Free events in Blackpool announced for 2026

The dates for Blackpool's biggest selection of free events in 2026 have been officially confirmed.

Highlights include the Blackpool Air Show, World Fireworks Championships, the Illuminations and Christmas By The Sea.

The free fun kicks off with a week of family-friendly circus fun, magic and street performances to brighten up the winter months as the annual Showzam festival takes place during half term - 19 to 22 February - with events on the Comedy Carpet.

A joyful celebration of colour, community, and inclusivity is promised on the promenade as Blackpool Pride returns on 5 to 7 June for the 20th year.

Tributes, parades, and family activities honouring the nation's service personnel will take place for Armed Forces Week on 22 to 27 June.

Thousands of people will head to the promenade to watch spectacular flypasts at the annual Blackpool Air Show on 8 and 9 August.

The world's first official air show was launched at the resort in 1909.

Last year the Red Arrows wowed crowds alongside vintage aircraft in a Battle of Britain memorial flight along with displays by the world's only professional wing-walking team.

The Illuminationsare set to shine once more from 4 September - they have been lighting up the seaside resort for over 140 years.

In those early days, it was just eight arc lamps, billed as "artificial sunshine", but it is now home to more than a million LEDs.

The annual World Fireworks Championships in Blackpool will start with a bang in October, lighting up the sky over the beach in front of the Blackpool Tower, with the exact date to be announced.

Also returning for the winter season will be the Lightpool Festival - which has featured a Light Art Trail, projection shows and live performances for the last 10 years and Christmas By The Sea, where the Tower Festival Headland will again be turned into a winter wonderland.

Other free things to do in the town include, a walk down the Golden Mile from the North Pier to the South Pier, hit the beach and build a sandcastle, take a stroll in Stanley Park, or visit the Grundy Art Gallery.

There are also some milestone moments in the resort in 2026 as both Pleasure Beach Resort and the Empress Ballroom turn 130, the town waltzes into the 100th Blackpool Dance Festival, and Stanley Park celebrates its centenary.

And of course Strictly Come Dancing will be broadcast from the hallowed hall of the Tower Ballroom.

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