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Things to do in Brighton in 2024

Our top picks

Festivals, new restaurants, art, town events – There are so many things to do in Brighton in 2024.

Brighton offers an abundance of things to do, perhaps more than any other city in the UK. Bursting with festivals, shows, concerts, food trails, seafront events, new restaurant openings, creativity, and a bohemian spirit; it’s also complemented by an exceptional food calendar. As a platform guiding you to the city’s finest dining, our focus on things to do in Brighton will be focussed around food and restaurants in Brighton and Hove. Enjoy our month-by-month roundup, and if there’s anything you think we’ve missed then get in touch.

All events are subject to change (and dates/events TBC) so please keep up to date with all specifics of events by referring to individual websites. 

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1. The Hottest New Openings – January 2024

What is it? Kick 2024 off in style by checking out all the latest Brighton and Hove new restaurant and bar openings.

What is it for? This can be a returning to-do-list for you, so you can make sure you are trying all the new food and drink things to do in Brighton in 2024.

New venues in Brighton and Hove in 2023 include The Permit Room (pictured), FUMI, Wabi Sabi, The Plotting Parlour, Embers and many more.

2024 Brings you the relocated Coal Shed and Pearly Cow. 

2. The BRAVOs: February 2024

What is it? The public voted food and drink awards. Brighton Restaurant Awards Vote Online begin this month and run for 6 weeks. 

Why take part? The BRAVOs recognise and support the great independent talent in the Brighton Hospitality Industry. 

Norman Cook announced the 2023 Best Restaurant after an impressive 56,983 votes for over 600 registered Brighton restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Now entering its 7th year, join in the fun and vote for your favourite places in BRAVO 2024. This remarkable public endorsement reflects the thriving hospitality industry in Brighton and Sussex, and we sincerely thank you for your participation. BRAVO voting kicks off at the end of January! See all this years BRAVO winners

Pictured, Fat Boy Slim announcing the winners of the best restaurant at the 2023 BRAVO Awards.

3. Brighton Marathon Weekend: Sunday 7th April 2024

What is it? One of the UK’s biggest marathon events where over 120,000 spectators support this 26.2 mile course finishing on Brighton’s world famous seafront.

Why attend? The atmosphere, the inspiration, the city becomes alive!

The Marathon Weekender stands out as one of the biggest events in the Brighton calendar. We absolutely love the vibrant energy in the city during Marathon Weekend! If, like us, you aren’t quite ready to run a marathon, head to the Beach Village on the seafront to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the inspirational runners. Photo credit: VisitBrighton

4. Brighton Festival: Sat 4–Sun 26 May 2024

What is it? The Brighton Festival aims to provide accessible, ground-breaking, and inspiring acts, ensuring that the arts are open to everyone.

Why attend? A great idea to meet up with friends and family and enjoy the entertainment.

Brighton Festival is a significant annual curated multi-arts festival in England. Encompassing music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, and community events, it is celebrated both indoors and outdoors, spanning various venues and locations across Brighton, Hove, and East Sussex.

5. Artists Open Houses: 6 – 28 May

What is it? The opportunity to enjoy different styles of art (with hospitality) as Brighton people open their homes to showcase talent.

Why attend? Inspiring art exhibitions, whether sculptures or needlecraft, photography or painting.

Artists’ Open Houses is the biggest free arts event in the UK, with over 1,000 artists exhibiting in 200 houses and art studios opened to the public across this great city. Keep an eye on their website and a map which highlights which houses are participating, who the exhibitors are and this is also a thing to do in Brighton in the winter, so watch out for their winter open houses program. Photo credit: Artists Open Houses, Dave Pop Art

6. Brighton Fringe: 3 May – 2 June 2024

What is it? The Brighton Fringe Festival is where Brighton bursts into a carnival of culture with the Brighton Fringe Festival, signalling the start of what promises to be a long summer filled with fun, sun, and entertainment.

Why attend? It represents Brighton kicking off the long summer ahead. So many inspiring acts to see where you can meet your friends after a winter of hibernation. 

Brighton Fringe, the largest open-access arts festival in England, is on the horizon, and we’re eager to embark on the #JourneyIntoFringe. We’re particularly excited to explore their new pop-up venue for 2024. As a family affair and an iconic Brighton festival that we adore, we can’t wait for this year’s Brighton Fringe. Keep an eye on their website, for plenty of things to do in Brighton for the month of May. 

7. The Great Escape Festival: 10 – 13 May 

What is it? A three day celebration of new music from all corners of the globe at 35+ music venues.

