Brighton, for a highly popular Christmas Makers Fair. Renowned for curating quality and diverse fairs,…
Christmas
Hailsham
Father Christmas Grotto
Dates
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December 2024, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December 2024
Arts
Chichester
Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.
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…
Indoor
Brighton
Enjoy an overnight stay at The Grand, Brighton and indulge in one of their iconic signature experiences - the award winning afternoon tea. Located on the seafront, this iconic historic hotel, offers a luxury escape by the sea.
Take a seat in…
Theatre
Chichester
Kazuo Ishiguro's international best-selling novel arrives on stage in the world premiere of a gripping new stage adaptation by Suzanne Heathcote, directed by Christopher Haydon.
What if you discovered your whole reason for being was not about your…
Food
West Hoathly
From the moment Gusbourne planted their first vines in 2004, their vision was to create the finest vintage wines using grapes exclusively from their own vineyards. Grown on 60 hectares in Appledore, Kent and 30 hectares next to the Goodwood Estate…
Food
Amberley
Savour an outstanding six-course tasting menu this Valentine's Day to the truly romantic backdrop of our castle grounds. Served in our award-winning restaurant, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fireplace,…
Childrens Events
Brighton
Embrace the festive season with a must-have visit to Santa
WHAT BETTER WAY TO BRING THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS TO LIFE THAN A MEETING WITH SANTA HIMSELF!
From 28th Nov - 24th Dec | £8.99 per child
Santa will be bringing the festive joy right to the…
Childrens Events
Amberley
Father Christmas is returning to Amberley and bringing the festive spirit with him.
Join us each weekend leading up to the big day as we celebrate the festive season with a selection of Christmas activities and book a magical visit to see Father…
Music
Polegate
Last year's Advent concert at Alfriston was such a success that we decided to do it again in 2024. Come and hear four well-known local singers – Noa Lachman, Rebecca Hughes, Ben Hancox-Lachman and Jozik Kotz – as they kick off the festive season…
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…
Christmas
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Explore the wonder of our woodland gardens awash with light, sound and colour.
Bigger, better, and even more magical than before! Leonardslee Lights is set to bring a fun winter experience for the whole family. Join us for an incredible winter…
Christmas
Bexhill
The Pop Up Emporium are back at The Pelham in Bexhill for a Festive Evening Market!