Best Events In The UK 2026

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By Scarlett Welch • Editor, DesignMyNight Scarlett has covered the UK's best restaurants, bars and events for DesignMyNight since 2023. She holds an MA in Media & Journalism, with bylines in The Crack magazine and South London News, among others. Last updated on 30th October 2026

With such a wealth of stunning cities, and things to do at that, it's no wonder you're after ideas on where to go. From stunning cinema screenings and heralded supper clubs, to dazzling circus shows and secret affairs, there's no stopping us on the discovery of the best events in the UK this 2026.




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Sussex: SAT 5 DEC SUSSEX CABARET EXTRAVAGANZA Launch night includes ⭐ TONY MOORE ⭐ MADAM GALINA⭐ PRESIDENT OBONJO⭐ JUDIT CIRCUS⭐ ANTHONY DFLPS

@ King Edward Hall on Sat, 5th Dec 2026 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

Sussex Cabaret is bringing world-class entertainment to King Edward Hall on 5th December for a festive edition of their spectacular show featuring award-winning cabaret, live music, comedy and circus acts. 

Get blown away by the array of talent on stage as you enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco and order food platters to tuck into as the entertainment unfolds around you. The night will even feature a special performance from former Cutting Crew and Iron Maiden member Tony Moore. 

Oxford: The Cape Of Good Hope

A brilliant local pub in Oxford, The Cape Of Good Hope is home to all kinds of fantastic events - many of which are even free to attend. They regularly show live sports, as well as hosting tribute acts and other performances.

Fancy getting involved yourself? You'll also find karaoke sessions, quiz nights, poker competitions and so much more. Enjoy refreshing pints wile you're here, alongside tasty plates like smoked bacon and brisket burgers, chicken schnitzel or loaded nachos.

Stoke: Factory Floor

Get swept up in all the fun happening at the QUARTER at Potbank's new event space, the Factory Floor. Their eclectic events lineup involves everything from themed craft workshops to tarot card readings and more upbeat parties centred around seasonal celebrations and throwback music – including an 80s DJ night. 

If there's a public holiday coming up, you can bet they're going all-out for the occasion – this winter, they're even hosting a family-friendly buffet breakfast featuring Anna and Elsa from Frozen. 

Sheffield: Thirsty Work Sip and Paint Parties

Thirsty Work Sip and Paint Parties offer fantastic, fun-filled evenings that are a little bit different to your usual catch-up with friends. Grab your tickets and release your inner artist, whether you fancy a cowgirl-themed event or painting your own wine glass. All materials, as well as guidance, will be provided, alongside a complimentary welcome bellini to get the good times rolling. 

UK-Wide: YO!

Fan of the ol' maki or dragon roll? Ever thought about learning to make your own? Now you can with YO! Head to one of its best-loved Sushi School events to learn some epic knife skills, all about this Japanese dish, alongside rolling your own to take home with you. Yes, please.

London: Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 19th December 2026

If you're looking to see London in a whole new way, then set off on a Silent Sounds Boat Party  down the Thames. Not only will you get to enjoy the sights along the river, but you'll also be boogieing to classics, pop and hip hop tunes played directly to your headphones.

There's a bar on each deck to keep you fuelled throughout, and multiple DJs to choose from, all bringing different vibes. Plus, you can attend the afterparty at Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch to keep the fun going.

Birmingham: The Toymakers' Grotto

@ Merry Hill on Various dates from Friday 20th November 2026

Enjoy an interactive 35-minute journey inside Santa's secret workshop at The Toymakers' Grotto at Merry Hill.

Children band together in small groups of 8 to 10 to tackle a crucial toy-making duty alongside festive helpers before stepping inside for their personal chat with Santa. It's a joyful experience and an absolute must-visit for families looking to add extra magic to their holiday season.

London: Ale Hunters

From fun beer tastings to tours of London's best breweries and pubs, Ale Hunters is the perfect experience for beer lovers. Explore the capital's finest craft brew hotspots or chill out at home as you learn all about the hoppy stuff.

London: Brixton Jamm

Get on down to Brixton Jamm in South London for all kinds of fun. Not only can you catch big sporting matches here, but also live band karaoke and whacky themed quizzes, around Peep Show, Lord of the Rings and more. Plus, this joint is known for its wild weekends, so stay to party the night away as you please.

