The Fringe is Coming: Your 2026 Guide to Brighton

It’s February, the days are getting longer, and if you’re anything like me, your mind is already drifting towards May. That’s right, the biggest arts event in the city is just around the corner: Brighton Fringe 2026. Running from Friday, May 1st, through to Sunday, May 31st, the Fringe will once again transform Brighton and Hove into a massive, month-long stage. Now is the perfect time to start planning your schedule, especially since the next major ticket release is fast approaching.

If you missed the initial winter ticket sale, mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 18th, at 12:00 PM. That’s when the Spring Tickets go on sale to the general public, offering the next big chance to grab seats for the shows that registered before the Spring deadline (March 11th). The programme is currently being locked down, with the final deadline for inclusion in the printed brochure set for this week, Wednesday, February 11th. This means the full scope of the 2026 line-up is solidifying right now, so keep an eye on the official website for the full listings to drop soon after.

For those who love the established venues, The Old Market (TOM) in Hove is definitely one to watch. They recently won the Audience Choice Best Large Venue at the Brighton Fringe Awards 2025, which speaks volumes about the experience they offer. TOM is known for hosting a diverse range of events, from theatre and dance to comedy and music, making it a reliable hub for high-quality programming during the festival. On the open-access side, the ever-present Laughing Horse is back for its 19th year, running shows daily from May 1st to 31st. They are bringing over 150 shows to four venues this year, including The Caroline, Walrus, Temple, and the A&O Hostel, which now features a second space. Laughing Horse is particularly useful for budget-conscious fringers, as they offer a mix of paid, Pay-What-You-Want, and free shows.

One significant change for long-time festival-goers is the continued absence of The Warren. This multi-venue site, previously a major festival-within-a-festival hub, has not returned since its operating company, Otherplace Productions, faced financial difficulties. While the spirit of the Fringe remains strong across the city, those who relied on The Warren as a central social and performance spot will need to explore the other pop-up and established venues scattered across Brighton and Hove.

It’s also worth remembering that the Fringe runs alongside the curated Brighton Festival, which takes place from May 2nd to May 25th. This overlap means the city is completely saturated with arts and culture throughout the month. If you have children, the Brighton Festival has already announced the theme for its famous Children’s Parade for 2026: "Read all about it!" This event usually kicks off the main festival period and is a great way to start the month. Whether you’re looking for boundary-pushing theatre, stand-up comedy, or just soaking up the atmosphere, May in Brighton is unparalleled. Start browsing those early listings now so you’re ready for the March ticket rush.