Artists Open Houses Festival (Winter)

The Artists Open Houses (AOH) Festival is one of those events that really defines Brighton and Hove's creative scene. It happens twice a year—once in the spring and again during the winter/Christmas season—and the concept is simple but brilliant: you get to follow routes across the city that lead you right into the homes of local artists. This unique setup allows visitors to step behind the scenes, offering a much more personal experience than a traditional gallery. Crucially, it’s a chance to buy pieces like photography, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry directly from the people who made them, making it a key destination for anyone looking for original work and supporting local talent.

If you're planning your calendar, the dates for the Spring 2026 festival are already confirmed. The AOH will run across four consecutive weekends in May. It kicks off on the first Bank Holiday weekend, specifically May 2, 3, and 4. Following that, the houses will be open on the subsequent weekends: May 9 and 10, then May 16 and 17. The final weekend coincides with the second Bank Holiday, running from May 23, 24, and 25. This structure gives plenty of opportunities to explore the different trails and areas of the city, whether you are looking for a specific medium or just enjoying the cultural atmosphere.

While the spring dates are locked in, it’s worth keeping the Winter Festival in mind for later in the year. That edition usually takes place in the run-up to Christmas, historically spanning three consecutive weekends starting in late November or early December. The event is a massive cultural draw, attracting lovers of art, collectors, and the general public interested in supporting local talent. Regardless of the season, the venue remains the same: the artists' houses themselves, spread throughout Brighton and Hove. Since the main goal is facilitating direct sales between the artist and the visitor, access to the houses is generally focused on the transaction of buying art, rather than requiring a separate ticket for entry. It’s a straightforward way to find unique pieces for your home and engage directly with the creative community.