Things to do in Brighton & Sussex this October
Nick's guide to things to do in Brighton
Nick lives and works in this city, ears to the ground and always first to hear what is happening next. Every month he brings together the best ideas and inspiration for things to do in Brighton and across Sussex, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and pick where to go.
Move over May – October is officially taking the crown as Brighton’s busiest month for food lovers! As the air turns crisp and grey skies bring the return of towering Yorkshires, roaring pub fires, and autumn wine walks, our local food scene is buzzing with energy. From neighbourhood spotlights and international food days to half-term treats and Halloween shenanigans, here are our suggestions for your top 10 things to eat, drink, and do this October.
1. Brighton Food Story (Saturday 3rd October)
Kick off this October by coming along to the Brighton Food Story event. With Supper Clubs on the Friday and a full lineup of discussions from Magic Beans to Nonnamaxxing, Radical Citizens to Radical Restaurants, there is plenty of room for conversation. Pop along to New Road on Saturday 3rd of October for street food and discussions hosted at Redroaster. At 2pm our very own Ivanka Majic will be facilitating a panel discussion on the Local Food Economy. See you there!
2 .October Unpacked, OctoberBest & Oktoberfests
October Unpacked is kicking off its second year bringing together cultural and foodie events designed to encourage you to get out into the world.
There is so much to choose from, it would be rude to miss it. Of course city favourites OctoberBest are doing their level best to give you a chance to try somewhere new, and with a decent smattering of Oktoberfests (looking at you, Shelter Hall, Amex Stadium, Hove Place, and Wild Flor) and even an OctoberFeast or two (hello Indian Summer), I think it is safe to say that October is looking set to become the new May in Brighton. Don’t you think?
3. Sunday Roast Season Returns
Sundays. Yes, yes, we know, there is a Sunday in every week. But with the grey skies and autumnal leaves reminding us that the season is definitely changing, we are delighted to see our social media feeds overflowing with amazing-looking Yorkshire Puds (top marks @ladeled.with.love) and lashings of gravy (we saw that gravy jug @pearly cow ) as Sunday Roast season is well and truly back. If you want to dial up the comfort levels, there are pubs with fires – even cosier after a long walk. The Story Trail is a great city walk and BRAVO illustrator Kirst Davidson has created a bench we’ve been admiring.
4. International Food Days
We like to keep things international here at RB, and October gives us three decent excuses (not that we needed them!):
- National Curry Week: 5th -11th October
- World Noodle Day: 6th October:
- World Pasta Day: 25th.
First stop, BRAVO Best International Cuisine Winners!
5. National Vegetarian Week
Now, because this is our job, we can also reliably inform you that it is National Vegetarian Week in the first week of October (1st to 7th in fact). Where better to celebrate than our plant-embracing city? For some top choices, we may recommend the BRAVO Plant Champions list, as well as the winner of BRAVO Best Restaurant, terre a terre.
6. Sussex Vineyard Tasting Walks
Luckily for us, countryside doesn’t always mean beautiful walks and cosy pubs, it can also mean beautiful walks and tasting experiences at a Sussex Vineyard.
Artelium offers up just such a choice, as do Rathfinny, Wiston, Ridgeview, Tinwood – meaning that you can explore in many directions without having to touch a pint glass!
7. Neighbourhood Spotlight: Kemptown Village
Keeping things closer to home we’d like to throw a spotlight on Kemptown Village. One of our favourite things to do is to celebrate the many neighbourhoods of Brighton and Hove, as well as the many corners of Sussex. This month, we wanted to find out more about Kemptown Village, so we did. And now we are telling you.
8. International Chefs Day (20th October)
Another important date for October is International Chefs Day on the 20th, celebrating the creative and hard-working people behind the delicious food we get to eat in our welcoming city. Since we started Restaurants Brighton in 2011 we have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know many wonderful chefs. To all our local chefs and their delicious creations, we say thank you.