Beer Tours of Lewes

@ Beer Tours Of Lewes on Saturday 7th November 2026 and 2 other Saturdays

Swap the usual pub crawl for a guided beer adventure around Lewes, the historic market town with some serious brewing credentials. Your ticket includes an easy-paced afternoon walk, fresh tastings selected by an industry expert and visits to local favourites John Harvey, Beak Brewery and Abyss Brewing Co.

Meet at Cliffe Bridge at 1pm, come thirsty for knowledge and beer, then enjoy the route until 4.30pm.

Northampton: Fireworks Night @ The Brampton Halt

@ Brampton Halt on Fri, 6th Nov 2026 @ 18:00 - 22:00

Returning for 2026, The Brampton Halt's popular annual fireworks night is one that you don't want to miss. The event promises an impressive fireworks display, accompanied by live music from the Fat Cat Brass Band.

A variety of hot and cold drinks will be available from the indoor and outdoor bars, while the barbecue and hog roast menu will provide plenty of hearty food options. Alternatively, you can make an evening of it by enjoying a meal in the restaurant before the event starts.

Peak District: Musicals at The Maynard: A Dinner Cabaret at The Maynard

@ The Maynard on Thursday 12th November 2026 and 2 other dates

Step into the world of the West End this April at Musicals at The Maynard. Derbyshire native and seasoned West End performer Tom Pearce and fellow theatre professional Tim Walton are putting on a spectacular dinner cabaret experience, celebrating some of musical theatre's most iconic songs.

Between musical numbers, the duo will share personal stories, backstage secrets and theatrical banter to give you a rare insight into some of the industry's most celebrated productions. Tickets start from just £11.

Exeter: Bonfire and Fireworks Night 2026

@ Double Locks on Sat, 7th Nov 2026 @ 17:00 - 23:00

On the outskirts of Exeter, Double Locks is once again hosting its legendary Bonfire Night this November. The night begins with live music from Dirty Money, promising rock 'n' roll hits before the sky lights up with fireworks at 7pm.

There'll be multiple bars open for drinks all evening, as well as a burger shack and barbecue if you get peckish.

UK-Wide: ZANDERNATION BOUNCE BINGO

Bounce Bingo by ZANDERNATION is touring some of Scotland's biggest bingo venues in 2026 as part of its 5th birthday celebrations. It's a standout event thanks to its mix of music, prize giveaways, and interactive moments like dance-offs and conga lines.

With stops in Glasgow, Paisley, Drumchapel, and more, it's one of the more memorable party-style events this year. Great for groups, it's lively, well-organised, and full of energy from start to finish.

London: Ballie Ballerson

Discounts available on certain events

Fronting themed events and bottomless brunches, Ballie Ballerson host some of the best London events. Get ready to dive nose-deep into their huge ball pit and be sure to check out their scrumptious pizzas and tantalising tipples to boot.

Aberdeen: Palm Court Hotel

Situated in Aberdeen, Palm Court Hotel is a great venue filled with tonnes of activities to do. Get stuck into everything from live music nights to a fun quiz and a themed afternoon tea. Plus, you can tuck into Scottish cuisine if you get a bit peckish.

London & Liverpool: Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Wednesday 4th November 2026

Situated in London and Liverpool, The Moonshine Saloon is bringing you a cracking good time. Discover their secret bar for a night of cowboys, moonshine, cocktails and sheriffs who will be breathing down your neck. Don't forget to smuggle in your own booze.

Bedford: Brewpoint

With a state-of-the-art brewery just metres from the bar, the beer's as fresh as it gets at Brewpoint. That's just one of many incredible reasons to pay a visit. 

There's always something to keep you entertained here, from bingo with a hip hop twist to Barryoke with the legendary Barry From Eastenders. Whatever takes your fancy, tickets start from just £14.30.

UK-Wide: Popworld

Whether you're in Derby or Swansea, there's no place like Popworld for an epic night out. From Karaokestar Thursdays to day parties and quirky bingo, head down to your local retro-themed pop venue to boogie the stress away.

