School’s nearly out for summer – and Blackpool is rolling out a spectacular programme of free events and affordable entertainment over the holiday period.
With the biggest collection of indoor and outdoor family attractions outside of London, as well as a huge mix of eateries and accommodation to suit all pockets, there is something for everyone. Here's a round-up of 50 highlights for the summer season:
Action in the skies at Blackpool Air Show
Witness jaw-dropping aerobatics and thrilling displays at the annual Blackpool Air Show, Spread across two days from 8-9 August, it’s a perfect free day out for families and aviation enthusiasts alike!
Turn your world on it's head at the Upside Down House
The biggest Upside-Down House has arrived on Blackpool’s iconic Promenade! Designed for visitors of all ages, this interactive photo experience invites guests to step into a world where nothing is quite as it seems – perfect for capturing mind-bending, quirky photos!
All the interactive fun at Showtown
Immersive displays, interactive exhibits & fun for all the family at Blackpool's all-singing, all-dancing museum (but not as you know it!). Winner of Exhibition of the Year 2025 and shortlisted for the Children in Museums award, Showtown celebrates the people and performances that made Blackpool the home of show business.
Don’t forget to check out Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition, a wonderfully wacky, gloriously giggle-filled celebration of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers.
Brave the UK’s largest Gyro Swing
Something BIG has arrived in the heart of Pleasure Beach Resort. Aviktas, the tallest of its kind in the UK, soars to 138 feet, swings up to 120 degrees, and sends 40 riders flying outward with their legs dangling over the Blackpool skyline.
It’s already proved popular amongst theme park enthusiasts and visitors alike and we can see why!
Bust out the blockbusters at Arc Cinema
Step into Arc Cinema this summer and enjoy an exciting lineup of blockbuster hits, including the highly anticipated The Odyssey, Moana, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
With more screens now open, your movie experience just got even better. Sink into their brand-new seating, featuring luxurious recliners and premium pods - available in select screens, including IMAX—for the ultimate in comfort and style.
Try out the AirSlides at Airhop
Airhop Adventure Park is the first trampoline park in the region to feature the thrilling AirSlides. Typically found in water parks, slide headfirst on a special mat, launch through the air and land safely on a giant airbag.
Airhop Blackpool offers a wide range of other activities including over 100 interconnected trampolines, the North West's first indoor caving system and a Ninja Assault course.
Spot all the animals at Blackpool Zoo
Over the last few years, Blackpool Zoo experienced a baby boom in various parts of the park. Last year saw the birth of Zaiya, the Asian elephant which was a truly historic moment for Blackpool Zoo, as it further reinforces their dedication to the conservation of all endangered species.
This year, Giraffe Heights habitat was enhanced with the launch of Kidepo Trail, a £500,000 new feature that brings an exciting new dimension. The expanded outdoor habitat is now three times larger, offering improved public viewing via an extended walkway. Guests can enjoy African savannah soundscapes, safari-style lookout points, immersive educational trails and special animal encounters.
Evolution of Magic
Throughout the summer at the Horseshow Bar at Pleasure Beach Resort, this fast-paced, immersive live experience stars magicians Craig Christian and Elizabeth, a two-time Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, who combine illusion, mind reading, visual magic and powerful storytelling.
Try for a strike at Tenpin
The new development includes 24 modern bowling lanes, alongside two private karaoke rooms, a thrilling laser tag arena, three immersive escape rooms, soft play and interactive darts.
Guests can also enjoy pool tables, a fully equipped arcade and pair the activities with a refreshment from an on-site cocktail bar, where sports fans can enjoy TNT Sports and Sky Sports.
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Try out a giant inflatable waterpark
Wild Shore Blackpool, a water-based adventure park, offers a range of dynamic, unique, and adrenaline-charged activities. Located at Reams Hill Holiday Park on the outskirts of the resort, take your pick from wakeboarding, paddle boarding, open water swimming and the Aqua Park, a giant floating playground with Ninja warrior-style adventures.
You can have stars in your eyes at the Kings and Queens of Rock Pop N’ Roll
Over multiple dates at the Central Pier, Blackpool's number one multi-tribute show. See multiple legends all under one roof in an action packed show.
Tributes range from Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury to pop superstars Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and more.
Longer opening times at Pleasure Beach Resort
Why not extend the fun and take advantage of Twilight Thrills and Late Night Riding sessions at Pleasure Beach throughout the summer?
On selected dates, the park will be open from 10am – 9pm for Twilight Thrills and 10am-10pm finishing with a spectacular fireworks display for Late Night Riding. Dates include August 9, 16 and 24, and September 27.
