As we heard someone else say this week, at what point does a heatwave just become… summer? It’s a good question, and we might have an answer when we no longer feel like a pig on a spit.
Until then, we’ve got our master list of Brighton spots with air con, terrace takeovers, brand new markets, a free fitness festival, walks with added wine, and new bars to (maybe) chill out in. And that’s just for starters. Stay cool, BOTI gang, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
FRIDAY
Head to a cool new spot on Elm Grove
After a couple of soft-launch nights, Outgrown – the much-awaited new neighbourhood bar from Vine Bar’s Luke – is officially opening on Elm Grove on Friday at 4pm. Serving natural wine, cocktails and beer and featuring cool neon artworks and wine on tap, it’s a very welcome addition to the area. You can just hear the Hanover and Lewes Road residents rejoicing (that will be us then). For more newness and foodie hits, check out our other picks of the week here.
Find your weekend soundtrack
Super-cool independent record store Capsule Records are taking over Babble’s terrace all weekend, bringing DJs, vinyl and a carefully curated soundtrack of deep house, jazz-funk and Latin beats to one of Hove’s best spots. Drop in for an hour or settle in for the long haul, a Sunday BBQ or some sundowners – it’s easy to while away the hours here. Also it’s going to be a scorcher and Babble have aircon if the heat on the terrace gets too much (more on that below).
Fri & Sat; 5 – 10pm; and Sun 1 – 6pm; free
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Laugh for a good cause
Brighton’s comedy scene is coming together for one night only, with a stacked line-up including Theo Litson, William Stone and Paggy taking to the stage to raise money for earthquake relief in Venezuela. Bring your own drinks, settle in for a night of laughs and know your ticket is helping support relief efforts on the ground.
Fri; 7pm; from £9.38
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READ ALSO: 13 food and drink happenings to have on your radar this week
Make friends over rice balls
Japanese grocery store Kantenya is hosting laid-back onigiri-making socials where you’ll learn to roll three different rice balls (vegan option available) before tucking in together. Alongside complimentary Japanese barley tea, there’ll be plenty of chat, hands-on guidance and friendly vibes.
Fri; 6pm and 7.30pm; £22.40
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Catch a beach party by the West Pier
It’s the perfect time for another beach party. After all, it’s sunny and there’s a cool-ish breeze coming in off the sea doing a good job at standing in for aircon. Hot off the heels of their last few brilliant nights, Brighton Sunset Sessions are back on the prom by the bandstand on Friday with another open mic night across all genres, featuring live DJs, jamming, live hip hop cypher and more. It’s free, it’s outdoors and it always brings out the best crowds. Bring sunscreen and good vibes!
Fri; from 6.30pm; free
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READ ALSO: Work up a sweat at Brighton Fitness Festival
SATURDAY
Take the plunge
Whether you’re dipping a toe into open water swimming or chasing a new personal best, Swim Brighton’s annual swimming event has a distance for you. There’s a beginner-friendly 750m sea swim or a more challenging 2.5km course, both taking place between Brighton Palace Pier and the Marina. It’s all organised by Sea Lanes in partnership with Brighton Tri Club and Brighton Surf Life Saving Club – a pretty spectacular way to spend a Saturday morning and cool off on what’s supposed to be a very hot day.
Sat; from 7.15am; from £37.50
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Discover Brighton’s newest makers’ market
Skip the mass-produced stuff – Brighton’s getting a brand new market packed with more than 50 independent makers, artists and creatives under one roof. Expect everything from ceramics and prints to jewellery, knitwear and homeware, with coffee from Easylife and pastries from Berkson Bakes to keep your browsing energy levels topped up. And yes, the more indie makers markets, the better.
Sat; 11am – 4pm
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Find your new favourite community club night
If you’re bored of the same old dancefloors, this community club night from 126 is well worth your time. They’re known for putting on some of the coolest audiovisual nights you haven’t heard of (now you have). This time, they’re transforming Fabrica with their immersive visuals, a Funktion-One sound system, and a line-up featuring Jazzy Sport London’s Nina Yamada and Rinse FM resident Lila. Throw in a drawing wall, screen-printing, a friendly crowd and a dancefloor that genuinely feels welcoming, and it’s easy to see why every edition sells out.
Sat; from 8pm; from £12.50
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Gather round for a campfire concert
The Nest Collective, the not-for-profit behind some of the UK’s most magical outdoor gigs, is bringing its intimate Campfire Club series back to the Earthship – Brighton’s remarkable eco-building made from old car tyres and other reclaimed materials. There will be intimate performances from Scottish indie-folk artist Rachel Sermanni and Ceitidh Mac, whose atmospheric blend of cello, vocals and electronic elements sounds like the perfect fit for the setting. This is one for anyone who likes their live music a little less ordinary. And if you can’t make this weekend, they’re back again with different musicians on 25th July and 15th August.
Sat; 7pm; £23
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See TBOY take over Helm
If Brighton’s street art scene is your thing, this launch night’s worth booking a (free) ticket for. Helm Gallery is giving the space over to TBOY, with exclusive new works, music, drinks and the chance to meet the artist behind the takeover. Affordable art, good vibes – it’s the excuse we didn’t need to spend an evening in one of Brighton’s coolest gallery spaces.
Sat; 6pm – 10pm; free
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SUNDAY
Have a day of yoga by the sea
Swap your usual Sunday lie-in for downward dogs on the beach (by the i360) at this feel-good fundraiser from the Brighton Natural Health Foundation. Eight teachers from local studios will lead classes throughout the day, with everything from breathwork and gentle flow to a cacao circle and community mandala. Mats are provided, beginners are welcome, and while tickets operate on a donation basis, the event is free for anyone who can’t afford to pay.
Sun; 11am – 5pm
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READ ALSO: A sparkling wine bar is popping up at the Royal Pavilion for summer
Catch live jazz in the Rose Garden
The Rotunda Café’s monthly jazz sessions have moved to Preston Park’s Rose Garden, and it’s hard to imagine a nicer – or more fragrant – setting. Expect two hours of live jazz and easy listening from Lucy Pickering’s house band, joined this month by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Charlotte Glasson. Coffee, cake, a glass of wine and a sunny Sunday afternoon? Sold.
Sun; 5pm – 7pm; £13.70
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GET OUTTA TOWN
Walk for wine and music
If you fancy a bit of fresh air, good company and a glass (or three) of excellent wine, The Wild Stride has your name on it. This intimate one-day hiking and music festival starts with a 19km coastal walk from Hastings, stops for an acoustic session among the vines at Charles Palmer Vineyard, before finishing at Tibbs Farm near Rye for live music, local food and camping. And if you’re not up for the full hike, you can just join at the vineyard for the final 6km or head straight to the festival instead.
Sat; from £33
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Swap the studio for a vineyard
Pilates with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Fettle & Birch are bringing their dynamic Pilates class out into the vines at Everflyht Vineyard, just outside Brighton, where you’ll flow among the rows before rewarding yourself with a coffee (or something a little sparklier from the cellar door).
Sat; 9am; £10
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