Free Major Events

Blackpool is home to some extraordinary world-class events – and the best thing is, many of them are free to see. Make a note in your calendar to make sure you don’t miss out.

Blackpool Air Show

9–10 August
Watch in wonder as some of the world’s most incredible aircraft and aviators perform jaw-dropping aerobatics and fly-bys over Blackpool seafront, including the RAF Red Arrows and RAF Typhoon displaying on both days. Blackpool Air Show is a brilliant weekend of free family entertainment with a real festival atmosphere. Check out the full line-up.

Ride The Lights

26 August
Ride The Lights is one of the most extraordinary nights in our events calendar. For one night only, the six miles of Promenade is closed, giving cyclists an opportunity to get a safe sneak preview of the Illuminations before Switch-On.
 

Illuminations Switch-On

29 August
The big switch is pulled by an all-important celebrity, and more than a million twinkling bulbs transform the night skies with light. Can there be anything more uplifting? We think not! The Illuminations then run every night during autumn and winter.
 

Blackpool Illuminations

Nightly from 29 August
The UK’s greatest free light show returns, illuminating six miles of the Promenade. From dazzling displays to interactive installations, it’s a must-see spectacle that brightens up autumn and winter nights whether you’re walking, driving or taking the tram.

World Fireworks Championship Blackpool

13 and 27 September; 11 October
Take your place on the Tower Festival Headland and prepare to be thrilled by breath-taking firework displays synced to music as teams battle it out for the title of world champions.
 

Lightpool Festival

Now extended - 17–25 October

The award-winning Lightpool Festival returns with an amazing family-friendly free-to-see programme of light installations, 3D projection shows, art trails, and stunning live performances.

Keep an eye for update on Lightpool Festival nearer the time for full programme details.
 

Christmas By The Sea

14 November – 4 January (TBC)
The Tower Festival Headland is turned into an outdoor winter wonderland with a free-to-use skating rink. We will be unwrapping our plans for the 2025 Christmas season as we get closer to the season.