Preview the Lights on a bike
Get ready to ride! Don't miss this incredible Ride The Lights event on Tuesday 1 September. Pedal along a traffic-free Promenade and discover the magic of Blackpool Illuminations ahead of the official Switch-On.
Join the Illuminations Switch-On party
Can you believe that the Illuminations Switch-On is just around the corner? Headlined by pop favourites, Five, with performances from The Feeling, Lucy Spraggan and BBC Introducing, the big celebration on Friday 4 September will be held on the Tower Festival Headland.
The Switch-On event is a free, ticketed event with 20,000 tickets available through a public ballot. Register for tickets or skip the ballot completely and guarantee your entry with Golden Circle tickets.
Donkey rides aplenty
Is there anything that screams seaside more than a donkey ride on the beach? Find your furry friends strolling along the golden sands during low tide on good weather days (except Friday – that’s donkey’s day off). Kids only, sorry adults!
A fabulous evening at Funny Girls
Enjoy a fabulous night out at Funny Girls, a world-famous cabaret show. Expect dazzling performances and lively music with a surprise or two thrown in.
Feel the sand between your toes
Enjoy a classic day out on Blackpool’s golden sands. Build sandcastles, paddle in the sea and soak up the sun. Plain and simple but fantastic fun!
It's heating up at Hot Ice at Pleasure Beach
Pleasure Beach's spectacular Hot Ice show has returned with a brand new production, XC. Running until 10 September, witness the world's longest running ice show in action throughout the summer season.
Wheely good fun on Blackpool's Central Pier
Central Pier offers endless entertainment with thrilling rides, lively arcades, and the famous Big Wheel. Don’t miss the bustling atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
Sky high adventures at The Blackpool Tower Top
No visit is complete without a trip to the iconic Blackpool Tower Top. Enjoy panoramic views 380ft in the air and the thrilling SkyWalk glass floor… if you’re brave enough!
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Cool off at Sandcastle Waterpark
Dive into a world of aquatic fun at the UK’s largest indoor waterpark. With more than 18 rides to choose from, it’s a splash-tastic adventure for everyone. Try out the MasterBlaster or race down the Duelling Dragons, conquer the wave pool or float around the River Creek.
Test your putting skills
Test your putting skills at one of Blackpool’s crazy golf courses. Fun for all ages, these courses are a great way to add some friendly competition to your day. You’ve got a magical adventure awaiting at The Hole In Wand Blackpool, the interactive lanes at Putt Above, Dino Golf at The Blackpool Tower, or Adventure Golf next to Pleasure Beach Resort.
Don't miss the World Cup 2026 Action
See all the action of the worlds greatest show at one of the Fan Zones located at some of Blackpool iconic venues including the Winter Gardens, Viva Blackpool & Pleasure Beach Resort. The Blackpool Tower will light up for every England match to support throughout the tournemant.
Dive into SEA LIFE Blackpool
Encounter sharks, rays, and other marine life in interactive and immersive exhibits that educate and entertain at the family-friendly aquarium.
New for this summer is a prehistoric underwater adventure with a Jurassic-themed ocean tank. 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.
Be star struck at Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Pose with your favourite celebrities and iconic figures at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. A fun and interactive experience for the whole family! There’s some new faces, including Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Radio Presenter Amanda Holden.
Choose culture at Grundy Art Gallery
Explore contemporary art at the Grundy Art Gallery, featuring a diverse range of exhibitions. It’s a cultural gem in Blackpool’s art scene.
Head to Walterz Entertainment Centre
You’ve got all the fun at Walterz Entertainment Centre, offering bowling, arcade games, AR darts and shuffleboards. Based at Newton Hall Holiday Park, it's a fantastic spot for family fun and friendly competition, plus there’s even disco toilets – what more could you want?!
Go local at Abingdon Street Market
Discover unique treasures and tasty treats at Abingdon Street Market in the town centre. The impressively spacious food hall in the Grade-II listed building serves a variety of street food from six local independent vendors, alongside a coffee shop, cocktail stand and craft beer bar.
Tour Blackpool's amazing arcades and amusements
Relive the joy of traditional seaside fun with amusements and penny slot machines. Try your luck and enjoy the nostalgic charm of Blackpool's arcades, from Coral Island, the largest indoor arcade in the resort, to Blackpool Amusements, an instagrammable and colourful haven.
Grease is the word
Catch the legendary musical at the Winter Gardens Opera House from 10 – 14 August. Great for those hopelessly devoted to whiling away those summer nights.
