It’s scorching as we type this, but it’s felt a bit like we’ve climbed back into winter this week. Seriously, what is going on with the weather? (Do we say this every summer? Probably, sorry.) Anyway, we live in hope that it stays sunny this weekend, so we can get in plenty of terrace and rooftop basking (you’ll probably find us at Bison Beach Bar). But just to be safe, we’re packing our bags with five changes of clothes to meet all weather eventualities for a weekend full of everything from arty antics to movie magic.
Meet the artists at this studio launch
We love a nosey around artists’ studios so the Artists’ Open Houses are always some of our favourite weekends of the year. They may be over until December, but you’ve got a chance to see around the new Brighton Art Space studio this weekend and check out the group show of the eclectic range of artists in residence. This includes some of our favourite locals, such as collage artist Maria Rivans and her fantastical creations and mixed-media artist Hannah Shillito with her playful maximalist works. The (not-so-private) private view and launch is on Friday and you can enjoy the open studios and exhibition all weekend.
Friday 16th August from 6pm; Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August; 10am – 6pm;
27 Regent Street, Brighton, BN1 1UL
brightonartspace.com
Make the most of the weather at an open-air cinema
Ok, the summer weather might not be fully summering, but we live in hope. Picturehouse is kicking off the second batch of their open-air screenings at Preston Manor this weekend while Cinestock is taking over Leonardslee Gardens if you fancy a trip out of town and the chance to explore their gorgeous gardens at the same time. Leonardslee is showing musical classic Grease on Saturday and also has the added bonus of being dog-friendly – providing your dog isn’t a 24/7 barker, obviously. Bring a blanket and cushions or upgrade to a premium package with a padded chair, pillow and blanket. At Preston Park, you’ve got your pick of Little Shop of Horrors, Twilight and Jaws for your viewing pleasure this weekend. They’ve got a small number of deckchairs, so get there early if you want to nab one, otherwise bring your own picnic chairs and cushions – that slope gets mighty uncomfortable. Here, your ticket price includes a fiver towards buying food (popcorn, nachos and sweet treats) and drink on the night.
Grease: Saturday 17th August; from 7.15pm; from £16.50
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP
leonardsleegardens.co.uk
Little Shop of Horrors, Twilight and Jaws: Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August; from 7.30pm; from £17
Preston Manor, Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6SD
picturehouses.com
Celebrate the full moon with swimming (and paddling, and yoga)
Somehow it’s full moon time again. This one’s a Super Moon – the first of the year. That means it’s time for another instalment of Ruby Moon’s monthly lunar celebrations with Best Enjoyed Now and Yoga in the Lanes. Bid farewell to the last month with an evening of community swimming, yoga, dance, paddleboarding and plenty of good vibes.
Sunday August 18th; 7.30pm; free
Meet on the beach in front of Hove Lawns Cafe (look for the Ruby Moon banner)
The Lawns Cafe, Hove Promenade, Kingsway, Brighton
rubymoon.org.uk
Get your festival on in Hove, actually
The Brunswick Festival team are back with the 42nd edition of their fun August extravaganza. Organised by volunteers and local residents, you can expect a marketplace full of arts and crafts traders, eco-friendly products, local food and drink (including the Brunswick Tavern ‘boozer’); a wellbeing area with alternative therapies and massage; plus plenty of activities to get stuck into. There’s chess club, circus skills and crafty fun, for starters, not to mention a jam-packed music programme covering all the musical bases (see the line-up above). Fingers crossed for sunshine! NB: Dogs are sadly not allowed in the Square so it’s a dog-free event (with the exception of service dogs).
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August; midday – 8pm; free
Brunswick Square, Hove, BN3 1EE
brunswickfestival.org.uk
Free the nipple at this annual protest
Brighton’s been organising Free the Nipple marches since 2016 and the 2024 event takes place this Saturday. As the organisers say it’s not about being topless on Brighton beach, it’s about changing attitudes, fighting gender inequality and welcoming all bodies. Fancy getting involved? Everyone is welcome at this inclusive family-friendly event and you don’t even have to be topless to attend. Just head to the Peace Statue at Hove Lawns for 2pm for body-painting, sign-making and good music. Bring something to eat and drink (and some sun-cream/an umbrella, you never know what’s in store) and soak up the good vibes before the short march towards the Upside Down House kicks off at 3pm.
Saturday 17th August; from 2pm; free
Meet at the Peace Statue at Hove Lawns
freethenipplebrighton.wordpress.com
Get your fill of great wines at this rooftop tasting
Sassy Sommelier, aka Etch sommelier Sam Weatherill, is back with the second edition of his wine tasting pop-up, Zest Wine Club. Showcasing lesser-known regions and grapes from around the world, last month’s event was devoted to Corsica and this time around, the focus is on New York State wine. Sam’s turning the top floor – and roof terrace – of Trading Post into a cool wine bar for the night where you’ll have four generous pours of top-notch wines (including a sparkling Riesling) to taste and you’ll get to enjoy a plate of snacks (and Sam’s luscious locks) for £30.
Friday 16th August; 7pm – 11pm; £30
Trading Post, 40 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
sassysommelier.co.uk
Stock up at this creators’ market
The Black Brighton market, which showcases the talents of BIPOC entrepreneurs, has got itself a new location and this weekend it’s popping up on Madeira Drive in front of the Palace Pier. As ever, you’ll find a great atmosphere and an eclectic selection of creative goodies to browse and shop, from handmade crafts and cool fashion finds to art prints and originals.
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August; 10am – 6pm
Madeira Drive, outside the Palace Pier, BN2 1TW
blackbrighton.wordpress.com
Give your little ones the run around (the park)
If you’ve got kids, you’ll know that this weekend marks the halfway point of the summer holidays. Time flies when you’re having fun, right? Or perhaps in some cases when you’re desperately trying to keep the kids entertained without losing your sanity. But hey, don’t worry! You’re not alone in this mid-summer slump, there’s something out there for you: Junior Parkrun has launched in Queens Park and it runs (pun totally intended) whatever the weather. Kids can walk, jog or run the two-kilometre route around the park. It’s free to enter and open to all children from four to 14 – and their adults. And if you fancy volunteering, drop the gang a line at queensparkbrightonjuniors@parkrun.com.
Sunday 18th August (and every Sunday); 9am; free
Meet at Queens Park Tennis Club, Queens Park, East Drive, Brighton, BN2 0BQ
parkrun.org.uk
And if you need some more…
If you’re up for a little trip out of town and feel like heading a little further afield for your nosh, it’s also the Good Food festival at Goodwood in Chichester this weekend. Closer to home, Free Range Sounds are bringing the summer vibes back (even if the weather isn’t) to Concorde 2 for another daytime terrace party on Saturday. They’ve got a stellar line-up of UK garage, jungle, bassline and grime DJs in store.
Do you enjoy reading our weekend guide? Not a fan? Wish we’d cover something else? We’d love to hear your feedback – the good and the bad. Drop us a line at hello@brightontheinside.co.uk to let us know what you think.
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