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.
It's festival time on the South Coast with the return of the Worthing Festival, West Sussex, a creative multi-arts festival from 8th - 23rd June which includes music, dance, theatre, and exhibitions for all ages. The Battle Festival returns in July, set against the iconic backdrop of Battle Abbey, East Sussex from 12th - 28th July, whilst the breathtaking festival of the air, Eastbourne International Air Show, celebrating 30th years of flying, returns in August 2024, 15th - 18th August. Don't miss Brighton's colourful, and creative energy with a host of events throughout the summer including a month-long pop-up event during this year's Euro's - Central Park Brighton (F) (14th June - 14th July 24), Ibiz Proms on the Seafront (29th June), Brighton Pride (3rd - 4th August), that welcomes thousands of visitors for a colourful celebration of inclusion, Brighton and Hove Triathlon (1st September), and Gin and Rum Festival (14th September).
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: 181
, currently showing 141 to 160.
Festival
Brighton
During May & June, Brighton Fringe welcomes international performers and audiences as it showcases the creative heart and soul of the city and its unique cultural heritage.
Festival
Chichester
The Cheese and Chilli Festival is a family show offering something for everyone. There will be many traders selling cheese and chilli products as well as craft and retail stands. There is a family area accommodating FREE shows such as Wrestling,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Visit Wakehurst for Rooted this summer
7 July to 17 September
This year, Wakehurst are celebrating one of the world's most recognisable and loved plants – trees.
Incredible artists have created outdoor installations across Wakehurst that will…
Food
Chichester
Experience the mouth-watering combination of cheese and chilli at the Chichester Cheese and Chilli Festival. Held annually in Chichester, this festival features a range of local and international cheese makers showcasing their products, as well as a…
Festival
Worthing
Worthing’s multi arts festival – comprising music, theatre, dance, art, heritage, comedy, spoken word, workshops, film, outdoor and family events taking place in venues across Worthing.
Sporting Event
Worthing
Head to the Worthing Regatta and cheer on the rowers. This popular event welcomes over 200 people to race in a variety of crews and boats between the Worthing Pier and Splashpoint Leisure Centre.
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.
General event
Brighton
Join us for our hugely popular Couples Cook session – together you’ll cook an array of authentic Mexican dishes, prepared and plated to restaurant standards then dine together in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. With prosecco on arrival as well as…
Music
Worthing
Fun Monthly Sunday afternoon Jam session in Worthing for all Blues enthusiasts, singers, musicians and fans.
Performers/Jammers: All will get a chance up on stage if they wish, we work on a first in, first up basis, so come early to ensure a good…
Comedy
Horsham
Get ready for a night of hilarity and laughter, as three top acts from the London comedy circuit regale you with witty wisecracks and tall tales.
Arts
Brighton
Mysterious? Tick. Beautiful? Tick. Brave? Tick. Colourful? Tick. Wait, is this artwork you?
Femme Fatale is all about expression and bringing your most authentic self to canvas. Whether you are red and fiery, yellow and charismatic, orange and…
Comedy
Brighton
Award-winning stand-up comedian Richard Pulsford (Top 10 Edinburgh Fringe jokes 2019, 2021 & 2022, UK Pun Champion 2022 and current Scottish Comedian of the Year runner-up) hosts this show for history fans, returning to Brighton for the fourth year.…
Festival
RYE
A packed fortnight of opera, classical and contemporary music, drama, walks, authors, performers and artists.
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.
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 Hastings…
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…
Music
Bexhill-on-Sea
On Saturday 18 May 2024 at 7.30pm Bexhill Choral Society will be performing in a concert at St. Peter's Church, Church Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 2HE.
The programme is: Vivaldi Gloria. Vivaldi Beatus Vir, Pergolesi Stabat Mater and Torelli Trumpet…
Arts
Brighton
Plants Over People? Now you're speaking my language. Replace real indoor plants with this nursery of greenery with a background of soft pinks and orange colours.
Good thing is you don't need to water these plants. They'll live forever.
Your…
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.
Childrens Events
15-16 Kings Walk, Hastings
Join us to celebrate the publication of the brand new Tom Gates Book - The Book of Everything!
Liz will be here signing your books from 2pm on Thursday May 30th, so pop down and say hi!
From recording words that make you laugh to space for summer…