The days are getting lighter, the first snowdrops are visible, and spring is within reaching distance. It feels a little like emerging from a big sleep and the good news is, there are plenty of things to do in February in Sussex in 2026 to help ease us all through the rest of the winter.
Glowing + Alive, Chichester Cathedral
13 February until November
A new exhibition at Chichester Cathedral that reveals the story behind the tapestry at the High Altar by celebrated artist and printmaker John Piper. The tapestry is often cited as “the most significant ecclesiastical artwork of the twentieth century”. The 2026 exhibition brings the story of the tapestry to life through personal correspondence, including between John Piper and Dean Hussey.
Dark Skies Festival
10 – 18 February
A Dark Skies Festival is a celebration of the dark skies around National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which in Sussex means the South Downs. The South Downs National Park has a programme of events organised (see their website for more details) or check out our guide for full details. It’s a great way to see the landscape from a unique perspective.
Rye Bay Scallop Week
From 21 February to 1 March
If ever you needed an excuse to visit Rye, surely this is it! During Rye Bay Scallop Week, restaurants in the town go all out to showcase this wonderful product of the sea! Participants include The Mermaid Inn, The Globe Inn Marsh, The George and many more. There is a website where you’ll also find recipes.
Hastings Fat Tuesday Festival
13 to 17 February
Hastings Fat Tuesday CIC is a not-for-profit organisation and the Hastings Fat Tuesday Festival is a five-day music festival of music, mayhem and Mardi Gras. The town-wide celebration has some 350 free gigs with a mix of international and local artists.
Ice-skating
Worthing Ice Rink remains open until 22 February. It’s in Steyne Gardens.
Weald & Downland Living Museum
31 January until 8 February
An exclusive, immersive evening with the ‘Black Knight Historical’ Living History Group during their residency at the Museum. The group will be living and working inside North Cray Medieval House, recreating daily life as it may have been for the fictional Babham family in 1462.
Magical Medmerry
14 February
A guided walk from Earnley Car Park to the Slit Pool and beach through the RSPB’s Medmerry Reserve, created in 2011. Look out for winter duck and wader visitors and Widgeon, Teal, Snipe, Lapwing, Sandpipers and Redshank on the mudbanks as well as Dartford Warbler, Yellow Hammer, Linnet, Reed Bunting in the gorse or reed beds. You may also see Buzzards, Marsh Harriers or Kestrel.
Borde Hill Magnolia in Bloom Trail
From 15 February to 30 April
With over 180 varieties of magnolia, this is a fabulous way to enjoy some of the first blooms of spring. You can opt for a self-guided or a guided tour.
A year of Winnie the Pooh at Nymans
14 February to 28 June (the exhibition closes at the end of May)
It’s 100 years since the publication of AA Milne’s epic tales of a bear called Pooh. There will be lots of celebrations across the county, starting with a Winnie the Pooh Centenary Exhibition and Story Trail at Nymans. It will include story extracts and illustrations by EH Shepard.
The Brighton Regency Festival
5 to 10 February
Calling all history buffs and lovers of the sparkle of the Regency period. This event includes quite the line up, including Stephen Fry in conversation with Zack Pinset and others. There are also fashion shows, a ball, behind-the-scenes tours of the Royal Pavilion, expert talks and deep dives into fashion, dance and more. Details on the Brighton Regency Festival Facebook and Instagram pages.
Chichester Canal Basin Light Show
20 and 21 February
A free laser light show with an additional show each night, so spectators can enjoy three different themed shows each evening, choreographed to music. The events are arranged by Chichester District Council to support the Chichester Canal Trust charity.
I hope you’ve found something in our list of things to do in February in Sussex that tickles your fancy, and you may also like:
