Brighton Fringe 2026

The Brighton Fringe 2026 is set to return this May, celebrating its 21st year as an internationally acclaimed open-access art festival. It’s officially running from May 1st to May 31st, 2026, though the general duration of events often stretches from early May into early June. This festival is a fundamental part of the cultural calendar here, known for being a true melting pot of artistic expression across Brighton and Hove. Because of its open-access nature—meaning anyone can register and organize an event without selection criteria—the program always feels incredibly diverse, often described as weird, wild, and wonderful, taking place in various venues across the city.

What makes the Fringe so compelling is the sheer breadth of content. It covers every genre you can think of: Theatre, Cabaret, Comedy, Dance, Music, and those truly Experimental Performances that Brighton is famous for. But it’s not just about watching shows; the festival also hosts a wide array of Workshops and Classes, ranging from art and literature to practical skills like cooking and upholstery. If you’re keen on supporting local creators, over 30% of the events are presented by artistic companies based right here in Brighton & Hove. Conveniently, the Fringe coincides with the Artists Open Houses Festival throughout May, giving you the perfect opportunity to browse and buy art, photography, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry directly from the artists while you’re out exploring the venues.

Due to this open-access policy, the festival caters to a very broad audience, welcoming everyone from established artists and newcomers to general lovers of comedy, theatre, and diverse cultural experiences. While the focus is on the May events, it’s worth noting some organizational context: General Director Amy Keogh is scheduled to leave her post in March 2026. For artists planning ahead, the registration process opened back in October 2025, with the final deadline for all applications set for April 24th, 2026.