Why attend? A three day ticket gives you a unique opportunity to explore all the new music and walk between music venues (capacity permitting).

The Great Escape is the ultimate festival for new music, featuring 500 emerging artists from around the world across 35+ accessible venues throughout the city and a pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach. Buy your tickets here and read all the Great Escape FAQs. Image, courtesy of Great Escape website. 

8. Brighton Foodies Festival – May Bank Holiday

Dates and headlining bands, chef line up to be announced.

What is it? An annual food and drink festival held in Brighton on Hove Lawns

Why attend? Plenty of exciting activities, diverse culinary experiences from independent local Brighton restaurants with live music during the day. Our tip: Book early bird tickets for big savings!

The Brighton Foodies Festival is known for celebrating local and international cuisine, featuring a diverse range of food and drink stalls, chef demonstrations, masterclasses, live music, and other culinary-related activities. These festivals aim to bring together food enthusiasts, chefs, and Sussex producers to showcase the vibrant food culture of the region.

9. Elderflower Fields: 24 – 27 May

What is it? Elderflower Fields is a family-oriented festival with food, artistic activities with all emphasis on experiencing the outdoors. 

Why attend? It’s a great way of taking the family to their first festival in a safe and friendly environment.

A wild weekend family adventure, packed full of music, sports, nature and the arts, all set in the heart of the beautiful Sussex countryside. Tailored for families with young children, the festival offers an opportunity to embrace the transformative power of spending time outdoors, allowing kids to experience a bit of freedom and wildness. 

10. Hove Food Trail – May 2024 

Dates to be announced

What is it? This event is a celebration of the dynamic food and drink scene in Hove

Why attend? The Hove Food Trail celebrates the excellence of various restaurants and bars in the Hove area with special offers and menus.

The Hove Food Trail, inaugurated in 2023, was initiated by David Toscano, the proprietor of Cin Cin, and Chris Henry, who served as a Brighton and Hove City councillor from 2019 to 2023. In addition to showcasing local culinary delights, the Hove Food Trail is dedicated to raising funds and supporting local charities. The 2023 edition of the event successfully raised £1,190 for the Off The Fence charity. This is what happened at the 2023 Hove Food Trail. 

11. Land Beyond Festival – 3rd to 5th May 2024 

What is it? The Land Beyond Festival, set against the backdrop of Waterhall in Brighton, is a music and camping extravaganza so is potentially one of the great things to do in Brighton in 2024, however we’re still waiting for all the details.

Why attend? The upcoming edition in 2024 is anticipated to deliver awe-inspiring installations, immersive encounters, and captivating stage designs.

Attendees can expect monumental headliners, groundbreaking production, a redesigned Camping/Glamping Village, an upgraded VIP experience, and a host of additional attractions.

12. London to Brighton Bike Ride: 18 June

What is it? A 54 mile cycle ride which goes from London, through Sussex, finishing on Brighton seafront. The oldest cycle ride in Europe. 

Why attend? The race is quite a spectacle to watch. Position yourself on Ditchling Beacon and see riders cycle the most difficult part of the course. 

This epic 54 mile journey from capital to coast is the oldest bike ride in Europe and is all done to raise vital funds, and awareness, for the British Heart Foundation. Image: British Heart Foundation

13. Ibiza Proms in The Park – 29th June

What is it? 50 piece live orchestra with special guests at Black Rock on Brighton seafront.

Why attend? Music festival featuring House, Club Classics, Orchestral and Soulful House.

Find out more and ticket information.

14. Brighton Comedy Garden – July 2024

Dates to be announced

What is it? The Brighton Comedy Garden offers an unbeatable comedy experience, accompanied by a brimming selection of bars and the best street eats.

Why attend? The event features amazing comics at the top of their game. Keep an eye on the Brighton Comedy Garden website to see which comics are performing. 

Live and open-air, located on Preston Park off London Road.

15. ‘Love Supreme’ Jazz Festival 2024 – 5th – 7th July

What is it? A super cool Jazz Festival located Glynde Place in East Sussex. We know it’s not in Brighton 

Why attend? This event attracts all the big names so if you are a fan of the festival experience and the best names in jazz then this event has to be high on your list as one of the best things to do in Sussex this summer. Day tickets, camping, glamping, VIP, and hotels are available for the Love Supreme Experience. Ticket Information.

This year the confirmed line up for Love Supreme includes Joss Stone, Kool and The Gang, and Chaka Khan. See this years Love Supreme Line up. 

