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 21 to 40.
Arts
Chiddingly
Join us in Farleys gift shop during December to pick up gifts for family and friends from our special range of unique and exclusive products.
Our gift shop offers a range of items that are directly related to Roland Penrose and Lee Miller and their…
Walking
Brighton
Have fun (re-)discovering Brighton, 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. Curious About Brighton visits not just the obvious places, but…
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…
Music
Chichester
The Chichester Singers come together to perform Handel's seminal oratorio Messiah at Chichester Cathedral this January - 18th January 2025
This stunning choral music contains some of the most sublime music with arias such as Iknow that my…
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Bringing together some fantastic Christmas shopping opportunities mixed with a fun-filled afternoon of family entertainment at this year's Christmas Light switch-on event in Haywards Heath.
Performance
Bramber, Steyning
St Marys House and Gardens is opening for a special Christmas event on Saturday 14th December.
A night of special celebration awaits with Christmas in words and music – a joyous, reflective, festive programme of songs, carols and seasonal…
Performance
RYE
Join MC Rye Town Crier Paul Goring as he hosts the 72nd National Town Criers' Championship in beautiful Rye, Sussex.
Exhibition
Eastbourne
Towner Eastbourne presents a selection of sculpture, prints and drawings by internationally renowned artist Nigel Hall (b.1943). The exhibition includes some of his earliest American desert landscape sketches from the late 1960s, alongside a number…
Music
Brighton
Boasting four huge stages of music, the biggest '00s and '90s bands, artists and DJs from around the world, funfair rides, a '90s arcade, Retro Bars, an RnB Roller Disco, Gormet Street Food, Exclusive VIP area and so much more, this is the ultimate…
Food
Amberley
Celebrate the wonderful women in your life this Mother's Day and treat them to an unforgettable experience with our lavish Nyetimber Afternoon tea. Delight in an array of delectable treats paired exquisitely with a glass of English sparkling wine,…
Childrens Events
Chichester
This musical adaptation of the award-winning children's book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family. Join them this half term for a dazzling adventure,…
Christmas
Amberley
Experience a hands-on masterclass showcasing the art of crafting a beautiful Christmas wreath to decorate your home. Begin with a warm welcome of tea and coffee before delving into the intricacies of wreath-making, guided by our expert from The…
Theatre
Brighton
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the UK as part of a sell-out worldwide tour, having been seen by over 30 million theatregoers.
Directed by…
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…
Music
Brighton
Ring in the New Year with a Studio 54-Inspired Disco Celebration on the Brighton i360 Pod!
Join us for an unforgettable night as the Brighton i360 pod transforms into 'Studio 360'—a one-night-only homage to the iconic glamour of the disco era. Soar…
Food
Cowfold Roaf, Bolney
Cider and Pizza Served fresh from Wednesday to Sunday
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!…
Christmas
ALBOURNE
Join experienced local artist and teacher Ella Berthoud as she guides you through painting your own personalised and beautifully designed Christmas bauble.
You will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of designs, create unique patterns,…
Theatre
Chichester
Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel from Paula Hawkins's novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment. Multi-talented actor, novelist…
Christmas
Amberley
Savour an opulent afternoon tea featuring a delectable array of sandwiches, freshly baked fruit and plain scones, accompanied by luscious strawberry jam, velvety clotted cream, and an assortment of festive cakes and pastries to elevate your…