Merry Month of May
May in Brighton & Hove is always something special. The days stretch longer and the city bursts into life with creativity, colour and community spirit. From world-class arts festivals to family days on the beach, and above all it’s the perfect time to celebrate our coastal city shine, especially if you’re lucky enough to enjoy it from your beach hut!
A Month of Culture: Brighton Festival & Fringe
The beating heart of May in Brighton is the Brighton Festival, running the whole month of May, this year is the 60th year, another key point to celebrate. Expect an eclectic mix of music, theatre, dance, circus, film, and debate, not to mention the iconic Children’s Parade on 2nd May, which simultaneously floods the streets with colour, costumes, and joy as local schools march from Jubilee Street to Madeira Drive. It’s one of those Brighton moments that can warm even the chilliest of spring mornings. On this occasion this years theme is children’s books.
Running alongside is Brighton Fringe, the UK’s largest open-access arts festival, from 2 May to 1 June. With performances popping up in pubs, parks, basements, and beaches, the Fringe captures everything quirky and creative about Brighton and Hove. You’ll find comedy, cabaret, and experimental art often within strolling distance of the sea.
Artists Open Houses: Step Inside Brighton’s Creative World
Every weekend in May, the Artists Open Houses festival invites visitors into hundreds of homes and studios across the city. Worth noting that the festival is now in its 45th year, the 2026 edition will feature over 1,000 artists in nearly 200 venues, transforming Brighton & Hove into a giant living gallery. From North Laine studios to seafront cottages, it’s a unique chance to meet artists, see behind the scenes, and maybe even find a perfect piece for your own home.
Moments to Share by the Sea
Of course, May isn’t only about the arts, it’s also a month for making seaside memories. International Day of Families on 15 May is the perfect excuse to gather loved ones for fish and chips at your beach hut, a sunset stroll, or a relaxed picnic on the promenade. Then, just a few days later, International Tea Day on 21 May offers the ultimate Brighton blend: tea, sea, and serenity. Try brewing your favourite blend at your beach hut while watching the waves actual simple bliss.
Out and About
Brighton’s open spaces bloom in May. From Stanmer Park and Preston Manor Gardens to the iconic Royal Pavilion & Gardens, everything feels alive with colour. Take a ride on Volk’s Electric Railway, the world’s oldest electric railway dating back over 140 years, or enjoy coastal coffee in Hove after spotting the latest photographs from Martin Parr’s Beside the Sea exhibition displayed on bus shelter roofs throughout the city.
Celebrate May, Beach Hut Style
If ever there was a month to make the most of your beach hut, it’s this one. Whether you’re watching the Children’s Parade glide past, catching a festival performance on the seafront, or simply brewing a cup of tea while listening to the waves, May in Brighton & Hove invites you to slow down and savour it all.
Here’s to sunshine and here’s to celebrating May in a city bursting with fun and activity.