As we move into May, the sun is shining and there are so many things to see and do in Brighton this month, here are our picks!

Major Festivals & Cultural Highlights

Brighton Festival (3–26 May)

One of the UK’s leading arts festivals, the Brighton Festival showcases world-class performances in theatre, music, dance, and literature. This year’s guest director, Anoushka Shankar, brings a fresh perspective, ensuring an outstanding lineup of events.

Brighton Fringe Festival (3 May – 2 June)

As England’s largest arts festival, Brighton Fringe transforms the city into a creative playground. Expect hundreds of performances across comedy, theatre, dance, and visual arts at venues ranging from pop-up stages to iconic locations like the Brighton Spiegeltent, Jubilee Square and many many more venues.

The Great Escape Festival (15–17 May)

Brighton’s answer to SXSW, The Great Escape Festival is a must for music lovers. Over 500 emerging artists from around the world perform in venues across the city, offering a platform to discover the next big thing in music.

Charleston Festival (14–26 May)

Charleston Festival brings together bold voices and brilliant minds to share stories, spark ideas, and make sense of our ever-changing world.

Live Music & Theatre

  • Gary Barlow at Brighton Centre (15 May): Celebrate the career of Gary Barlow with a concert featuring songs from both his solo career and his time with Take That.
  • Rizzle Kicks at Brighton Dome (16 May): Catch the dynamic duo Rizzle Kicks live in concert, bringing their unique blend of hip-hop and pop to the stage.

Unique Experiences

  • Brighton Guided Bar Crawl Cocktail (Every Friday): Explore some of Brighton’s finest cocktail joints with a guided bar crawl starting at Bohemia, featuring fruity or frozen concoctions and a top-notch host.
  • Brighton Silent Disco Walking Party (Various dates): Dance your way across town with Brighton Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours, led by Boogie Ruth, providing hilarious commentary while guiding you around the cobbled streets and stunning beachfront.

Outdoor Adventures

  • Brighton Zip and Beach Fun: For adrenaline junkies, Brighton Zip offers a thrilling way to see the city’s seafront from above. Afterward, enjoy classic seaside fun, from fish and chips on the pier to a sunset drink at one of the beach bars.
  • Volks Railway & Undercliff Walk: Hop on Britain’s oldest electric railway for a scenic ride along the coast, then take a leisurely walk along the Undercliff Path, offering stunning sea views and a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle.

With so much happening, May is the perfect time to experience Brighton at its vibrant best. Whether you’re here for the festivals, the seaside, or the unique experiences, there’s something for everyone.