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🐦 Bank Holiday Madness: Theatre, Markets & Fiestas

🐦 Bank Holiday Madness: Theatre, Markets & Fiestas

Award-winning sushi boats in Hove, summer fiestas, foodie festivals and vintage finds at the Racecourse, it's the most packed weekend to date!

Ben Watkins
May 01, 2026

☀️ Hello, Brightonians!

It’s a record-breaking weekend of events this bank holiday, with Brighton Fringe and Brighton Festival helping provide over 50 events, and that’s not even including the live music! We’ve also got two features on a pair of Hove independents, with one combining books, coffee and art and the other combining sushi, donburi and cocktails.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

🎪 Immersive rebellion and circus at Black Rock
🍣 Award-winning Japanese mastery in Hove
🧺 Seasonal harvests and antiques at the markets
📚 Coffee, art, and community on Portland Road

1/5/2026 - 4/5/2026

🍏 Foodies Festival

🕣 12pm, Sat, Sun & Mon
📍 Preston Park

Preston Park is turning into a massive food hub with top chefs doing masterclasses and plenty of live music. You can graze your way through the stalls and pick up some proper cooking tips while you’re at it.

🎟️ Check the Schedule

🌑 KlangHaus: Darkroom

🕣 1pm, Sat
📍 Brighton Dome

This is a heavy, multi-sensory dive into the climate crisis through sound and light inside the Dome’s basement. It’s a total wake-up call that’s as uncomfortable as it is beautiful to experience.

🎟️ More Info

🎪 carnation

🕣 2pm, Sat
📍 Black Rock

This is massive immersive circus at Black Rock about the power of rebellion and hope. You’ll get live music alongside some seriously impressive aerial work in a custom-built space.

🎟️ Book Tickets

🧺 Sussex Peasant Spring Market

🕣 9am, Sat
📍 Queens Park

Head down to Queens Park to meet the actual farmers and producers bringing the best of the season to the city. It’s a proper farm-to-table market where you can sample fresh food and stock up on the good stuff.

🎟️ More Info

🌶️ Latino Summer Fiesta

🕣 6:30pm, Sat
📍 Ralli Hall

Ralli Hall is opening up for a night of salsa and Latin tunes that’s perfect even if you’ve got two left feet. It’s all about the social energy and getting stuck into the dance floor with a friendly crowd.

🎟️ Event Details

👑 Drag in the Park

🕣 7pm, Sat
📍 Brighton Open Air Theatre

Alfie Ordinary is taking over BOAT for an open-air drag party that’s basically essential viewing this weekend. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and catch some of the city's best performers under the sun.

🎟️ See the Lineup

🏺 Antiques and Vintage Fair

🕣 9:30am, Sun
📍 Brighton Racecourse

The Racecourse is packing in 180 stalls of vintage finds alongside live swing music for a proper Sunday browse. It’s the best place in the city to hunt for something unique while avoiding the usual high street crowds.

🎟️ More Info

👑 Monarchs Anonymous

🕣 6pm, Mon
📍 Rotunda Theatre

Imagine Henry VIII and Marie Antoinette in group therapy trying to work through their massive egos and historical baggage. It’s a hysterical Fringe show that’s basically a high-stakes, royal version of a modern sit-com.

🎟️ Tickets & More

☀️ Sunshine Books, Art & Coffee

This is the kind of spot you’ll only find in Brighton, a true community hub located near the seafront amongst a cluster of independent shops. It’s a hybrid space where you can grab a brew, browse their library, and admire local artwork all under one roof. The atmosphere is incredibly laid-back, making it a reliable shout for a quiet afternoon with a book or a Saturday morning catch-up with mates.

The menu is a win for both meat-eaters and veggies, serving up everything from a hearty full English to fresh salads and vegan cakes. They’re big on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients while keeping the prices properly decent, which is a rare find this close to the beach. Whether you're after a quick takeaway or a long, lazy brunch, the quality is always spot on.

Ed and the rest of the team have earned a reputation for being exceptionally friendly and down-to-earth with every visitor. It’s an inclusive place for all, including furry friends with well-behaved dogs welcome both inside the cafe and out on the terrace. You’ll often find locals gathering here for art classes or just a long, lazy brunch that never feels rushed.

Families are particularly well looked after with a dedicated play area, children’s books, and plenty of highchairs. The relaxed atmosphere makes it just as good for a quiet afternoon of reading as it is for a noisy family catch-up. It’s a treasured Hove spot that manages to balance great value with a vibe that feels like a home away from home.

