May is peak festival season in Brighton, from major arts and Fringe performances to live music and food celebrations.
May is one of Brighton’s most vibrant months. Major arts festivals, live music across the city, and long spring weekends make it a standout time to visit. If you are planning ahead, these are the key dates to book around.
England’s largest curated annual arts festival returns with an ambitious city-wide programme of theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and talks. Venues across Brighton come alive throughout the month, with headline performances at Brighton Dome and unexpected pop-up events elsewhere. It is a strong cultural draw for couples and solo travellers, and a compelling reason to turn a weekend stay into something longer.
Date: 2026-05-02 (End: 2026-05-24)
Venue: Multiple venues across Brighton
Tickets: https://brightonfestival.org
Running alongside Brighton Festival, Brighton Fringe transforms the city into an open-access stage. Expect comedy, cabaret, experimental theatre, live music, and late-night performances in everything from established venues to independent spaces. The atmosphere is energetic and sociable, with something happening every day. Ideal for guests who like their city breaks busy, creative, and a little unexpected.
Date: 2026-05-01 (End: 2026-05-31)
Venue: Various venues across Brighton
Tickets: https://www.brightonfringe.org
The Great Escape is Brighton’s flagship new music festival, showcasing emerging artists from around the world. For four days, the city’s venues host back-to-back gigs, industry showcases, and outdoor performances. It draws a mix of music fans and professionals, creating a lively, late-night atmosphere across central Brighton. A key date for groups of friends and culture-focused weekend stays.
Date: 2026-05-13 (End: 2026-05-16)
Venue: Various venues across Brighton
Tickets: https://greatescapefestival.com
A relaxed, long-weekend celebration of food, drink, and live music, Foodies Festival brings chef demonstrations, tasting tents, and artisan producers together in one open-air setting. It is a strong leisure draw, particularly for couples and groups planning a spring escape. Expect a lively daytime scene and busy restaurants across the city in the evenings.
Date: 2026-05-23 (End: 2026-05-25)
Venue: Preston Park
Tickets: https://foodiesfestival.com
