What's On in Brighton & Hove: 2 August 2026

Good Morning, Brighton

What a week to be in our city! August is Pride season, and there's a real buzz in the air as we gear up for one of the UK's biggest celebrations. Whether you're a longtime local or new to Brighton, there's something special about how our community comes together right now. The summer's still in full swing, the seafront's heaving with life, and Kemp Town is absolutely thrumming with energy.

This Week in Brighton & Hove

- Brighton & Hove Pride 2026 reaches its 35th anniversary this August with parades, street parties and live performances across two days. It's the flagship event in our calendar, and this year feels particularly meaningful as we celebrate what makes our city such a beacon for LGBTQ+ people and allies.

- Our community's showing real support for wellbeing projects — a proposed temporary sauna facility on Hove beach has received backing from locals keen to promote connection and a bit of self-care by the seafront.

- If you've not visited North Laine lately, there's a brilliant butterfly trail launching to support The Lily Foundation. Award-winning blind artist Mr Dot has created a free family hunt across the neighbourhood — a lovely way to explore that bohemian corner and support a rare disease charity at the same time.

- Local pubs are celebrating independence — the Garden Bar on Portland Road has just secured its freehold after nearly a century under brewery ownership, becoming independently run for the first time. That's the spirit that makes Brighton special.

This Weekend

With Pride energy building, Kemp Town and the seafront are where you'll want to be. Head down to Brighton Beach — it's free, beautiful, and you'll catch the pre-Pride atmosphere that's genuinely electric. If the pebbles get too much, Volk's Electric Railway offers a nostalgic ride along the seafront with proper seaside charm.

North Laine is perfect for Saturday wandering — independent shops, that butterfly trail we mentioned, and a real creative buzz. The Saturday market adds to the atmosphere, and there's plenty of cafés for a proper pit stop.

If you fancy something quieter, Preston Park is a gem on a summer's day — free, spacious, and ideal for a picnic or just catching your breath.

Where to Eat and Drink This Week

Since we're spotlighting Kemp Town this week — the absolute heart of our LGBTQ+ community — here are some cracking spots on and around St James's Street:

- The Cricketers is a proper neighbourhood local with real character. It's the kind of place where you'll bump into familiar faces and feel genuinely welcome.

- Lucky Beach captures that bohemian Kemp Town vibe perfectly — relaxed, colourful, and with food that actually tastes like someone cared.

Both are brilliant for soaking up the Pride spirit without the overwhelm of the bigger celebrations.

Worth Knowing

Pride weekend (which falls in this period) means the city gets busy — wonderfully busy, but busy all the same. Public transport fills up fast, and parking becomes a proper puzzle. Consider walking, cycling, or using the bus where you can. The police and council have made safety a priority this year, so there's a reassuring presence throughout the celebrations.

Grab a Pride 2026 guide if you haven't already — there's proper information about timings, routes, and how to make the most of it all. And if crowds aren't your thing, remember that Brighton's still beautiful in the quieter corners. The Lanes, Hove seafront, and Preston Park remain sanctuaries of calm even when the city's in party mode.

Have a brilliant week, Brighton. We're glad you're here. 🏳️‍🌈