School’s 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 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 of the summer season:
Go on a romantic journey with & JULIET
After a phenomenal run in London’s West End, & JULIET heads to Winter Gardens from 23 – 27 July. Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
Action in the skies at Blackpool Air Show
Witness jaw-dropping aerobatics and thrilling displays at the annual Blackpool Air Show, including the 60th anniversary display from the RAF Red Arrows. This year, only a handful of air shows in the UK will see the Red Arrows before they set off on a tour of North America. Spread across two days from 10 – 11 August, it’s a perfect free day out for families and aviation enthusiasts alike!
Bust out the blockbusters at Backlot Cinema & Diner
Get the popcorn ready! Experience the new Backlot Cinema & Diner where you can enjoy a variety of summer blockbusters, including the eagerly anticipated Despicable Me 4. Located in the new 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.
Try out the AirSlides at Ascent Adventure Park
Ascent Adventure Park is the first trampoline park in the region to feature the thrilling new AirSlides. Typically found in water parks, slide headfirst on a special mat, launch through the air, and land safely on a giant airbag.
Ascent 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 the babies at Blackpool Zoo
Whilst Blackpool Zoo eagerly prepares for some super-sized arrivals later this year, there’s already a buzz of excitement with a recent baby boom in various parts of the park. The birth of its second critically endangered Bornean orang-utan was announced last month, plus several pairs of Magellanic penguins have welcomed some fluffy chicks. These new additions offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the zoo’s important conservation efforts.
It's SpongeBob month at Pleasure Beach Resort
It’s a Bikini Bottom extravaganza at the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land. Celebrate SpongeBob month with your favourite underwater friends, meet and greet the characters, and join all the SpongeBob-themed activities throughout July at Pleasure Beach Resort.
All the Merlin Magic
Merlin's magic awaits and there are more attractions in resort than you can shake a stick of rock at. Choose your adventure from The Blackpool Tower Eye, SEA LIFE Blackpool, Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, Peter Rabbit Explore & Play, and Madame Tussauds Blackpool or buy a money-saving Pick ‘n Mix pass to experience them all!
It's electrifying at Grease The Musical
The world's best-loved musical is back! Round-up your Burger Palace Boys and pick up your Pink Ladies as Grease the Musical heads to Winter Gardens from 19-24 August.
A chippy tea on a tram
Big fan of a chippy tea? The Fish & Chips Tour on one of the town's iconic heritage trams is one of the most unique things to do whilst in Blackpool! Take a 75 minute tour on one of the heritage trams whilst enjoying a traditional chippy tea.
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Try out a giant inflatable waterpark
Wild Shore Blackpool, a brand new 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 all-new Aqua Park, a giant floating playground with Ninja warrior-style adventures.
Late Night Riding at Pleasure Beach
Why not extend the fun and take advantage of the Late Night Riding sessions at Pleasure Beach on selected dates throughout the summer? The park will be open from 10am – 10pm, finishing with a spectacular fireworks display, on Saturday 27 July, Saturday 3 August, and Saturday 24 August.
Kids eat free at Marco Pierre’s New York Italian
Kids eat free at the recently opened Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian restaurant inside Blackpool’s Holiday Inn. Applying to under 12s, the offer runs from 22 July to 31 August 2024 and includes either a starter and main or main and dessert with every full paying adult main meal from the à la carte menu.
Preview the Lights on a bike
Get ready to ride! Don't miss this incredible Ride The Lights event on Tuesday 27 August. 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? Staged in association with Hits Radio, one of the leading networks owned by Bauer Media, the big celebration on Friday 30 August, which will be held on the Tower Festival Headland, will once again be freely accessible to the public with no tickets required.
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 as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this summer.
Silly Summer Crafts at Showtown
Join Showtown every Wednesday throughout the summer holidays for family fun craft sessions. Come along to the Sir Ken Dodd Learning Space, get crafty and create your own Blackpool themed creation - from a silly seagull to your own personalised paper bag puppet. With a new theme each week, add a little extra fun to your summer with Showtown. Entry charges to Showtown apply.
Feel the sand between your toes
Enjoy a classic day out on Blackpool’s golden sands. Build sandcastles, paddle in the sea, hire an iconic striped deckchair, and soak up the sun. Three of our beaches were recently granted Seaside Awards, showing that our beaches are clean, safe and meet high environmental standards.
Toe-tapping fun in St John's Square
Coastal Radio DAB and Blackpool BIDS have joined forces to present Summer In the Square in St John’s Square. Enjoy free entertainment every Saturday and Sunday from the 20 July until the 25 August from 12 noon until 5pm.
Non-stop pop fun at VIVA Blackpool
The Ultimate Pop Party is heading to Viva Blackpool every Thursday throughout August. The concert extravaganza brings together the UK's top tribute acts from Ariana Grande (Ariana Live), Dua Lipa (Dupa Lipa), to Little Mix (Little Fix). Ideal for a child’s first concert experience, sing along to all the hits and enjoy an afternoon of non-stop pop 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, Eternity. Running until 7 September. Running until 7 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 Eye
No visit is complete without a trip to the iconic Blackpool Tower Eye. 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 recently opened Putt Above, Dino Golf at The Blackpool Tower, or Adventure Golf next to Pleasure Beach Resort.
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory time
Are you ready for a golden ticket adventure? The magical musical ‘Charlie & The Chocolate Factory’ is coming to the Grand Theatre from Aug 29 – Sep 1. It’s going to be a Wonka of a musical!
Dive into SEA LIFE Blackpool
Encounter sharks, rays, and other marine life in interactive and immersive exhibits that educate and entertain. SEA LIFE Blackpool is currently running 50% off children's tickets for the summer (T&Cs apply).
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 this year, including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and TV presenter, Alison Hammond.
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. Its summer exhibition showcases Blackpool-based artist, Garth Gratrix.
Flamboyant Flamingos is Gratrix’s largest and most prestigious exhibition to date and also the first time in recent history that a Blackpool born and Blackpool based artist has been invited to exhibit in Grundy’s much coveted summer season slot.
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 loos – 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.
Musical hits at Lipstick on Your Collar
Step back into the 1950s and 60s with the Lipstick on Your Collar show. Enjoy back-to-back classic hits from the 1950s and 1960s, and vibrant performances in the beautiful Blackpool Grand Theatre on 4 August.
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. A first of its kind, kids can explore interactive play zones and meet their favourite characters from Julia Donaldson’s cherished books.
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. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride, beautiful Italian gardens, and a 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. 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.
It's all ears at Peter Rabbit Explore & Play
Join Peter Rabbit and friends in this charming, interactive adventure along the Promenade. Perfect for little ones to play and discover Beatrix Potter's beloved tales.
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 Aug 30 - Sept 1, 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.
All the action at Bloomfield Road
Catch a Blackpool FC match at Bloomfield Road. Feel the excitement and cheer for the local team.
Question reality at Ken Webster's Hypnotist Show
Get ready to be amazed and entertained at the Ken Webster Hypnotist Show. This hilarious and mind-bending experience at Pleasure Beach is sure to leave you questioning what is real.