9. Half-Term Family Fun
Half Term will soon be upon the parents, co-parents, grandparents, godparents, aunties, uncles, and everyone else who either embraces or avoids children. The dates are 26-30 October and, yes, there are always plenty of things going on. Please check our Things to do in Brighton with Kids page for inspiration (or places to avoid!).
10. Halloween & Looking Ahead to Bonfire Night
The end of October is for Halloween, and this year it’s on a Saturday! I will be preparing a bowl of sweets and some decorations for my house – it is how things are done here in Hanover – and for children and grown-ups there are all sorts of horribly delicious options to explore. Go forth and be horrified, if that’s your bag.
Hot on the heels of Halloween is Bonfire Night and, while technically in November, it’s time to start planning. Here’s what we’ve found out so far. We’ll keep you posted.
Spend Your Vouchers!
Received a Restaurants Brighton Gift Voucher over the summer? Don’t let it languish in a drawer! Our vouchers are accepted at dozens of top independent restaurants, cafés, and pubs across Brighton and Sussex. Book a table, head out, and treat yourself to the best local food in town.
Q
&
A
Brighton is a foodie’s dream, with events like the Brighton Foodies Festival, Seafood & Oyster Festival, Cocktail Week, pasta-making workshops, and wine tasting at Sussex vineyards. Restaurants Brighton’s Things to Do in Brighton guide highlights monthly food and drink events, from fine dining guest chef evenings to casual street food markets. You can also see our daily food and drink events guide which features all the food and drink things to do in the city.
Yes – throughout the year you can enjoy seasonal events such as the Brighton Festival food pop-ups in May, Sussex vineyard tours in summer, Brighton Cocktail Week in autumn, and festive markets with mulled wine in December. Our monthly guide lists every seasonal highlight so you never miss out. the guide is updated monthly, plus we also have the Brighton events guide with daily updated events.
Families can enjoy the Brighton Pier, the SEA LIFE Centre, and child-friendly restaurants offering dedicated kids’ menus. The guide also covers activities like outdoor fun at Woodfire Camping, or events at the Secret Vineyard, seafront bike rides, and kid-friendly workshops such as cupcake decorating or pizza making. You can see a list of daily changing things to in Brighton on our events guide.
Absolutely – take a stroll along Brighton beach, enjoy fish and chips with a view, explore the Palace Pier, or visit beachside bars and dog-friendly cafes. Our guide also highlights seafront events like seafood festivals, outdoor concerts, and alfresco dining at beachfront restaurants. See our daily Brighton events guide which lists all the food and drink in the coming days and weeks. This is updated daily.
Brighton offers rich cultural attractions including the Royal Pavilion, Theatre Royal, Brighton Dome, Brighton Centre, and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Our monthly things to do guide for Brighton often links these venues with nearby dining spots for a full day or evening out. Have a look at our Brighton Events guide too, which gives you a list of daily activities, what’s going on in Brighton and Hove.
Yes – from romantic Sussex vineyard tours and sunset cocktails at rooftop bars to intimate fine dining experiences and live jazz nights, there’s plenty for couples. Our guide curates the most romantic activities alongside where to book the perfect table in Brighton. We also have a seperate designated page just for couples so you can make the most out of your stay or visit to Brighton.
Brighton has a thriving hands-on food scene with pasta-making workshops, cocktail masterclasses, wine and cheese pairings, and baking courses. The guide lists the best classes each month, ideal for date nights, birthdays, or team-building experiences. You can see individual food and drink events on our Brighton Events Guide. You can also have a look at the Brighton Community Kitchen which hosts a range of food and drink events every month.
During Brighton Pride, the city comes alive with colourful parades, themed Brighton brunches, and Pride parties at bars and clubs. In May, the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe bring street food markets, theatre, music, and unique dining experiences. Our guide covers all the highlights so you can plan your visit.
Yes – our Things to Do in Brighton guide includes free attractions like the beach, street art tours, and open-air events, plus affordable Brighton dining deals such as 2-for-1 offers, happy hours, and midweek restaurant promotions.
