September is one of the best months to visit Blackpool. The summer crowds begin to ease, but the resort’s events calendar remains packed with spectacular free events, live music, theatre, festivals and family entertainment.
The Blackpool Illuminations begin on Friday 4 September 2026, while the World Fireworks Championship brings two free displays to the seafront during the month. Other highlights include Dirty Dancing, Doves, The Pigeon Detectives, The British Country Music Festival and Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show.
Whether you are planning an Illuminations break, a music weekend or a family trip, here is our guide to what’s on in Blackpool in September 2026.
Blackpool events in September 2026 at a glance
- 1 September: Ride the Lights – Blackpool Promenade
- 1–2 September: Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show – Grand Theatre
- 1 September: An Audience with Adele Parks – Winter Gardens
- 3 September: An Audience with Giovanni Pernice – Winter Gardens
- 4 September: Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On – Tower Festival Headland
- 4–6 September: The British Country Music Festival – Winter Gardens
- 5 September: David Essex – Winter Gardens Opera House
- 8–19 September: Dirty Dancing – Winter Gardens Opera House
- 11 September: An Evening with Duncan Ferguson – Winter Gardens
- 12 September: Cast – Winter Gardens
- 12 September: World Fireworks Championship – Blackpool seafront
- 15–19 September: Dial M for Murder – Grand Theatre
- 18 September: Doves – Winter Gardens
- 19 September: The Pigeon Detectives – Winter Gardens
- 22–26 September: Surinderella – Grand Theatre
- 25–26 September: Blackpool 80s Weekender – Winter Gardens
- 26 September: World Fireworks Championship – Blackpool seafront
- 26 September: Miss Americana: A Tribute to Taylor Swift – Opera House
- 27 September: The Opera Boys with Paul Potts – Grand Theatre
Blackpool Illuminations 2026
Dates: Friday 4 September 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027
Location: Blackpool Promenade
Admission: Free
September marks the beginning of the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations. The lights will shine nightly from Friday 4 September, transforming the Promenade with illuminated displays, colourful tableaux, lasers and installations.
The full traditional display between Starr Gate and Red Bank Road will operate until Sunday 1 November. A reduced festive display will then continue between Pleasure Beach and Gynn Roundabout until Sunday 3 January 2027.
You can experience the Illuminations by car, tram or on foot. Walking sections of the route gives you more time to appreciate the details, while an illuminated tram journey provides a memorable way to see the display.
Weekends are usually busiest, particularly immediately after Switch-On. Visitors hoping for a quieter experience should consider a midweek stay.
Read our complete guide to Blackpool Illuminations 2026.
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On
Date: Friday 4 September 2026
Location: Tower Festival Headland
Admission: Free outdoor event
The official Switch-On celebration marks the start of the 2026 Illuminations season with an outdoor evening of live entertainment beneath Blackpool Tower.
The 2026 event is being produced in collaboration with the BBC and will be hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire presenters Graham Liver and Sharon Hartley.
Five, The Feeling and Blackpool-born singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan are among the performers announced for the celebration, before the famous lights are switched on for the first time this season.
The Tower Festival Headland and surrounding Promenade will become extremely busy, so visitors should arrive early and check the official event information before travelling.
View the official Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On information.
Ride the Lights
Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
Location: Blackpool Promenade
Admission: Free
Ride the Lights gives cyclists an exclusive preview of the Blackpool Illuminations before the official Switch-On.
For one evening, a section of the Promenade is closed to traffic, allowing cyclists of different ages and abilities to ride beneath the lights. Families, cycling clubs and individuals are all welcome to take part.
The event is not a race, so you can complete as much of the route as you wish and enjoy the displays at your own pace. Participants should bring working bicycle lights and appropriate safety equipment.
Find out more about Ride the Lights 2026.
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool
September displays: Saturday 12 and Saturday 26 September 2026
Location: Beach opposite The Blackpool Tower
Admission: Free
The World Fireworks Championship returns with spectacular pyrotechnic displays synchronised to music and launched from the beach in front of Blackpool Tower.
The first display takes place on Saturday 12 September, with the build-up beginning at 7.45pm and firing scheduled for 8.15pm. The second September display is on Saturday 26 September, with the build-up from 7.15pm and firing at 7.45pm.
A third display will take place on Saturday 10 October. Each evening forms part of the international competition, with teams producing carefully choreographed displays over the Irish Sea.
The best viewing area is usually along Central Promenade between Central Pier and North Pier. Arrive early because the seafront becomes extremely busy, particularly when the fireworks coincide with the Illuminations.
Firework displays remain subject to suitable weather conditions, so check for updates before setting off.
Check the official World Fireworks Championship information.
Music festivals and concerts
The British Country Music Festival
Dates: Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens Blackpool
The British Country Music Festival returns for a weekend celebrating country, Americana, roots, folk and blues music from the UK and Ireland.
Performances take place across several stages within the historic Winter Gardens complex. The festival combines established musicians with emerging performers, creating an atmospheric weekend for country music fans.
Its opening night coincides with the start of the Blackpool Illuminations, making this an excellent weekend for combining live music with the resort’s biggest autumn attraction.
Explore The British Country Music Festival 2026.
David Essex
Date: Saturday 5 September 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens Opera House
David Essex brings his unmistakable voice and extensive catalogue of hits to the Blackpool Opera House.
His remarkable career has included chart successes such as Rock On, Gonna Make You a Star, Hold Me Close, Silver Dream Machine and A Winter’s Tale.
The concert falls during the opening weekend of the Illuminations, providing an opportunity to combine a major live show with an evening beneath the lights.
View David Essex concert and ticket information.
