Brighton & Hove’s calendar is literally bulging with entertainment and events of every kind imaginable, all year round. So no matter when you plan to visit, there’ll always be plenty of interesting and exciting things going on all over town.

For starters, two of Brighton’s biggest events, the art-and-culture-packed Brighton Festival (May) and the world-famous Brighton Pride (August) attract thousands of visitors every year and offer stunning parades awash with colour and creativity. In fact barely a week goes by without a festival taking place in Brighton or elsewhere in Sussex. 

Live Music

Festivals aside, live music lovers will never go hungry in Brighton. The Brighton Centre & Brighton Dome, Komedia, Ironworks Studio and The Old Market are just a few of the venues where you can catch performances from both world-famous artists and up-and-coming talent in all genres of music. There are pubs, clubs and grassroots music venues all over the city hosting live music from jazz and rock to punk and folk, to country and R&B, almost every night of the year, as well as club nights of all varieties.

Comedy & Cabaret 

Brighton & Hove has a vibrant and thriving entertainment and alternative cabaret scene and at venues like Komedia, Ironworks Studios and The Old Market you are guaranteed belly laughs and spectacles beyond your wildest imagination.

Theatre

If it’s theatre you’re after, there’s no shortage of performances to choose from at venues including the Theatre Royal, Brighton Dome and Brighton Open Air Theatre in Dyke Road Park, as well as at many smaller venues throughout Brighton and Hove. Plan your visit during Brighton Fringe (early May to early June) and you’ll find a dizzying array of every type of artistic expression you can think of. Meanwhile, you can also find comedy acts of all shapes and sizes, plus open-mic nights, poetry slams, pub quizzes, drag nights and karaoke. You’ll find events where you can take part and those where you sit back and watch.

Brighton is well-known for being a creative hub, so if you’re interested in art, then a good time of year to visit is during the Artists Open Houses Festival (May and also Nov/Dec) where you can follow trails in all corners of the city, leading you into artists’ houses where you can buy art, photography, ceramics, textiles and jewellery direct from the artists themselves. If you’re planning to visit in September, then don’t miss the Brighton Art Fair at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, and be sure to check out what’s on at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, where you can find new and exciting exhibitions throughout the year.

Sports & Activities

Brighton’s sports calendar is also jam-packed with cricket, rugby and premier league football matches. Alternatively, you can also go to the races – horses or greyhounds – or take a stroll along the seafront where you can watch beach volleyball, sailing or windsurfing – or have a go yourself!

Last but not least, if you’re looking to widen your horizons or gain some new skills while you’re here, you can find talks and discussions, plus classes and workshops of all kinds. From art and literature to cooking and upholstery, there’s plenty to sign up for that’ll give you food for thought and get your braincells buzzing.

What’s On FAQs

What’s on in Brighton this week?

Brighton has a packed events calendar, with something happening every week across music, comedy, theatre, exhibitions, festivals and family activities. Check back regularly to see the latest events during your visit.

How do I find events in Brighton?

You can browse events by date, category or venue to quickly find something that suits your plans. Whether you’re booking ahead or looking for a last-minute idea, there’s always plenty to choose from.

What are the biggest annual events in Brighton?

Brighton is home to some of the UK’s best-known annual events, including Brighton Festival and Brighton Pride. These major highlights bring the city to life and attract visitors from near and far.

Are there free events in Brighton?

Yes — Brighton often has free or low-cost events, including exhibitions, talks, community activities and festival programming. It’s worth checking often, as there’s always something new to discover.

What kinds of events can I expect in Brighton?

Brighton’s events scene is wonderfully varied, with live music, theatre, comedy, cabaret, art, film, sport, workshops and more. Whatever your interests, you’ll usually find several options to suit your mood.

Are there family-friendly events in Brighton?

Yes — there are plenty of events for families, especially during school holidays and seasonal periods. Look out for children’s activities, shows, outdoor events and hands-on experiences.

Can I buy tickets in advance?

Many Brighton events can be booked in advance, and popular shows and festivals often sell out quickly. Booking early is a good idea, especially for weekends and major events.

What if an event is sold out?

If an event is sold out, it may still be worth checking for returns or looking at similar events nearby. Brighton has a busy calendar, so there’s often another great option available.

Are there indoor events in Brighton?

Yes — Brighton has plenty of indoor events across theatres, venues, galleries and museums. That makes it a great destination whatever the weather.

Are there seasonal events in Brighton?

Absolutely. Brighton’s events calendar changes throughout the year, with seasonal highlights across spring, summer, autumn and winter. No matter when you visit, there’s usually something special happening.