UK-Wide: Coyote Ugly

With venues in Swansea, Blackpool, Birmingham and more, Coyote Ugly is a fun, Nashville-themed bar that hosts a whole load of wild events. Not only is this a great shout for nights out, but they offer fun goings-on in the daytime too.

Their hoedown bottomless brunch starts from as little as £25 per person, promising 90 minutes of unlimited pizza, beer and bubbles. What's more, you can attend cowboy-style dance classes on Saturdays.

Eastbourne: The View Hotel

Right on the Eastbourne seafront, The View Hotel serves up a packed events calendar with its sensational sea views. Expect everything from bottomless brunches to themed parties like 70s, 80s and disco nights.

Whether you're celebrating something special, getting together with friends or fancy a night out just because, this place has just what you need. The best part is, tickets start from just £22.

Oxford: Becky's Bottomless Brunch

@ Backseat Becky's on Saturday 7th November 2026 and 10 other Saturdays

Head to The Breakfast Club's tropical tiki cocktail bar in Oxford to join Backseat Becky's for their bottomless brunch. Tickets start from £35 per person and include two hours of free-flowing prosecco, Bucks Fizz, plus one of the quirky joint's signature dishes of your choice. Wolf down the likes of eggs Benedict, sandwiches loaded with sausage patties, crispy bacon and American cheese, plus all-American pancakes.

UK-Wide: Taste + Liquor

With UK events next week across Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, London and more, Taste + Liquor are offering some of the best brunches. They are giving you free-flowing booze to music-filled evenings and killer themes - think your fave 90s throwbacks.

Dumfries, Scotland: The Globe Inn

The Globe Inn, established in 1610, is brimming with history – providing the basis for its exciting events calendar. It's widely known as late great poet Robert Burns' favourite pub, where he used to write, entertain and often spend the night there. Join an intimate guided tour led by an award-winning storyteller, detailing the secrets behind Burns' time here and how it inspired his poetry. 

Events also include a wine and cheese afternoon, Hogmanay feast and Burns celebration involving a decadent five-course tasting menu designed by an award-winning chef, and live entertainment. 

UK-Wide: UKG Bingo

After some of the UK's best events? Venture to cities across the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, London, Sheffield and beyond, where you'll get to let loose to UKG Bingo's epic roster of shindigs. Expect live DJ sets, dance-offs, prizes and a whole lotta games to get stuck into. If you're throwing a bash, opt for a party package.

London: See Your City

From Jack the Ripper walking tours to spooky ghost hunts and cheese crawls, this series of cool walking tours is one of the best ways to learn more about the city you're in. See Your City really are bringing some of the best events in the UK to London.

London: Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Wednesday 4th November 2026

Step into a world of sorcery, potions and mystery at Hexmoor - the fortress for wizarding criminals. The planet's first immersive, wizarding prison bar combines interactive theatre, film-like set design and magical special effects to transport you to another world.

After donning your jumpsuit, you'll craft magical cocktails with the potioneer convicts, and become part of the show as you strive to fulfill a prophecy and win the freedom of both the cell block and humanity. Tickets to this epic experience from the creators of Alcotraz, Avora and Moonshine Saloon start from just £56.60.

London: Dabbers Bingo

Dabbers are hosting epic bingo experiences across London that are sure to keep you on your toes. Expect a raucous event complete with high-octane themed rounds, hilarious hosts, heaps of prizes and a load of laughs along the way.

Buxton: Trackside @ Buxton Brewery

It may be the official taproom of the Buxton Brewery, but Trackside is more than just a bar. Along with the freshest pints, it serves up a dedicated games lounge, cinema screen and jam-packed events calendar.

Whatever you're into, there's something here to take your fancy. We're talking film nights, pool competitions, egg hunts, live sport screenings and tributes to the biggest acts on the planet from ABBA and Oasis to Madness and Taylor Swift.

UK-Wide: Slug & Lettuce

Why wait for the weekend to start? At Slug & Lettuce venues nationwide, Flamingo Fridays kicks things off in style - think cocktails, classics, and live music that gets the whole bar singing. Whether you're planning ahead or just rolling in, every Friday brings a guaranteed good time.

With party tunes, playful vibes, and a splash of pink, it's the UK's brightest excuse to grab your mates and start the weekend right.