In collaboration with
Rough Guides
Things to do at night in Brighton
Brighton nightlife
Brighton is the jewel of England’s south coast - colourful and creative, quirky and cool. Much of the fun happens after hours, and you’ll be spoilt for things to do at night in Brighton. From the kiss-me-quick, stag and hen, messy hedonism of West St, right through to a flourishing alternative and live-music scene, the party never stops- Hit the clubs
- Listen to live music
- See a movie
- Catch a play outdoors
- Have a barrel of laughs
- Hole up in the pub
- See a cabaret show
- Feel all that jazz
Vibrant, friendly and tolerant, Brighton is a city that knows how to have fun. Hunker on down after dark for some of the best nightlife in the UK.
1. Hit the clubs
If you’re lost for what to do at night in Brighton, follow the party people to one of its fabulous clubs. From seafront venues with big-name DJs (try The Arch) to the uber-cool Green Door Store and the retro-themed club nights put on by long-running Komedia, there’s something for everyone. When you’re ready to recharge your batteries, search Brighton holidays for the perfect hotel.
Best for: Dancing the night away
Try this alternative: At Dead Wax Social, the music policy is ‘vinyls only’ - here them spin with pizza and a craft beer.
2. Listen to live music
There’s plenty of dependable, mainstream clubbing to be had in Brighton, but some of the more interesting nights are spent in smaller, quirkier venues. The Hope and Ruin is a cool indie music pub; Concorde 2 hosts big-name acts and up-and-coming musicians; while the Prince Albert is a Brighton institution - the ground floor is a spacious pub, while upstairs a small venue hosts alternative live acts of various stripes.
Best for: Music lovers of all persuasions
Try this alternative: The Latest Music Bar puts on gigs and other events in the intimate setting of the downstairs cabaret bar.
3. See a movie
There are some nights when all you want to do is curl up in front of the big screen. The Duke of York’s Picturehouse in Preston Circus is a Grade II-listed cinema, and one of the oldest still-functioning cinemas in the country - it opened way back in 1910. It has buckets of character, velvet seats and a licensed bar. The programme is a great mix of arthouse, independent and classic films, alongside live-streamed opera and ballet, all-nighters and themed evenings.
Best for: Cinema with a twist
Try this alternative: If you don’t want to trek out to Preston Circus, there’s always Dukes at Komedia, its sister cinema in North Laine.
4. Catch a play outdoors
The Brighton Open Air Theatre - or BOAT - operates from May to September, and catching a play al fresco is one of the top things to do in Brighton. The theatre hosts national touring productions, local theatre and some music, comedy, screenings and spoken-word events. As is usual in Brighton, all tastes are catered for.
Best for: A theatre experience to remember
Try this alternative: The Brighton Dome - housed in the Royal Pavilion’s former stables - is home to three venues (all inside).
5. Have a barrel of laughs
If you’ve not been to a comedy show before, you’re in for a treat. Brighton institution Komedia is a fantastic arts venue hosting comedy and cabaret, while theatre, comedy and live music all feature on the programme of stylish The Old Market (TOM). Just don’t sit in the front row unless you’ve nerves of steel.
Best for: Collapsing with the giggles
Try this alternative: The Marlborough Pub & Theatre specialises in provocative LGBTQ theatre, music, comedy and spoken-word events.
6. Hole up in the pub
Brighton has an illustrious history of catering to drinkers and partygoers - in 1860 the town boasted 479 pubs and beer shops (that’s more than the combined number of all the other local shops!). Though drinking spots no longer make up the majority of the town’s businesses, the perfect pub and tipple can still be found on all corners, from traditional boozers to indie hangouts.
Best for: Catching up with friends
Try this alternative: Brighton is also home to an array of sleek and chic cocktail bars if that’s more your scene.
7. See a cabaret show
Brighton is famous for its legendary cabaret clubs, and you shouldn’t visit the city without booking a show. Proud Cabaret is a decadent burlesque and cabaret venue, where evenings kick off with dinner and a show, before the tables are cleared away for dancing. You’ll be swept off your feet.
Best for: A true Brighton experience
Try this alternative: The Rialto Theatre offers cabaret in a Grade II-listed building; the main space is upstairs, plus there’s a less formal studio bar downstairs.
8. Feel all that jazz
Jazz lovers should make for Casablanca Jazz Club without delay. Established in 1980, this Brighton stalwart has ensured its longevity with a dependable mix of jazz, funk, Latin and disco, washed down with cheap drinks. Head downstairs for live bands and to salsa ‘til you sweat.
Best for: Blues brothers and soul sisters
Try this alternative: Make for cocktail bar Bohemia on a Thursday night for the Jazz Lounge, when you can listen to sweet jazzy sounds from your candlelit table.