📍 110-112 Portland Rd, Hove
🕒 9-5pm (Mon-Sat), 10-4pm (Sun)
🔗 Visit their website & see the menu

🍣 Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi has brought a high-end Japanese dining experience to Church Road that expertly pairs traditional techniques with fresh, local ingredients. The name refers to a Japanese philosophy celebrating simplicity and the beauty of authenticity, a concept that owners Ken and Sukita have placed at the very core of their business. Since launching, the restaurant has quickly earned its place as one of the best spots on a road packed with heavy-hitting restaurants, picking up awards for both its exceptional sushi and lunch offerings.

The interior design strikes a clever balance between contemporary flair and heritage, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the room with natural light and vibrant pops of colour. Guests pass through a traditional torii gate to find a space decorated with cherry blossoms and maple leaves, where they can choose to sit at the sushi counter or retreat to intimate wooden booths. Every corner of the venue has been designed to transport you to Japan and some of its most iconic sights, from the modern neon signs of Tokyo at the front to the atmospheric paper lanterns that hang in the Kyoto-style seating area at the back.

The menu offers a deep dive into Japanese culinary art, ranging from delicate sashimi and hand-rolled maki to comforting bowls of hearty donburi (rice-bowls) and rich Japanese curry. For a more social experience, you can order signature sharing platters and impressive sushi boats that showcase the chefs' technical skills and commitment to using premium, seasonal produce. To complement the meal, the bar serves an extensive selection of speciality sake and spirits, including Japanese gin and inventive cocktails like the matcha-infused ‘Matcha Tea-Ni’.

The restaurant is also a family-friendly destination that provides a dedicated kids' menu alongside easy-to-use training chopsticks for younger guests. It is a standout addition to Hove that successfully delivers a sophisticated dining experience without losing the warmth of a local, family-run independent.

📍 121 Church Road, Hove
🕒 12-3pm & 5-10pm (Mon-Thu), 12-10pm (Fri-Sun)
🔗 Book a table & see the menus

1/5/2026 - 4/5/2026

Fri

🐝 A Head Full Of Bees | 5pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
A solo comedy play exploring the intersection of motherhood and creativity. More Info

🏆 Best of the Fest | 6:30pm, Fri @ Artista
A curated showcase of top comedy acts performing in the upcoming Brighton Fringe. More Info

💃 Brighton Bellesque | 7pm, Fri @ Horizon
A burlesque show focused on movement and body confidence. More Info

🇷🇺 Chekhovian | 9pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
A play exploring the personal life and struggles of Russian writer Anton Chekhov. More Info

🔥 Celebrating Beltane | 6pm, Fri @ Plot 22 Hove
A community event marking the season with meditation and movement under the full moon. More Info

🏛️ Eurydice | 7pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
A modern gig-theatre adaptation of the classic Greek myth set in the underworld. More Info

🎙️ The Final Episode | 7pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
A thriller play about a podcast host who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy. More Info

🤡 Kate-Lois Elliott: TRAD | 9pm, Fri @ Presuming Ed
A stand-up comedy show examining modern relationships and monogamy. More Info

🥪 TOAST | 6pm, Fri @ Caxton Arms
A two-person play about friendship set during the end of the world. More Info

Sat

🎭 Brighton Fringe: Saving Myself | 7pm, Sat @ The Lantern Theatre
A visceral solo drama centred on folklore and half-remembered rituals. More Info

🎪 carnation | 2pm, Sat @ Black Rock
A large-scale immersive circus performance about hope and rebellion with live music. More Info

🦖 Battle of the Reefs! | 2pm, Sat @ Artista
A comedic and scientific exploration to determine the world's best reef. More Info

☕ Big Bite-Size Breakfast | 10am, Sat @ Ironworks Studios
A theatrical café experience featuring ten-minute plays served with coffee. More Info

🤣 The Comedy Experiment | 4pm, Sat @ Brighton City Centre
An afternoon comedy session featuring a guest appearance from a famous TV comedian. More Info

🏳️‍🌈 The Curtain Club Revival | 7:30pm, Sat @ Queens Hotel
A community event celebrating the heritage of a legendary local LGBTQ+ venue. More Info

👑 Drag in the Park | 7pm, Sat @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
An alfresco drag extravaganza hosted by Alfie Ordinary. More Info

🍏 Foodies Festival | 12pm, Sat, Sun, Mon @ Preston Park
A food and drink festival featuring masterclasses from chefs and live music. More Info

🔞 He's 6 Years Older Than Me | 5pm, Sat @ The Lantern Theatre
A train-of-thought comedy exploring past sexual encounters and memories. More Info

👠 Kinder | 5pm, Sat @ The Lantern Theatre
A performance by an award-winning drag artist forced to pull out all the stops. More Info

🧺 Sussex Peasant Spring Event | 9am, Sat @ Queens Park
A seasonal market featuring local food producers and samples of regional farm products. More Info

🌑 KlangHaus: Darkroom | 1pm, Sat @ Brighton Dome
An immersive multi-sensory installation regarding the climate crisis. More Info

