Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on 2026
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event lights up the town with over a million bulbs.
THECITYBRIEF
Blackpool
What's On in Blackpool – Events This Week & Things To Do
Blackpool right now: 12 events this week · across 3 venues · 4 categories
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Blackpool’s got soul, from the Victorian grandeur of the Tower Ballroom to the seafront energy of the Central Pier and Pleasure Beach, there's always something happening. But between work, family, and endless social media noise, the best local events and hidden gems slip past unnoticed.
That's where we come in. Every week, we cut through the clutter and deliver the stuff actually worth your time, the festivals, the community happenings, the neighbourhood stories that make Blackpool worth living in. No scrolling required. Just what matters, straight to your inbox.
A peek inside recent issues
Events in Blackpool This Weekend
Blackpool Illuminations
Blackpool Illuminations light up six miles of the Promenade with free displays and interactive installations.
Illuminations Switch-on
Blackpool's Illuminations switch-on event features a celebrity-led lighting of over a million bulbs on the Promenade.
Friday Night Laughs
Friday Night Laughs features top UK stand-up comedians performing at Blackpool's Comedy Station Comedy Club.
Queen's Park vs Greenock Morton
Football match between Queen's Park and Greenock Morton at Queen's Park venue.
Sanctuary 24th Birthday at Trilogy Nightclub , Blackpool
Sanctuary celebrates 24 years with a stacked lineup of top artists at Trilogy Nightclub in Blackpool.
Events in Blackpool This Week
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool Return For 2026
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool returns in 2026 as a major autumn event.
Ride The Lights
Free family event previewing Blackpool Illuminations with car-free routes on 1 September 2026.
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on 2026
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event lights up the town with over a million bulbs.
Blackpool Illuminations
Blackpool Illuminations light up six miles of the Promenade with free displays and interactive installations.
Illuminations Switch-on
Blackpool's Illuminations switch-on event features a celebrity-led lighting of over a million bulbs on the Promenade.
Friday Night Laughs
Friday Night Laughs features top UK stand-up comedians performing at Blackpool's Comedy Station Comedy Club.
Explore Events by Category
Looking for something specific in Blackpool?
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Upcoming Events by Category
Culture & Arts
Blackpool Illuminations
Blackpool Illuminations light up six miles of the Promenade with free displays and interactive installations.
Illuminations Switch-on
Blackpool's Illuminations switch-on event features a celebrity-led lighting of over a million bulbs on the Promenade.
Family & Kids
Ride The Lights
Free family event previewing Blackpool Illuminations with car-free routes on 1 September 2026.
Fitness & Outdoors
Queen's Park vs Greenock Morton
Football match between Queen's Park and Greenock Morton at Queen's Park venue.
Dunfermline Athletic vs Greenock Morton
Dunfermline Athletic host Greenock Morton in a Scottish football league match.
Inverness ct vs Greenock Morton
Inverness CT faces Greenock Morton in a Scottish Championship football match.
Nightlife & Music
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool Return For 2026
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool returns in 2026 as a major autumn event.
Ride The Lights
Cyclists get a safe preview of Blackpool's Illuminations during a one-night Promenade closure.
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on 2026
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event lights up the town with over a million bulbs.
Friday Night Laughs
Friday Night Laughs features top UK stand-up comedians performing at Blackpool's Comedy Station Comedy Club.
Sanctuary 24th Birthday at Trilogy Nightclub , Blackpool
Sanctuary celebrates 24 years with a stacked lineup of top artists at Trilogy Nightclub in Blackpool.
Featured Places in Blackpool
Fitness & Outdoors
China TownChina Town is a restaurant on Lytham Road, adding to Blackpool’s food options.
View Info →Food & Drink
AB PizzaAB Pizza is a pizzeria on Lytham Road in Blackpool.
View Info →Fast Food
Atelier 47Atelier 47 is a fast-food takeaway on Lytham Road in Blackpool.
View Info →Food & Drink
Cafe MeowCafe Meow, on Lytham Road in Blackpool, provides a calming space to enjoy refreshments with cats.
View Info →Restaurant
Canton ChefCanton Chef is a Chinese takeaway on Ashfield Road in Blackpool’s Bispham neighborhood.
View Info →Blackpool Places And Events Guides
Things to do in Blackpool
What’s on in Blackpool covers a broad range of activities throughout the year. You can find live music, theatre, Food & Drink experiences, Family & Kids, Shopping & Markets, markets, and fitness opportunities. From the amusement park attractions that draw families to the promenades of Bispham and South Shore, to the community arts initiatives on Topping Street, there’s always something happening across the town’s neighbourhoods.
Blackpool’s event calendar reflects its character as a seaside destination with deep cultural roots. You can find Nightlife & Music venues operating regularly, markets and shopping experiences, cultural and arts events particularly around the regenerating areas, and family-friendly activities. The Tower Ballroom and Central Pier remain focal points for entertainment, while the Forest of Bowland AONB offers outdoor pursuits for those seeking Fitness & Outdoors options beyond the seafront.
This site helps you find events this week and this weekend across all six event categories. Browse by what interests you most, explore activities by neighbourhood including Ribchester and North Shore, search by venue, or check local guides to understand what's available. Whether you're planning a night out or a daytime activity, the site’s filters and guides make it straightforward to find what’s on near you.
Common Blackpool Questions
How can I find out what's on in Blackpool this weekend?
Visit The City Brief’s this weekend listings to explore events happening across Blackpool’s neighbourhoods and venues. You can filter by event categories including Food & Drink, Family & Kids, Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Fitness & Outdoors, and Shopping & Markets. Browse by venue or neighbourhood, from central Topping Street to South Shore, to discover what’s nearby. Discover entertainment at The Tower Ballroom, seaside attractions along The Central Pier and Blackpool North Pier, or activities across residential areas like Bispham and North Shore. Our curated weekend guide helps you plan ahead effortlessly.
How often are Blackpool event listings updated?
The City Brief updates its Blackpool event listings weekly to ensure you have the latest information. Our coverage spans theatres, cultural venues, markets, food events, and outdoor activities. By checking back regularly, you’ll discover new events added throughout the week, allowing you to stay informed about opportunities in neighbourhoods like Bispham, North Shore, and central Blackpool. Regular updates mean you won’t miss entertainment.
Which Blackpool venues host the most events?
Major venues including The Tower Ballroom, Winter Gardens Blackpool, and The Pleasure Beach Amusement Park consistently host significant programming. The Central Pier and Blackpool North Pier offer seasonal entertainment, whilst venues throughout Topping Street provide arts and cultural activities as part of Blackpool's regeneration initiatives. Smaller venues across neighbourhoods like Ribchester and Cleveleys also contribute to the city’s calendar.
Where can I find live music in Blackpool?
Live music events are concentrated in venues within our Nightlife & Music category, which includes The Tower Ballroom. Central locations and entertainment districts host regular performances, whilst seasonal events like the Rebellion Festival bring major programming to Blackpool. Browse our listings to discover current performances and gigs, ensuring you find something suited to your tastes.
What kinds of events happen in Blackpool during the week?
Blackpool hosts a varied range of weekday events. Culture & Arts events include exhibitions at Harris Museum and performances at Winter Gardens Blackpool. Food & Drink activities offer dining experiences throughout the city, whilst Shopping & Markets features Abingdon Street Market. Fitness & Outdoors provides activities across Blackpool’s neighbourhoods. Our listings showcase theatre, cultural programming, and community activities across central areas and residential districts.