10 Things to do in Brighton this September
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.
September is our second New Year, and Brighton is back-to-school with bells on. As summer’s frantic energy settles into a crisp autumn groove, local chefs and producers lean into the harvest with game, wild mushrooms and vineyard harvests. From seasonal menu launches and local community festivals to bake-off fever and sustainability drives, here is The Scoop on our top 10 foodie things to do this September.
1. Lagoon Fest 2026 & Kemptown Bookshop Turns 50
Kick off the month with a huge community get-together at Hove Lagoon! Taking place on Saturday 5th September, Lagoon Fest brings together local food stalls, watersports, and family entertainment along the seafront. It is the ultimate end-of-summer gathering to support local independent vendors while taking in the fresh coastal air.
And Happy 50th Birthday to local legend Kemptown Bookshop – they are celebrating half a century on the high street. Pop in to this neighbourhood gem, pick up a great read, then settle into a nearby café or pub like The Bell Tower for a quiet read.
2. Share the Love: Small Plate Menus
If there is one dominant food trend this season, it is the joy of sharing. The city’s top kitchens are doubling down on communal dining and interactive experience menus.
Head to The Crazy Goose to try their brand-new experience menu designed for the whole table, or gather a group for dig-in small plates at Embers, Furna, Poco, and Tutto.
3. Michelin Starlets
While we’re still gazing at the sparkle of Maré’s Michelin Star, there are plenty of superb local starlets shining brightly in the Michelin Guide, which celebrates top dining destinations across Brighton, Hove and Sussex.
Accolades continue for Brighton favourites including The Little Fish Market, Furna, Amari, Wild Flor and Palmito, among many other great spots.
New to the Guide this year are Stem in Hove, alongside Tern and Bauji in Worthing. Congratulations to all.
4. All Aboard – a Tasty Ticket to Ride
We have all the flavours of the world on our doorstep, and the great news is that we can get a bus to almost all of them. In fact, one stop will let you take in the tastes of China at Shaanxi, Vietnam at The Big Bowl and Mexico at Halisco – Preston Street is a haven for international cuisine.
Next stop – The Lanes. Step into Thailand at Chilli or immerse yourself in all things India at The Chilli Pickle. Discover Japan at BRAVO winner MOGUMOGU on London Road or Wabi Sabi in Hove, then cross the Pacific (via the Coastliner) for Peruvian delights at Lima Nikkei.
Closer to home, grab a Scottish breakfast (it counts!) at Hooked in Kemptown, a pick of the plats at Petit Pois, and Scandi sweetness at Fika Bakery.
All aboard for some excellent dining destinations!
5. Back to School & Freshers: Brunch & Budget Eats
September brings returning students and a fresh academic term, making it the perfect excuse to hunt down great value and iconic morning spots to fuel your day.
- Brunch Hotspot: We are sending huge love to Mange Tout, one of the city’s undisputed French-bistro-style brunch favourites for poached eggs, Bloody Marys, and relaxed morning catch-ups.
- Learn Something New: Level up your kitchen skills this term with hands-on pasta-making workshops at Poco and Cin Cin.
6. Bake-Off Fever Hits Sussex
Everyone’s favourite baking show is back on screens, and local bakeries are turning up the heat:
- The Great Brighton Bake Off: The Flour Pot is hosting its citywide baking celebration from 7th September to 5th October. Get your best in show on the shelves of this brilliant bakery.
- Workshops & Masterclasses: Master your lamination and decorating skills with cupcake workshops at The Community Kitchen, artisan bread sessions at Open Bakery, or classic pastry masterclasses at Brighton Cookery School.
7. Seasonality, Harvest & Zero Waste
September is a massive month for eco-conscious dining and green initiatives across local kitchens:
- Zero Waste Week (7th–11th Sept) & UK Recycle Week (21st–27th Sept): Check out our Sustainability Champions guide to see how local restaurants are closing the loop on food waste.
- Sussex Harvest: Celebrate the grape harvest by taking a trip out to Artelium Vineyard, where estate-driven dining meets local wine production at its peak.
8. Negroni Week, Brighton Cocktail Festival & Oktoberfest
Raise a glass to cocktail season and a stein for incoming October! Brighton Cocktail Festival runs from 18th–27th September, bringing wristband deals and guest mixologist takeovers to the city’s best bars. Plus, Negroni Week (21st–27th Sept) sees Cin Cin hosting dedicated Negroni events – check out our Negroni guide for where to find the crispest aperitifs in town.
Oktoberfest: As the month closes, Shelter Hall transforms into a seafront Bavarian beer hall with steins, pretzels and live brass bands, with more craft beer celebrations popping up at Hove Place.
9. London to Brighton Cycle & Legendary Roasts
On Sunday 13th September, thousands of cyclists complete the journey from London down to the seafront. Whether you cycled the 54 miles or simply cheered from the sidelines, reward the effort with a proper Sunday feast. Study our BRAVO Best Sunday Roast winners to book your table for towering Yorkshires and rich gravy.
10. New Autumn Menus & Mowgli Relaunch
Chefs long for and love the harvest months, and September menus are arriving ripe with promise:
- etch. by Steven Edwards: Unveils its new Autumn menu on 1st September, highlighting rich seasonal game and British produce.
- Mowgli: Reopens its doors after a venue refresh, bringing Indian street food comfort back to the Lanes.
- Indian Summer: Steak Night is here – and it’s every Thursday! Collaborating with The Chilli Trail (local award winning chilli paste gang), Indian Summer brings big flavours from Sri Lanka, Goa and Kerala to some serious steaks.
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
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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.