🦄 Percy Nyx: Prince Of Dreams | 5:30pm, Sat @ Komedia
A theatrical cabaret show exploring the intersections of identity and gender. More Info

💃 Rockin' Rendezvous | 3pm, Sat @ Saltdean Lido
A community dance event featuring swing and jive hits from the 40s and 50s. More Info

👪 Sid Ozalid | 3:45pm, Sat @ Ironworks Studios
An interactive comedy and nonsense show designed for family audiences. More Info

🌶️ Latino Summer Fiesta | 6:30pm, Sat @ Ralli Hall
A social evening featuring beginner-friendly salsa and Latin entertainment. More Info

🐛 Stories With Skip | 10:15am, Sat @ Theatre Royal
A theatrical introduction for young children involving interactive storytelling. More Info

🎉 Summer Shakedown | 6pm, Sat @ The Railway Inn
A social gathering featuring party music for the early bank holiday. More Info

🌀 Infinite Skies | 10am, Sat @ Phoenix Gallery
An art installation and soundscape focused on indigo-dyed textiles. More Info

⚧️ TransAtlantic | 8:30pm, Sat @ Komedia
A stand-up show exploring transgender identity with sharp comedic wit. More Info

💼 The Workplace | 2pm, Sat @ The Lantern Theatre
An improvised sitcom performance based entirely on audience suggestions. More Info

Sun

👑 ABBA Gold | 7:30pm, Sun @ Komedia
A tribute performance celebrating the greatest hits of the Swedish pop icons. More Info

🎤 Alexander Bennett: All It Takes | 7pm, Sun @ Caroline Of Brunswick
A work-in-progress stand-up show from the Chortle-nominated comedian. More Info

☘️ B*Witched | 11am, Sun @ Preston Park
A live pop performance featuring 90s hits like 'C'est La Vie' in the park. More Info

✨ Be The Light | 1pm, Sun @ Blatchington Mill School
A performance art piece using light and dance to explore joy. More Info

👣 Bluff Creek | 5pm, Sun @ The Lantern Theatre
A new play regarding the men behind the 1967 Bigfoot footage. More Info

🏺 Antiques and Vintage Fair | 9:30am, Sun @ Brighton Racecourse
An indoor market with over 180 stalls and live swing music. More Info

🕺 Brighton Soul Alldayer | 1pm, Sun @ King & Queen
A social event featuring soul, funk, and disco rarities played on vinyl. More Info

📖 Michael Rosen & MC Grammar | 2pm, Sun @ Brighton Dome
A family-friendly performance pairing the poetry icon with the rapping teacher. More Info

🎭 Niusia | 5pm, Sun @ The Lantern Theatre
A play concerning a Holocaust survivor and the experience of refugee life. More Info

🥣 The Pottery Workshop | 2pm, Sun @ Pottery Gagliano
A creative workshop where participants hand-build their own pasta bowls. More Info

🪒 Bald Personality Disorder | 8:30pm, Sun @ Caxton Arms
An alternative comedy show featuring a live shaving performance. More Info

👨‍⚕️ Shrink Wrapped | 6:30pm, Sun @ Artista
A show where a psychologist analyses the sets of comedians live on stage. More Info

🎈 Skysteamer to Athens | 4pm, Sun @ The Walrus
A steampunk storytelling show featuring airships and puppets. More Info

💃 Sunday Kind Of Soul | 3pm, Sun @ Queens Hotel
A bank holiday soul alldayer featuring headline DJ Ian Levine. More Info

🤣 Tadiwa Mahlunge | 5:30pm, Sun @ Komedia
A comedy show exploring the performer's ambition and refugee background. More Info

Mon

📖 Julia Knight: Songs of Joy & Justice | 1:30pm, Mon @ The Actors
A collection of comedy and parody songs highlighting life's absurdities and injustices. More Info

🤼 Kapow May Day Wrestling | 2pm, Mon @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A family-friendly wrestling showcase headlined by an all-women's tag team match. More Info

👣 Bluff Creek | 5pm, Mon @ The Lantern Theatre
A new play regarding the men behind the famous 1967 Bigfoot footage. More Info

👑 Monarchs Anonymous | 6pm, Mon @ Rotunda Theatre
A historical comedy where infamous royals gather to discuss their feelings in therapy. More Info

🎼 Evangeline | 7pm, Mon @ The Lantern Theatre
A new musical tracing the rocky life and career of a West End survivor. More Info

🎤 Geoff Norcott: Basic Bloke 2 | 7:30pm, Mon @ The Forge Comedy Club
A stand-up show from the comedian known for his conservative political commentary. More Info

🕯️ Ghost Light | 9pm, Mon @ The Lantern Theatre
A chilling Victorian ghost story following a man’s journey into the London Ghost Club. More Info

Live Music