Sussex Events Guide — October 2025
- Dominic Kureen
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Autumn is in full swing, and Sussex is buzzing with everything from historical re-enactments and beer festivals to light shows and literary celebrations.
Whether you fancy a spooky Halloween trail, a night of fireworks, or an afternoon learning the art of rum-making, there’s plenty happening across East and West Sussex this October.
Here’s your guide to what’s on across the county.
Eastbourne Beer & Cider Festival
📅 Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 October
📍 Winter Garden, Eastbourne
Enjoy more than 160 cask ales, ciders and perries, alongside live music, great food, and a buzzing atmosphere.
💷 Cost: Ticketed event
🔗 More info: https://www.visiteastbourne.com/beer-festivals
Battle of Hastings Re-enactment
📅 Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 October
📍 Battle Abbey, near Hastings
Watch history come alive as hundreds of costumed warriors recreate the Battle of 1066. Expect thrilling combat displays, medieval crafts, and family fun.
💷 Cost: Admission required
🔗 More info: https://www.visit1066country.com/whats-on/the-battle-of-hastings-re-enactment-2025-p1928581
Fungi Walk at Borde Hill
📅 Saturday 11 October
📍 Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath
Explore the woodland with local mycologist Melanie Smith and discover the fascinating fungi growing across the Sussex countryside.
💷 Cost: Garden admission + small walk fee
🔗 More info: https://bordehill.co.uk/events/fungi-walk/
200 Years of the Dieppe–Newhaven Ferry Exhibition
📅 Saturday 11 October – Saturday 1 November
📍 Marine Workshop, Newhaven
Celebrate two centuries of cross-Channel travel with artefacts, photos and stories from crew and passengers.
💷 Cost: Free entry
Shoreham Wordfest 2025 (Final Weekend)
📅 Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 October
📍 Various venues, Shoreham-by-Sea
The final days of this year’s literary festival feature author talks, poetry readings, and creative workshops for all ages.
💷 Cost: Tickets per session
🔗 More info: https://shorehamwordfest.com/
Bonkers for Conkers Championship
📅 Friday 17 October
📍 Langham Brewery, Lodsworth, near Petworth
Join the 17th annual Sussex conker contest — a fun-filled evening of friendly competition, live music, food and local ales.
💷 Cost: Entry fee applies
Hastings Bonfire Celebrations
📅 Saturday 18 October
📍 Hastings Seafront & Town Centre
A Sussex tradition returns with a torchlit parade, fireworks and a roaring bonfire on the beach. One of the county’s most iconic autumn nights!
💷 Cost: Free
🔗 More info: https://www.hbbs.info/
A Haunting Halloween at Borde Hill
📅 Saturday 18 October – Sunday 2 November
📍 Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath
A spooky Halloween trail through the gardens with storytelling and themed activities for the whole family.
💷 Cost: Garden admission + event ticket
Light Experience at Chichester Cathedral
📅 Friday 24 – Friday 31 October
📍 Chichester Cathedral
Step inside a stunning light and sound installation illuminating nearly a thousand years of history — perfect for an autumn evening out.
💷 Cost: Ticketed
Petworth Literary Festival
📅 Wednesday 29 October – Sunday 9 November
📍 Venues across Petworth
Hear from bestselling authors, poets, and thinkers in the heart of historic Petworth. Expect inspiring talks, readings and community events.
💷 Cost: Tickets per event
🔗 More info: https://petworthfestival.org.uk/whats-on