Brighton has been named the UK's best city for nightlife and 8th in the world in Time Out's 2026 ranking, the only UK city in the global top 20. It is the second year running Brighton has topped the UK. Here's why, and where to go.

Brighton Cocktail Festival is back from 18 to 27 September 2026 as England's biggest cocktail event, with over 50 bars, 150+ cocktails at £6, a new festival app and early-bird tickets at £15.

Two months after opening on Marine Parade, The Birdcage has thirty-two performers on its roster, eight regular series booked through to December, and gives half the proceeds of its charity cocktails to a Brighton LGBTQIA+ mental health charity

Brighton has one of the best nightlife scenes in the UK. This is where to go — clubs, cocktail bars, LGBTQ+ venues, live music and late-night spots, area by area.