Cast
Date: Saturday 12 September 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens Blackpool
Liverpool indie-rock band Cast return to Blackpool with a live set spanning more than three decades.
Formed by former La’s bassist John Power, the band became one of the best-known names of the Britpop era. Fans can expect favourites including Fine Time, Alright, Walkaway and Guiding Star.
The concert takes place on the same evening as the first September fireworks display, making Blackpool particularly busy.
View the Cast Blackpool concert details.
Doves
Date: Friday 18 September 2026
Venue: Olympia, Winter Gardens
Doves come to Blackpool for a special performance in the Olympia at the Winter Gardens.
The Manchester band’s atmospheric catalogue includes There Goes the Fear, Black and White Town, Caught by the River, Pounding and Kingdom of Rust.
The Olympia provides a striking setting for the concert and the central location makes it easy to enjoy the Illuminations before or after the show.
Find Doves Blackpool ticket and event information.
The Pigeon Detectives
Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Venue: Olympia, Winter Gardens
The Pigeon Detectives arrive at the Winter Gardens for an energetic night of British indie rock.
The Leeds band are known for lively concerts and songs including Take Her Back, Romantic Type, I Found Out and I’m Not Sorry.
View The Pigeon Detectives concert details.
Blackpool 80s Weekender
Dates: Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens Blackpool
The Blackpool 80s Weekender turns the Winter Gardens into a celebration of one of pop music’s most colourful decades.
Visitors can expect live music, DJs and a nostalgic party atmosphere across the weekend. The event also coincides with the second September World Fireworks Championship display.
Find out more about the Blackpool 80s Weekender.
Miss Americana: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens Opera House
Miss Americana celebrates the music and different eras of Taylor Swift in a colourful live tribute production.
The show features recreations of some of Taylor’s biggest pop and country hits, supported by dancers, costumes and visual effects. It is likely to appeal particularly to families and younger music fans.
View Miss Americana Blackpool ticket information.
Theatre and family shows
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show
Dates: Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 September 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Peppa Pig, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig return in a brand-new live stage adventure.
With a new arrival on the way, the family must finish building and decorating before baby Evie arrives. The show is packed with familiar characters, music, surprises and opportunities for younger audience members to join in.
Its gentle story and colourful production make it an ideal introduction to live theatre for young children.
Find Peppa Pig performance and ticket information.
Dirty Dancing
Dates: Tuesday 8 to Saturday 19 September 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens Opera House
Dirty Dancing brings its famous love story, energetic choreography and hit soundtrack to the Opera House for an extended run.
The production follows Baby and Johnny during the summer of 1963 and features memorable songs including Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.
With almost two weeks of performances available, the musical provides plenty of opportunities to plan a September theatre break.
View Dirty Dancing performance and ticket details.
Dial M for Murder
Dates: Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 September 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Dial M for Murder brings a classic story of deception, betrayal and suspense to the Grand Theatre.
Former tennis player Tony Wendice believes he has devised the perfect plan to murder his wealthy wife, Margot. When the scheme goes disastrously wrong, a deadly sequence of lies and unexpected twists begins to unravel.
Discover more about Dial M for Murder.
Surinderella
Dates: Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Surinderella is a new musical comedy inspired by the classic Cinderella story and South Asian culture.
The production combines a familiar fairytale structure with music, comedy and a contemporary cultural twist. Its week-long Blackpool run includes evening performances and selected matinees.
View Surinderella performance information.
The Opera Boys with Paul Potts
Date: Sunday 27 September 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
The Opera Boys are joined by Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts for an evening of classical favourites, musical theatre and popular songs.
The concert combines powerful vocals with the performers’ relaxed presentation and sense of humour, making opera and classical music accessible to a broad audience.
Find The Opera Boys with Paul Potts ticket information.
More September events at the Winter Gardens
The Winter Gardens also hosts several special talks and audience events during September:
- An Audience with Adele Parks: Tuesday 1 September
- An Audience with Giovanni Pernice: Thursday 3 September
- An Evening with Duncan Ferguson: Friday 11 September
These smaller events offer an opportunity to hear stories and insights from leading figures in literature, entertainment and football.
Why visit Blackpool in September?
September combines many of Blackpool’s biggest attractions with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the main school summer holidays.
The Illuminations are switched on every evening, major attractions remain open and the entertainment calendar includes theatre, concerts, festivals and free seafront events.
It can also be a good month for couples and groups who want to experience Blackpool outside the busiest family holiday period. Midweek visits are generally quieter, while weekends offer the largest selection of shows and events.
Planning your September visit
Accommodation becomes particularly busy during Illuminations Switch-On weekend, the World Fireworks Championship and major Winter Gardens events. Booking early is strongly recommended.
Traffic along the Promenade can be slow when the Illuminations are operating. Blackpool’s tram service is often more convenient than driving, particularly if you are visiting the town centre, Tower Festival Headland or Winter Gardens.
September evenings can also become cool beside the sea, so bring an extra layer if you are attending the fireworks, walking through the Illuminations or waiting for an outdoor event.
Stay in Blackpool with Swish Holiday Apartments
Turn your September event into a relaxing short break with a stay at Swish Holiday Apartments.
Our luxurious self-catering apartments provide a stylish and comfortable base for couples, families and groups. The Promenade, North Shore, Blackpool Tower, Winter Gardens and Grand Theatre are all within easy reach.
With the Illuminations, fireworks and major concerts attracting thousands of visitors, early booking is recommended.
Check availability and book your September stay in Blackpool.
Event dates, performance times and ticket availability can change. Outdoor events are also subject to weather conditions. Please confirm the latest information with the venue or event organiser before travelling.
