Guess what? May Half-term is here, the last big break before summer officially begins! With hopefully balmy days, long light evenings and a packed calendar of fun, there’s no better time to head to the UK’s favourite seaside resort.
Blackpool’s buzzing with new and returning events, so why not join us for a well-deserved dose of seaside fun? Check out some exciting highlights below:
Blackpool Comedy Festival - 24 May–1 June
Various venues
Get ready to laugh your socks off as Blackpool once again transforms into the UK’s comedy capital. The Blackpool Comedy Festival returns from 24 May to 1 June, bringing together world-class comedians, immersive outdoor entertainment, and exciting new events across the resort.
Highlights include Manford’s Comedy Club (31 May), street entertainment in St John’s Square (31 May – 1 June), Paul Zerdin & Friends (29 May), and Black Livers Game Show (1 June).
Blackpool Dance Festival - 17-30 May
Winter Gardens
Sequins? Check. Dancing shoes? Check. Slicked back hair? Triple check. The fabulous Ballroom and Latin dance festival returns to the Winter Gardens. For over 90 years, Blackpool Dance Festival has danced its way in the resort’s event calendar, packed with competitors’ graceful glides and fiery footwork. Covering a period of thirteen days, the May Blackpool Dance Festival is by far the largest of the five festivals held in Blackpool.
PlayDays at Showtown - Across Half-term
Showtown
Family fun for under a fiver! Showtown brings the magic, madness and mayhem of Blackpool’s showbiz past to life… through immersive galleries, hands-on exhibits and endless fun for every generation. This May half term, don’t miss PlayDays at Showtown – packed with puppets, circus skills, magic tricks and… yes, even a make-your-own fake poo workshop!
FREE with your Showtown ticket.
Dear Evan Hansen - 20-24 May (12+)
Blackpool Grand Theatre
Meet Evan Hanson, an anxious teen searching for connection. But when a small tie spirals into something much bigger, Evan faces a life, and a truth, he never imagined. Featuring some of the biggest musical theatre hits of the last decade, this powerful story at Blackpool Grand Theatre is not one to miss.
Blackpool Makers Market - 25 May
New Location: Olympia, Winter Gardens Blackpool
Blackpool will welcome one of the North’s most beloved artisan events on Sunday 25 May from 11-4 as The Makers Market makes its debut in the heart of the town centre.
The nationally acclaimed event is set to transform Olympia into a celebration of local talent and creativity with unique artisan products, freshly made food, free children’s workshops, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie - 28-31 May (14+)
Blackpool Grand Theatre
Fresh, fabulous and full of heart, the award-winning hit musical, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, is inspired by a true story. Follow Jamie as he overcomes prejudice and learns to live life loud and proud.
Wartime Blackpool Exhibition
Showtown
Discover the untold stories of how Blackpool played a starring role during wartime Britain. From performances that lifted spirits to rare, never-before-seen artifacts, this in-depth, fascinating exhibition shines a spotlight on a crucial chapter of the town’s history. Admission is included with a Showtown ticket.
Twilight Thrills at Pleasure Beach Resort – 24 May
Double the thrills, double the fun! On Saturday 24 May, Pleasure Beach Resort is keeping the good times rolling by bringing back its Twilight Thrills. A full 11 hours of adrenaline-pumping rides, live entertainment, spectacular shows and feel-good music from 10am – 9pm.
Wild Shore Blackpool
Opening last year, the water-based adventure hub offers a number of dynamic, unique, and adrenaline-charged activities. Located at Ream Hills Holiday Park, take your pick from wake boarding, paddle boarding, open water swimming and the all-new Aqua Park, a giant floating playground of fun and adventure, perfect for cooling off on hot, sunny days!
Merlin Magic
Merlin's magic awaits and there’s more to explore than ever! Choose your adventure from The Tower Ballroom, SEA LIFE Blackpool, Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, Madame Tussauds Blackpool or soar to new heights at the Tower Eye.
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The Blackpool Tower Circus
Roll up, roll up! Delivering incredible stunts with belly laughs aplenty, meet legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo as they present their brand new show for 2025.
Grease the Musical - 4-14 June
Blackpool Grand Theatre
Step into the electrifying world of 1950s Rydell High School and follow the whirlwind romance between new girl Sandy and popular guy Danny in Grease the Musical. With iconic songs like Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ and You’re the One that I Want, this high-energy show promises a journey full of rock ‘n’ roll flair with pure nostalgia!
Air Hop Blackpool
Air Hop is an indoor Trampoline Park with over 100 interconnected trampolines, the North West’s first indoor caving system, the North West’s first AirSlides, a huge soft play area, a giant airbag, a climbing wall, dodgeball court, basketball area AND a three tier ninja assault course! Plus new to the attraction, Air Squares gaming experience. Expect fast paced games, reflex testing challenges and endless entertainment for all ages! The best thing? It's ALL included in an Open Jump ticket.
Central Pier Pirate Bar
Central Pier is your daily hub for half-term fun! Get ready for a week of giggles and grins as the Pirate’s Bay offer an exciting programme to entertain the kids. It’s completely free, too.
The Backlot Cinema
Get the popcorn ready! Located in the extension of the Houndshill Shopping Centre, The Backlot features one of the largest IMAX screens in the North West, measuring a massive 10.85m high and 19.87m wide. Why not see a film of your choice? Ideal for a wet weather day!
Enjoy the great outdoors
Seas the day along Blackpool's six-mile stretch of beaches! Whether you're building sandcastles, paddling in the sea or strolling along the shore, the great outdoors is your playground for creating seaside memories this May half-term. Summer is well and truly around the corner!