September 11 – September 26
About
Rye Arts Festival is an annual arts and culture festival held in Rye, East Sussex. Running since 1971, it is one of the longest-established cultural festivals in the South East of England.
The festival takes place each September and features a diverse programme of music, literature, theatre, film and visual arts across venues throughout the town.
What’s On at Rye Arts Festival
The programme includes live music concerts, theatre productions, author talks, spoken word events, film screenings, workshops and art exhibitions.
Each year the festival welcomes performers, writers, artists and speakers from a wide range of creative disciplines, offering something for visitors of all ages and interests.
Festival venues across Rye, East Sussex
Events take place across a variety of venues including churches, galleries, community spaces and performance venues throughout Rye.
The town’s compact layout makes it easy to move between events on foot while exploring its historic streets, independent shops and cafés.
Visiting Rye During the Festival
Rye Arts Festival offers the chance to combine world-class cultural events with a visit to one of East Sussex’s most historic towns.
Between events, visitors can explore Rye Castle, Mermaid Street, local galleries, traditional pubs and nearby coastal attractions.
Planning a visit? Discover more local attractions and inspiration with our guide to Things To Do In Rye, East Sussex.
Where to stay during the festival
If you’re planning to attend, staying locally makes it easier to explore events across the town.
Apollo Guest House in Hastings is within easy reach of Rye by road or rail, making it a convenient base for exploring the East Sussex coast during your visit.
Tickets and programme information
Tickets and the full programme for the festival are available via the official website.
Advance booking is recommended for popular events due to high demand.
