Our guide to
Things to do in Brighton
Our top picks
Things to do in Brighton this May – The Scoop
What a tasty pick-n-mix! The British countryside is bursting with life and new-season delights, and the city is gearing up for some serious urban fun. It’s festival month here in Brighton – and we’re so ready for it. Whether you’re chasing sunshine and street food, or your next favourite spot, here’s our Top 10 of things to eat, drink, and do in May.
1. Double Bubble!
Two bank holidays! May is beautifully bookended – and frankly, with everything happening this month, you’ll need those days to recover! Celebrate the first weekend alongside the 80th anniversary of VE Day with special events at Tottington Manor and The Jolly Sportsman.
2. Picnic Perfect
May’s sunny days were made for picnics. Time to take it easy. Fill your basket with local treats: Sussex goodies from Berrisons Deli before heading to the beach or Hove Lawns; trendy, Italian-style sandwiches from Curio near Preston Park; or freshly baked treats from Bayon Bakery en route to Hove Park.
3. Festival Season
Move over Glasto, Brighton is your month-long festival hotspot! The 20th Brighton Fringe runs all month, with the Brighton Festival launching on 3rd May with its famous children’s parade. Don’t miss the Foodies Festival and The Great Escape too. Venture a little further for the Elderflower Fields Festival or Charleston Literary Festival. Use our new BRAVO map to plan your festival food stops!
Photo credit: Visit Brighton
4. What a Lineup!
Festival season begins as football season ends – with a bang! Albion fans, don’t miss an exclusive live stream of the Player Awards (7 May) at Amex, including food, drinks, and an afterparty featuring an international superstar DJ! Buy tickets here.
Big finals are best watched on a big screen, surrounded with friends, at your local favourites.
- FA Cup Final – Saturday, 17 May, 17:30 BST
- UEFA Europa League Final – Wednesday, 21 May, 20:00 BST
- UEFA Women’s Champions League Final – Saturday, 24 May, 17:00 BST
- Premier League Final Matchday – Sunday, 25 May, 16:00 BST
- UEFA Champions League Final – Saturday, 31 May, 20:00 BST
5. The Terrace at Pearly Cow
Opening on 2nd May, find this stunning alfresco hotspot high above the promenade with sweeping sea views and a delicious menu of summer eats. The Terrace is perfect for long lazy lunches and sunset spritzes, plus zesty tacos, small plates, woodfired pizzettes and showtopping platters of Fruits de Mer. Heavenly.
6. World Cocktail Day
Celebrated annually on 13th May… if you need an excuse to indulge! Where to drink? You’re spoiled for choice: It’s first come first served at The Terrace (see above), tour the BRAVO winners Blossoms (2025), Permit Room (2024) and The Plotting Parlour (2023) or Apiary, The Coal Shed, Voya, Bar Valentino (check out the new matcha-led Conversation Starter) or The Pourhouse are fantastic too – Bottoms Up!
7. Unmissable Events, Collabs and Superclubs
A new month = more unmissable eating. Mark these in your calendar to avoid horrible FOMO:
- Dinnerclub at Nanima (1 May) – Cosy dining, punchy flavours. Three courses and drinks, just £35.
- Châteauneuf-du-pape at Terra Restaurant (1 May) – Fabulous French wines paired with a tasting menu by chef Chris Hilton.
- Shoreline x Para Picar (2-3 May) – A taste of Portugal curated by Sophie Taverner.
- LOST x MODA (9 May) – Spring tasting menu collaboration from Jes James and Michelin-starred chef James Wilson.
9. Tea in The garden
Is there anything more refreshing than a cup of tea in the shade of a tree? The month of May calls for simple niceties; a spot of gardening, a pot of tea, and a home-made cake. Pub gardens are a lovely retreat and in full spring bloom – try the lovely gardens at Eight Bells Jevington and The Jolly Sportsman providing fresh produce for their kitchens too.
10. Eurovision 2025
Brighton loves Eurovision, the glitz and the gore. Although recent years have stirred controversy, we expect plenty of fun and live screenings around town on 15 May. Will Brighton reclaim its Eurovision sparkle? Stay tuned…
