What's On in Brighton & Hove: 21 June 2026

Good Morning, Brighton

Welcome to the longest day of the year! Summer's officially here, and you can feel it—the seafront's packed, the parks are glowing green, and there's that lovely extended evening light we all dream about through winter. This week, we're shining a spotlight on North Laine, our wonderfully bohemian quarter, but there's plenty happening across the city too.

This Week in Brighton & Hove

* Drusillas Zoo's Father's Day celebration – Head out to Drusillas Park this Father's Day week to meet the animal dads and discover the bumper crop of new arrivals. Perfect if you've got little ones or fancy a family day out in the East Sussex countryside.

* Coburn and Baker's new Bevendean café – The beloved artisan bakery has opened a brand-new café right at its working bakery headquarters. Watch the bakers do their magic while you enjoy proper coffee for just £3. If you haven't discovered Coburn and Baker yet, this is your moment.

* Luna Hut's seafront expansion – The community's given overwhelming support to Luna Hut's proposal for a second sauna on the seafront. More cosy winter plans in the making!

* Madeira Terrace restoration continues – One of the world's longest cast iron structures is being lovingly restored. Pop along the seafront to see the progress on this Victorian gem.

This Weekend

The solstice weekend is special—make the most of that extra daylight. Start Saturday morning in North Laine, where the Saturday market fills the pedestrian areas with local crafts, vintage finds, and street food. The independent shops here are genuinely brilliant; you won't find chain stores, just character. Grab brunch at one of the cafés tucked away in the lanes, then browse the vintage shops, bookstalls, and galleries at your own pace.

If you need a proper sit-down meal, Komedia on Gardner Street in North Laine hosts comedy and live entertainment most evenings—it's a lovely spot whether you're catching a show or just popping in for a drink. Call ahead for this week's listings.

On Sunday, head to Brighton Beach for a proper seaside afternoon. Bring a book, paddle in the sea, grab fish and chips, and watch the sun linger late into the evening. If you fancy something classier, English's of Brighton in The Lanes (established 1945) does outstanding seafood in a proper old-school dining room. It's worth booking ahead, especially for Sunday lunch.

Alternatively, if you're after open air and greenery, Preston Park is magnificent in June—bring a picnic, let the kids run around, and soak up the space. It's free and glorious.

Where to Eat and Drink This Week

North Laine focus: Start your week at Pompoko for proper Japanese food in a relaxed setting, or try Terre à Terre if you're vegetarian—it's a Brighton institution. For something more casual, the market stalls on Saturday offer everything from fresh pasta to artisan coffee. And don't miss that new Coburn and Baker café for morning pastries and excellent value coffee.

Worth Knowing

The seafront's busier than usual this week, so if you're heading to Brighton Beach or the pier, go early morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds. Volk's Electric Railway is a lovely way to travel along the coast if you fancy something different—it's the world's oldest operating electric railway, running right along the seafront since 1883.

With the solstice and summer properly here, expect longer queues and fuller venues, but that's the joy of a seaside city in June. Embrace it!

Have a brilliant week, Brighton.