Sussex Events Guide — October 2025

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

🔗 More info: https://uk.dieppetourisme.com/agenda/200-years-of-the-cross-channel-line/

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

🔗 More info: https://langhambrewery.co.uk/event/bonkers-for-conkers-2025/

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

🔗 More info: https://bordehill.co.uk/events/halloween-activities-in-west-sussex/

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

🔗 More info: https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/events/chichester950-light-experience

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