Thinking about relocating to the coast? Brighton & Hove offers more than just sea views and a laid-back lifestyle. Come summer, the city transforms into a vibrant, outdoor playground packed with events for every age and interest. Whether you’re into live music, family-friendly festivals, or morning yoga on the beach, there’s always something happening and it’s all just a short walk or cycle from home if you're living in places like Grand Avenue, Home X, or Wharf 21. 

Summer kicks off with the return of the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe - a city-wide celebration of creativity that takes over streets, parks, and venues with live theatre, street performances, and pop-up music events. From big-name acts to community-led projects, it’s a chance to soak up culture in every corner of the city. 

Keep an eye out for beachfront gigs and sunset DJ sets throughout the summer. Brighton seafront regularly hosts free and ticketed music nights, many of which are steps from the pier. 

One of the highlights of the summer is Paddle Round the Pier, a fun and quirky beach festival celebrating water sports, live music, and community. It’s completely free to attend and raises money for local causes, so you can enjoy paddleboarding displays, local food stalls and beachside entertainment with a feel-good twist. 

Meanwhile, Hove Lawns becomes a summer hangout in its own right. Expect regular pop-up food markets, wellness events, and family-friendly entertainment, with the sea breeze and wide-open skies as your backdrop. 

Looking for something low-key or free? Try a movie night under the stars at one of Brighton’s beachside cinema evenings, or enjoy an afternoon performance from a local theatre troupe in Queen’s Park. Preston Park also hosts seasonal events and community fun days perfect for kids. 

Brighton’s seafront and parks regularly feature open-air yoga, group fitness meetups, and artisan markets-great for meeting people, staying active, or just soaking up the atmosphere. Many of these are listed through local groups and Visit Brighton’s event listings. 

Of course, no Brighton summer would be complete without Brighton & Hove Pride, the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration. From parades to parties in Preston Park, it’s a bold, colourful, and joyful celebration of inclusivity that draws visitors from around the world, yet it always retains that unmistakable Brighton community feel. 

Living in Brighton & Hove means having all this right on your doorstep - with excellent transport links to London, a buzzing social calendar, and peaceful green spaces for when you need to slow down. 

Explore what life could look like in your new coastal home at Southern Housing New Homes.