Blackpool is heading straight into its autumn and winter season with a full lineup of free family entertainment scheduled along the Promenade:
Ride the Lights (Tuesday 1 September 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM) The Promenade closes to all motor vehicles between Starr Gate and Red Bank Road, giving cyclists of all ages a car-free preview of the full display three nights before the official switch-on. Check the VisitBlackpool Ride the Lights Guide for route access and safety details.
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On (Friday 4 September 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027) The annual switch-on ceremony returns to launch the 2026 season, lighting up six miles of the seafront nightly through the new year. Full switch-on timetables and line-up details are available on the VisitBlackpool Illuminations Switch-On Guide.
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool (Saturday 12 September, Saturday 26 September, and Saturday 10 October 2026) Three international pyrotechnic teams compete from the beach opposite The Blackpool Tower, with build-up entertainment starting from 7:00 PM ahead of scheduled evening firing times. Event updates and firing schedules are available via the VisitBlackpool World Fireworks Championship Guide.
Lightpool Festival (Wednesday 21 October – Saturday 31 October 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Marking its tenth anniversary during October half-term, the festival brings free indoor and outdoor light trails, 3D projection shows mapped onto The Blackpool Tower, and live performance art to the town centre, as detailed on the VisitBlackpool Illuminations Hub.
Christmas by the Sea (Friday 20 November 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027) The Tower Festival Headland transforms into a winter village featuring a free-to-use synthetic skating rink, artificial snowfalls, festive chalets, and family thrill rides operating alongside the extended Illuminations display. Full event listings are available on the VisitBlackpool Christmas Guide.
Which of these events are you planning to head down to this season? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know on one of our recent posts about Autumn Events
