- Artists Open Houses Festival (9–10, 16–17 & 23–25 May)
Now in its 45th year, this beloved Brighton festival features 197 venues and over 1,000 artists, transforming Brighton and Hove into a city-wide gallery unlike anything else in the UK. You’re not walking through a gallery – you’re walking into someone’s world, discovering creative spaces from private homes and studios to unexpected locations including a hayloft, coffee roasters, a tennis club and even a garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Spread across three weekends, it’s perfect for dipping in and out during your stay.
- Brighton Fringe (throughout May)
Now in its 21st year, Brighton Fringe is the world’s third-largest Fringe festival, bringing a full month of comedy, theatre, dance, cabaret, plus plenty of shows you’ll struggle to explain. As one of the largest fringe festivals in England, events take place in theatres, pubs, studios, outdoor spaces and pop-up venues throughout the city. With something on every single night of May, it’s the perfect backdrop to any stay — you’ll never be short of something weird and wonderful to do. Browse the full programme at brightonfringe.org.
- Love Supreme Jazz Festival (3–5 July)
One to plan ahead for! Europe’s biggest outdoor jazz festival returns to Glynde Place in East Sussex, with Ezra Collective headlining Friday, Loyle Carner on Saturday, and De La Soul closing the festival on Sunday — their only full-band UK performance of 2026. The site is just 20 minutes from Brighton, making it an ideal reason to book a longer Sussex stay this summer. Tickets and camping available now.
- OMD at Brighton Centre (28 June)
A special one – Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark bring their headline show to the Brighton Centre on 28 June as part of the NHS My Music series, with 100% of profits going directly to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Brighton Journal Electronic synthesiser pioneers since the late 1970s, OMD remain one of the most influential acts in British music Brighton Journal – and with a back catalogue including Enola Gay and Souvenir, this is a night not to miss. A great reason to extend your stay into late June.
- Charleston Festival (13–25 May)
The Charleston Festival takes place in the historic grounds of Charleston in the Sussex South Downs, once home to the Bloomsbury Group. Now in its 37th year, this wonderful literary and arts festival brings together writers, musicians and thinkers for talks, performances and debates in a truly unique setting. A perfect reason to explore the wider Sussex countryside during your stay at one of our mid-Sussex holiday lets.
- The Great Escape (13-16 May)
The leading festival of new music, featuring over 500 emerging artists across 30+ Brighton venues. With a wristband (available here) giving access to all shows (no bookings per gig required), it’s the ultimate opportunity for music fans to discover next year’s headliners. Afterwards, join the late-night crowds on the seafront or in the city’s legendary club venues.
- Brighton Book Festival (17–21 June)
Now in its fifth year, Brighton Book Festival is a grassroots festival founded by independent bookshops, committed to making the marginalised mainstream by platforming authors from diverse backgrounds. This year’s headline event sees Zadie Smith return to Brighton for the first time in over a decade, in conversation about her new book. With panel discussions, author readings, workshops and debates across the city, it’s a brilliant and distinctive addition to Brighton’s cultural calendar. Tickets at brightonbookfestival.co.uk.
- Noughty 90s Festival (23 May)
A nostalgic throwback for anyone who grew up with Tamagotchis, boy bands, and slap bracelets – featuring tribute acts, 90s karaoke, and fancy dress prizes. With no need to travel outside the city (held right in Brighton), it’s an easy, feel-good night of pure retro fun. Afterwards, keep the vibe going at the on-site pop-up cocktail bar.