Brighton & Hove act as hosts to countless fun and inspiring events every year. With all this choice it’s hard to decide what to attend. Here, you’ll find a list of some of the most notable and some of the most underrated events you’ll find in your city.
FEBRUARY
Brighton Tattoo Convention: Sat 23 – Sun 24 Feb
Returning to the Brighton Centre for its 12th year. Starting in 2007, this convention has gone on to become a major event in the tattoo world and brings together world class tattoo artists, traders and tattoo fanatics.
Brighton Half Marathon: Sun 24 Feb
Run beside the iconic Brighton sea side in Brighton Half Marathon’s 29th year of operation to raise money for charity or beat your personal best.
MARCH
Vegfest Brighton: Sat 23 – Sun 24 March
Taking place within the Brighton Centre, Vegfest promises a record number of stalls alongside cookery demos, educational talks and a variety of entertainment for those who love all things vegan.
Pioneer Run: Sun 24 March
This classic motorbike event showcases bikes that are strictly over 100 years old and challenges entrants from the UK and Europe to drive between Epsom and Brighton.
APRIL
InCarNation: Sat 6 April
An event by Ace Café London, this event sees up to 1000 best performing and modified cars on display and it’s free to attend. With interactive stands, displays and live entertainment.
Brighton Marathon: Sun 14 April
At 26 miles, Brighton Marathon has become one of the most popular European marathons and is currently the second fastest in the UK, attracting runners from across the globe.
MAY
Artists Open Houses: every weekend in May
Artists Open Houses allows you to look inside the homes of artists from across Brighton & Hove to observe and purchase their works and meet the artists themselves.
Brighton Fringe Festival: Fri 3 May – Sun 2 June
Showcasing a wide range of entertainment from cabaret to comedy, classical concerts, theatre, exhibitions and club nights it’s no wonder why Brighton Fringe has become one of the world’s largest fringe festivals. Taking place citywide, this one will be hard to miss.
Foodies Festival: Sat 4 – Mon 6 May
For the foodies, this festival has got everything from wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, fabulous street food stalls, workshops, cocktails, special guests and competitions as well as fun activities for the kids.
Brighton Festival: Sat 4 – Sun 26 May
Brighton Festival is a huge name on the events calendar, being the largest multi-arts festival in England. Encompassing art, theatre, dance, music, literature and family entertainment, Brighton Festival has got it all.
The Great Escape: Thurs 9 – Sat 11 May
Over 400 exciting, new artists from across the world gather at The Great Escape every year in May and play in venues across the city.
JUNE
Naked Bike Ride – Dates TBC
An event that has taken place in Brighton since 2006, the Brighton Naked Bike Ride celebrates bodies, bikes and low-impact living while bringing attention to the vulnerability of cyclists on our car dominated roads. An 8-mile ride with up to a thousand participants expected.
BHF London to Brighton Bike Ride: Sun 16 Jun
Take on the 54-mile ride in support of the British Heart Foundation in fighting heart and circulatory diseases.
JULY
Paddle Round the Pier: Dates TBC
The world’s biggest free beach and water sports festival takes place every year in Brighton and it’s free to attend! With a wide variety of water sports to take part in and ‘have a go’ opportunities, this is true all-ages fun and all money raised goes to charity.
March of the Mermaids: Sat 13 July
This annual celebration of marine life was the first of its kind within the UK, inspired by the Coney Island Mermaid Parade of New York. Since 2012, mermaids have gathered annually on Brighton’s shore to raise awareness of conservation issues facing the sea and supporting charities and associated campaigns.
AUGUST
Brighton Pride: Fri 2 – Sun 4 Aug
A staple in the celebration calendar of Brighton, Pride takes place on the first weekend of August every year and continually serves an inclusive, magical day for all to celebrate and feel welcome within.
SEPTEMBER
Brighton Digital Festival: Dates TBC
This month-long festival explores the digital world and how our lives are impacted through it with an assortment of exhibitions, live performances, artworks and discussions taking place across the city.
The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival’s: Autumn Harvest Festival
A 10-day festival brought to you by The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival, this autumn time celebration is for true foodies. Hosting masterclasses, chef collaborations, vineyard tours and much more!
Frosts Brighton Speed Trials: TBC
Thought to be the oldest running motor race, Brighton’s Speed Trials have been held since 1905 on the stretch of road between Palace Pier and Black Rock. Sign up with your car or bike and test your speed in this action-packed historic event!
Ace Café Reunion Sunday: Brighton Burn-Up: Dates TBC
Commemorating the famous Ace Café of London, this yearly event sees bikers ride into Brighton at Madeira Drive. Featuring stands and displays, live music and special guests, see the worlds coolest motorbike event.
Fiery Foods Festival: Dates TBC
In its 12th year, the Fiery Foods Festival just keeps getting hotter. Held at the i360 this September with all new exhibitors, live music and their infamous Chili Eating Contest to put you to the test.
OCTOBER
Brighton Early Music Festival – “Europe”: Dates TBC
Exploring 700 years of music across 17 European cities, the UK’s second largest early music festival will take place in various venues across Brighton & Hove.
Brighton Science Festival: Dates TBC
Events for all ages and workshops for children, exploring an exciting and engaging new theme each year.
NOVEMBER
CineCity: Dates TBC
For two weeks every November, CINECITY brings the best in world cinema to Brighton and the South Coast with a festival programme of premieres and previews, and much more.
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink: Dates TBC
The perfect winter time tradition for all the family to enjoy, the Royal Pavilion hosts a dazzling Ice Rink every year on its front lawn for two weeks from the first week of November.
Christmas Artists Open Houses: Final weekend of November – first weekends of December
Artists Open Houses also runs a winter edition of its event for three weeks every year. View more stunning artwork and support local artists.
DECEMBER
Burning the Clocks: Sat 21 Dec
To celebrate the shortest day of the year, make your own paper lantern and parade through the streets of the city before burning them in a bonfire on the beach for a fantastic way to wave the year goodbye.
