What's On in Brighton & Hove: 13 September 2026

Good Morning, Brighton

Right, we've tipped into proper autumn now, haven't we? The light's that gorgeous golden honey colour, the sea's still swimmable, and there's that lovely crisp feeling in the air that makes you actually want to get out and explore the city rather than hiding indoors. This week's got some brilliant happenings — from new music venues opening their doors to the Cocktail Festival making the rounds, so let's dig in.

This Week in Brighton & Hove

- Jazz comes to Kemp Town: Deep Dive Jazz and Blues Bar has opened on St George's Road with live music and swing dancing in this intimate New York-style setting. Thursday evenings are swing class nights if you fancy learning some moves.

- The Cocktail Festival is properly here: Fifty-two bars across the city are pouring 156 exclusive cocktails, and you can grab them for a very reasonable £6 each. This is the real deal — proper reason to bar-hop this week.

- Caroline of Brunswick turns 20: The Ditchling Road community pub is celebrating two decades as a beloved local fixture. They've hosted famous comedians and created a genuinely welcoming space — worth raising a glass there this week.

- Pho's having a laugh: The Vietnamese chain has launched a Mean Girls-inspired pink menu with £5 discounted dishes and a new pink siracha sauce. Yes, you're encouraged to dress in pink. No, we're not making this up.

This Weekend

Get down to North Laine — our featured area this week is absolutely glowing in September light. Wander the independent shops, grab coffee somewhere tucked away, and if you're after a proper night out, Komedia on Gardner Street usually has something worth catching. The Saturday market's on if you're after vintage finds or hand-made bits.

If the weather holds (and it should), Brighton Beach is still lovely. The pebbles warm underfoot, the water's that deep blue-green, and you might even catch the last of the late-summer swimmers. Volk's Electric Railway is perfect for a leisurely trundle along the seafront if you fancy something less energetic.

Over on Hove Lawns, it's the kind of weekend where a walk along Hove seafront followed by lunch at one of the George Street restaurants feels like exactly the right plan. Council's just approved the new community sauna complex down there too — something to look forward to.

Where to Eat and Drink This Week

Since we're featuring North Laine this week, do yourself a favour: head to Komedia for a proper night out (comedy, music, cabaret — always worth it), then grab something to eat nearby. If you're after something different, Terre à Terre just north of the Laine does exceptional vegetarian food in a relaxed, creative setting.

For drinks, honestly? Use the Cocktail Festival as your excuse. Pick a bar you've never tried, order a £6 cocktail, chat to the person next to you. That's how you discover your new favourite spot.

Worth Knowing

If you're heading to Kemp Town for Deep Dive, note it's a proper swing dancing venue — so Thursday evenings are when to go for lessons, but the live music runs throughout the week. Book ahead if you can.

The Cocktail Festival runs for the month, so you're not limited to just this week. Pick a couple of quiet evenings and make a proper night of it across different neighbourhoods — that's the joy of 52 bars taking part.

Weather-wise, we're in that sweet spot where you can still do beach days, but bring a light layer for evenings. Perfect.

See you out and about.

— Your BrightonAndHove.co editor