What's On in Brighton

Black Octopus 8th Birthday Part 1 with Danilo Plessow aka MCDE — Eight years in, Black Octopus remains one of Brighton's most treasured club institutions, and they are marking the milestone in serious style by bringing in Danilo Plessow — the Frankfurt-based maestro behind the Motor City Drum Ensemble alias — to headline an afternoon-into-evening party at Quarters Brighton from 4:00pm. Plessow's deep, hypnotic take on house and techno is the kind of thing that dissolves the hours, so don't be surprised if you lose track of time entirely. Tickets are £15–£20 and absolutely worth every penny for a night this carefully curated.

Jason Byrne: 30 Years Byrning — Three decades of making rooms erupt with laughter is not something many comedians can claim, but Jason Byrne has earned every year of it — and this tour show, landing at The Old Market at 7:30pm, promises to be a proper celebration of the chaos and craft that have made him a cult figure on the circuit. Expect thunderous physical comedy, audience interaction that could go absolutely anywhere, and the kind of warmth that only comes from someone who genuinely loves the job. Tickets are £18–£20 for an evening that will leave your cheeks aching.

The Secret Comedy Club Saturdays — The name says it all — you won't know exactly who is taking the stage until you are already settled in at the charming Artista Cafe And Gallery, which makes the whole evening feel like a wonderfully conspiratorial night out with friends. Running from 7:00pm, the format is intimate and unpredictable, with the relaxed cafe setting adding a warmth that bigger comedy venues simply cannot replicate. At £18–£20, it is a proper treat, and the mystery of the lineup is half the fun.

Founded On The Beach - Brighton — Kick off your Saturday afternoon with a bang at Horizon Nightclub, where Founded On The Beach brings its coastal-influenced club energy to Brighton from 3:00pm — a gloriously early start for those who believe the best nights begin before the sun goes down. The affordable £10–£15 entry makes it an easy yes, whether you are warming up for a full evening ahead or simply want to shake off the week in the most cathartic way possible. Few cities can pull off a mid-afternoon rave quite like Brighton, and this is a fine example of why.

Lola's Cocktail Lounge — If your Saturday night needs a touch of glamour, sequins, and theatrical mischief, Madam Lola's Cabaret And Vaudeville is the only address in town from 10:30pm onwards. The Cocktail Lounge nights here are the stuff of legend — a heady blend of live performance, outrageous characters, and perfectly mixed drinks that transport you somewhere far more decadent than an ordinary night out. Check the website for pricing and prepare to be dazzled.

System 11 - Colin Dale — Colin Dale is a name that carries genuine weight in the world of underground electronic music, and watching him work a room at The WaterBear Venue from 10:00pm feels like one of those nights you will be telling people about long after the fact. System 11 is known for digging deep into the darker, more atmospheric corners of techno and electronica, and the WaterBear's sound system does the music full justice. At a flat £12, it is one of the best-value tickets of the night for anyone serious about the music.