Laugh out loud at the Tower Circus
Experience the thrills and spills of the Tower Circus. With clowns, acrobats, and amazing stunts, it’s a must-see show for all ages with plenty of belly laughs with resident clowns, Mooky and Mr Boo.
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Go wild at The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse
Enter the magical world of The Gruffalo at the Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse. Families visiting this summer will be the first in the world to meet Mouse from The Gruffalo in a brand-new live character experience.
Making his world debut on 4 July and appearing throughout the summer holidays until 31 August, Mouse will step out of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved story and into the Deep Dark Wood at the attraction for an all-new interactive show, A Brave Little Adventure with Mouse.
Chill out at Stanley Park
Awarded England’s best park three years on the bounce, escape to the tranquillity of Stanley Park, a green oasis in the heart of Blackpool.
Celebrating its centenary, Stanley Park has a range of events on throughout the summer, including music at the Bandstand most Sundays. On top of that, enjoy a leisurely boat ride, stroll around the beautiful Italian gardens and grab a bite to eat at the charming Art Deco café.
Brave The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Brave the spooky thrills at The Blackpool Tower Dungeon. Interactive shows and rides bring Lancashire’s dark side to life.
Pick up a sweet treat
When the temperatures heat up, why not treat yourself to an ice cream? There's plenty of vendors dotted around town but, most notably, there's Notarianni's ice cream parlour and, guess what, it's been going since 1928!
Giggles galore at the Comedy Carpet
Enjoy a laugh at the Comedy Carpet, a unique installation featuring jokes from famous comedians. It’s a fun and quirky spot for photos and giggles. Consider it our version of Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
Stroll along Blackpool North Pier
Step back in time with a stroll along Blackpool’s oldest pier. Enjoy traditional seaside fun with amusements, a theatre, a picturesque carousel, and breath-taking sea views. There’s always Bloom Bar at the end if you want a refreshing drink or to soak up the views.
Take a trip down memory lane with smash-hit musical Summer Holiday
Showing from 29July to 8 August at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. If summer had a soundtrack, it would sound a lot like Summer Holiday.
Bursting with classic feel-good hits from the golden age of 60s pop, the show features favourites made famous by Cliff Richard and the era’s biggest stars, including Summer Holiday, Bachelor Boy, Move It, Dancing Shoes, The Young Ones, In the Country and more.
Go back in time at Arcade Club
Step back in time at the Arcade Club, where retro games and modern favourites collide. It’s a gamer’s paradise with endless entertainment. Best of all? All the machines are set to free-to-play thanks to one entry price on the doors.
Afternoon Tea in the Tower Ballroom
One for the Strictly fans. Indulge in a classic afternoon tea while soaking up the elegance of the Tower Ballroom and enjoy delicious treats and the beauty of this historic venue.
Sparkle at the Mirror Ball
Dance under the world's largest mirror ball on Blackpool’s South Promenade. Created by artist Michael Trainor, it's a sparkling spot for selfies and seaside fun.
Have a chuckle at the Comedy Station
Laugh your socks off at the Comedy Station, Blackpool’s top comedy club. Over the past 22 years, they have hosted comedians such as Jason Manford, Eddie Izzard, Seann Walsh, Gary Delaney, Dan Nightingale, Maisie Adam, Adam Rowe and Justin Moorhouse, to name but a few. You're in for an evening of side-splitting fun.
Grab your boots for The British Country Music Festival
Get your boots tapping at the British Country Music Festival. Taking place at the Winter Gardens on 2-6 September, enjoy live performances from top UK country artists in an atmosphere full of good vibes and great tunes. Yee-haw!
Discover a mini world at Model Village
Marvel at the intricate miniatures at Blackpool Model Village. This enchanting attraction offers a whimsical walk through tiny towns and landscapes. Ideal to roll into a day at Stanley Park or Blackpool Zoo.
The sun will come out with Annie
The smash-hit West End production of ANNIE, the world's favourite family musical, returns to Blackpool for one week only from 28 July to the 1 August.
With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the songs It's The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don't Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you'll love it!
See a Spitfire at Hanger 42
Spitfire Visitor Centre has been developed to ensure that the sights, sounds and equipment of the era are brought back to life to give our visitors a valuable insight to the realities of fighting on the Ground, as well as in the air during the dark years of WW2.
Spitfire Visitor Centre is located at Hangar 42, Blackpool Airport, Lancashire, constructed in 1939 for the RAF at the outbreak of WW2.
Step into a world where weird is wonderful at Ripley’s Believe it Or Not
Explore eight mind-bending galleries with artifacts and oddities from around the world. Test your perception with interactive optical illusions that will leave you questioning reality. Don’t just look – touch, play, and become part of the oddities!