Artists Open Houses 2026

May is just around the corner, and with it comes the return of the Artists Open Houses (AOH) festival in Brighton, Hove, Rottingdean, and Ditchling. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the event, which runs across the weekends of May 2-4, 9-10, 16-17, and 23-25. The concept remains the same as always: artists and makers open up their own homes and studios to the public, turning private living spaces into temporary galleries where you can browse and buy their work directly.

For the 2026 edition, there are 197 venues participating. The official brochure features the work of artist Alej Ez, titled 'Modern Bathers'. If you are planning your route, there are a few specific exhibitions to note. Anna Dumitriu is presenting 'BioArt Transformations' at the Regency Town House, and Mandeep Dillon is showcasing inflatable sculptures. There is also a collaboration between Art of Pepita and Fatboy Slim, alongside the family-focused exhibition 'LAND, SEA AND SKY' by the Christopherson family. If you are looking for something more interactive, 'The Dog Show' is hosting flash tattoos on May 2-3, and 'The Imposter Club' is running a series of workshops.

It is worth noting that while the event is city-wide and open to everyone, entry to the houses themselves is free. You can simply walk in, look around, and chat with the artists about their process. It is a fairly relaxed way to spend a weekend, especially if you are interested in seeing how people live and work in the area. Just be aware that if you see mentions of an event called 'Bad Taste' in your searches, that is a separate, unrelated event taking place in Charleston on June 27, 2026, so it is not part of the AOH programme.