16.Trans Pride: 15 July

What is it? Trans Pride Brighton stands as a groundbreaking event, being the inaugural and largest Trans Pride gathering outside of America. Since its inception in 2013, the organisers have orchestrated the largest protest for trans liberation in Europe, drawing over 10,000 attendees annually.

Why attend? The event serves as a celebratory day, creating a vibrant and secure space where trans individuals, along with friends, allies, and family, can come together to enjoy a fantastic and inclusive experience while also enjoying the great restaurants in Brighton. Picture credit: Trans Pride Brighton website

17. Pub in the Park – July 2024

Headlining acts and dates to be announced.

What is it? Chilled ticketed music festival in Brighton’s Preston park. 

Why attend? Some good old school acts, good atmosphere and food stalls from some of the best restaurants in Brighton. 

Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park comes to Preston Park with a laid-back celebration of food, drink and music. Acts from 2023 included Sugababes, Happy Mondays, and Toploader. The 2024 line up is yet to be announced. 

18. On the Beach Music Festival: July 27th

What is it? A music festival which we still know very little about, but all we do know is that it will go ahead in 2024 and 2025.

Why attend? We hear Carl Cox will be gracing the stage on July 27th so what a great reason to book tickets in what promises to be one of the things to do in Brighton this summer! Keep an eye on Onthebeachuk Instagram for further updates. Picture credit: On The Beach Instagram.

19. Brighton Pride Parade: 2nd – 5th August

What is it? The Brighton Pride LGBTQ+ Community Parade is one of the biggest and brightest events in Brighton & Hove’s events calendar.

Why attend? This is one of the standout things to do in Brighton every year where the city comes alive!

With over 300,000 people pouring out onto the city’s streets to participate in and watch on as an all-singing, all-dancing carnival of colour wends its way from the Hove Lawns to the main Pride festival site.

20. Brighton Mod Weekender: 27 – 28 August 

What is it? An iconic Thing to do in Brighton which celebrates the Mod movement from the 1960s which stems stemmed from incredible movies like Quadrophenia where you experience the relationship between the Mods and the Rockers.

Why attend? The Brighton Mod Weekender, initiated by The New Untouchables in 2004, has evolved into a four-day extravaganza over the August bank holiday. The heart of the action unfolds at the renowned Komedia as well as the famous scooter run which ends on Madeira Drive. Music events encompass Brighton club nights and live gigs, creating an electric celebration of mod culture.

Discover more about the 2024 Mod Weekender.

21. Brighton Triathlon: 1st September

What is it? The Brighton and Hove Triathlon is set to make a return on Sunday, September 1st, 2024. Participants will tackle a fast and flat traffic-free route, starting from Hove Lawns and progressing along the iconic seafront Promenade. 

Why attend? This Brighton sporting event is a prominent fixture in the UK triathlon calendar. The event is known for its size and significance and is a wonderful experience for entrants and spectators alike.

Additionally, children aged 8 to 16 can participate in dedicated triathlons, ensuring an inclusive experience for participants of all ages.

22. Royal Pavilion Ice Rink: November 

What is it? Situated in the gardens of Brighton’s iconic pleasure palace, this beautiful outdoor ice-rink allows up to 250 skaters per session, with penguin stabilisers for younger skaters and a learners’ area for the unsure-footed.

Why attend? A perfect idea if you are visiting the city or ideal for a Brighton Christmas party. With rink side bar and kitchen and plenty of food nearby in the North Laine.

Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is a stunning and enchanting destination, featuring twinkling lights and providing a romantic and child-friendly atmosphere. This seasonal ice rink, typically open from late October to early January, is not only a delightful experience but also operates using green energy, adding an eco-friendly touch to the winter festivities.

23. Veteran Car Run: 5 November

What is it? One of the most incredible and long running vintage car runs in the world which finishes on Brighton seafront.

Why attend? This annual event commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896. Today, this run attracts hundreds of vintage vehicles from the UK and abroad as well as thousands of spectators. A fantastic photo opportunity! Photo credit and for more information: Veteran Car Run website.

24. Burning the Clocks: December 2024

What is it? The Burning of the Clocks festival in central Brighton is a unique celebration of the Winter Solstice. This annual event gathers the Brighton community to bring light to the darkest and shortest day of the year. 

Why attend? Families and participants come together to create a spectacular parade and celebration, making it a special and memorable festive event.

The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light as thousands of people gather to make paper and willow lanterns to carry through the city before burning them on the beach as a token for the end of the year and to greet the lengthening days. Discover moreImage courtesy of Visit England.