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:
Aviktas at Pleasure Beach Resort
To celebrate 130 years of thrills and family fun at Pleasure Beach Resort this year, the iconic attraction marks a huge milestone with the launch of its brand-new ride, Aviktas, opening on 21 May. Set to become the UK’s tallest gyro swing, the spectacular new attraction will send riders soaring 138ft above the promenade, adding even more excitement to Blackpool’s famous skyline. With a season full of celebrations, live entertainment and adrenaline-filled experiences, there’s never been a better time to visit during May half-term.
Book Tickets
Blackpool Dance Festival - 16-29 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. Celebrating 100 years, Blackpool Dance Festival has danced its way into 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.
The Ultimate Ticket
Experience the very best of Blackpool for just £65 with the new Ultimate Ticket. This great-value pass gives you access to some of the town’s leading attractions, making it easier than ever to plan a visit.
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Enjoy thrilling rides at Pleasure Beach Resort
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Splash-filled fun at Sandcastle Waterpark
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Take in the iconic Blackpool Tower attractions, including the Tower Top Experience, the famous Blackpool Tower Circus and the thrilling Blackpool Tower Dungeons.
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Get up close with your favourite stars at Madame Tussauds Blackpool.
It’s the perfect way to make the most of your time in Blackpool, simply pick your starting attraction between Sandcastle Waterpark and Blackpool Tower and get booking!
Book Here to start at Sandcastle Waterpark
Book Here to start at Blackpool Tower
SEA LIFE Blackpool – New Ocean Tunnel
Dive into a prehistoric underwater adventure this May half-term as SEA LIFE Blackpool unveils its brand-new £1.4 million Jurassic-themed ocean tank from 23 May.
Visitors can walk through the immersive ocean tunnel and come face-to-fin with incredible sea creatures including sharks, stingrays and Phoenix the green sea turtle species whose ancestors swam the oceans millions of years ago alongside the dinosaurs. Featuring a dramatic mosasaurus skeleton, a huge four-metre viewing window and more than 50 marine creatures, this exciting new attraction brings prehistoric oceans to life in the heart of Blackpool.
Book Tickets
Fake Poo Factory at Showtown – 27 May
This May half-term, families can get hands-on at the Fake Poo Factory at Showtown Museum - a fun and messy workshop celebrating Blackpool’s surprising claim to fame as the birthplace of fake poo! Inspired by the town’s rich history of jokes, pranks and seaside entertainment, visitors can create their own realistic fake poo to take home while discovering the hilarious story behind one of Britain’s best-loved novelty gags.
FREE with your Showtown ticket.
Fireman Sam – 24 May
Blackpool Grand Theatre
Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure this May half-term with the brand-new 2026 live show, Fireman Sam Live! Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he stumbles across clues to a real pirate treasure hidden deep within the caves, it’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day. Packed with pirate songs, exciting clues and plenty of family fun, this action-filled live show is perfect for little adventurers and budding pirates alike.
Book Tickets
Blackpool Makers Market - 24 May
Olympia, Winter Gardens Blackpool
Blackpool will welcome one of the North’s most beloved artisan events on Sunday 24 May from 11-4 as The Makers Market comes back to 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.
The Blackpool Tower Circus
Step right into the magic of the world-famous Blackpool Tower for a spectacular 2026 show packed with jaw-dropping stunts, laugh-out-loud comedy and incredible family entertainment. Join legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo alongside talented performers from around the globe for an extraordinary mix of acrobatics, thrills and classic circus fun in one of Blackpool’s most iconic attractions.
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The Beekeeper of Aleppo - 26-30 May
Blackpool Grand Theatre
Experience a powerful and moving night at the theatre this May half-term with The Beekeeper of Aleppo brought to life on stage in Blackpool. From the producers of the acclaimed stage adaptation of The Kite Runner, this compassionate production follows Nuri and Afra as they flee war-torn Syria and embark on a dangerous journey of loss, hope and rediscovery. Following rave reviews across the UK, this emotional and beautifully told story is a thought-provoking theatre experience for half-term audiences.
Book Tickets
Ultimate Pop Party - 26 May
Viva Blackpool
Enjoy the biggest hits from your favourite pop icons, including Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa. Plus an exciting NEW K-Pop section, in our first-ever concert experience created especially for young gig-goers!
Experience incredible live music and family-friendly entertainment in Blackpool. Perfect for kids who love pop music and want to enjoy the excitement of a real live concert!
Book Tickets
Live Music at Stanley Park Bandstand
Live music is back at the Bandstand in Stanley Park for 2026, with a fantastic line-up of free Sunday afternoon performances running from May through to August. Presented by Friends of Stanley Park, it brings together local bands, tribute acts, DJs and live entertainers for a summer of music in the park.
The season begins on Sunday 10 May and continues most Sundays from 1pm to 4.30pm, giving visitors the perfect chance to relax, enjoy the atmosphere and experience live entertainment in one of Blackpool’s most loved green spaces.
May
10 – Dayz Gone By, Electro 90’s
17 – Hit for Six, Abba Tribute, Pat Sharp Boys
24 – Circus, One Knight Only
31 – Elvis Rocks the Park, Prime Movers
Twilight Thrills at Pleasure Beach Resort – 23 May
Double the thrills, double the fun! On Saturday 23 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.
Book Tickets
Wild Shore Blackpool
As spring sunshine returns and the May bank holidays are approaching, Wild Shore Blackpool offers the perfect adventurous, outdoor antidote to idle long weekends.
The premier adventure destination’s doors are once again open, offering a range of activities creating fun for the whole family, as an escape from the busyness of day-to-day life for couples, friends, families and individuals.
Test your balance and agility against your friends and family on the Aqua Park, the massive floating adventure playground. Chase a thrill by flying across the water on a Ringo ride or show off your tricks on a Wakeboard. Whatever escape you are looking for, find your sense of adventure this bank holiday at Wild Shore Blackpool.
Book Tickets
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.
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Central Pier
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.
New to Central Pier: Visitors to Central Pier can now discover the brand-new Heart Lock and Key installation, a romantic new addition inviting couples, friends and families to leave their mark on Blackpool’s iconic seafront.
Arc Cinema Blackpool
Get the popcorn ready! Located in the extension of the Houndshill Shopping Centre, the cinema features one of the largest IMAX screens in the North West, measuring a massive 10.85m high and 19.87m wide.
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Enjoy the great outdoors
Seas the day along Blackpool's six-mile stretch of beaches! Whether you're building sandcastles or strolling along the shore, the great outdoors is your playground for creating seaside memories this May half-term.