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Southport 2026 Events Guide
Be sure to catch all that Southport has to offer in 2026.
With a bumper programme new and returning major events, Southport town centre will shine brighter that ever in 2026. Browse our month-by-month guide of key events to plan your trip in advance.
The Air Show, Flower Show, and other annual favourites are back, alongside exciting new additions such as Lightport and the spectacular Cristal Palace.
There's also the small matter of The 154th Open, which takes place at neighbouring Royal Birkdale Golf Club in June.
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Southport Jazz Festival
29 January - 1 February 2026 | The Grand
The annual festival brings the very best in UK jazz to the stunning setting of The Grand.
Ten shows take place across three busy days of big band, trio, and swing. Headline acts include the Swingtime Big Band, The Clare Teal 5. Day passes and full weekend tickets are available to purchase.
February
Lightport
14 - 16 February 2026 | Southport Town Centre
Step inside an incredible sound and light installation that will take over Lord Street and turn it into a giant rainbow. Created by world renowned artists Lucid Creates, this will start the year in style.
Find out more
April
Cristal Palace
3 - 4 April 2026 | Southport Town Centre
Cristal Palace will see world renowned company Transe Express turn Lord Street into a giant ballroom, with 150 years of music and dance played out underneath a 15m high chandelier stage.
May
Big Top Festival
2-3 May 2026 | Southport Town Centre
Big Top Festival will welcome incredible modern circus performers to take over Southport's streets. Spectacle, live music and incredible performance.
Southport Beer Week
20 - 25 May 2026 | Southport Town Centre
The town-wide celebration of real ale and good beer is returning for its sophomore year in 2026!
Take on the Beer Week 'real ale trail' and get a gang together to join in on some of the great events and activities taking place.
Food and Drink Festival
29 - 31 May 2026 | Victoria Park
Each year, people flock to Victoria Park for Southport’s annual food and drink festival, where local and national vendors serve up everything from curries to crepes and cocktails.
Locals love to spend a relaxing day at the Festival; sampling a mixture of dishes before heading back into town for further refreshments.
July
The 154th Open
12 - 19 July 2026 | Royal Birkdale Golf Club
The eyes of the golfing world will be focused on Southport in June, as the major championship returns to Royal Birkdale for the first time since 2017.
Southport town centre (just a short distance away from the action) is the perfect base for spectators, or for those who wish to soak up the atmosphere of one of the world's biggest sporting events.
August
Southport Flower Show
20 - 23 August 2026 | Victoria Park
Each August, Victoria Park is transformed with stunning floral displays and gardening exhibitions for the UK’s largest independent flower show.
Green-fingered guests flock from around the country to view dazzling show gardens and the country’s largest Amateur Growers’ Competition, saving time to meet special celebrity guests.
Southport Air Show
29 - 30 August 2026 | Southport Beach
Join the thousands of aviation fans enjoying classic aircraft displays; Vulcans and Lancasters, Spitfires and Typhoons, helicopters and the thrilling WingWalkers.
Southport’s famous air show offers a perfect weekend: buy coastal tickets for the best views or relax in town at a bar or restaurant and watch the sky above.
September
24-hour Yacht Race
12-13 September 2026 | Marine Lake
Over 500 competitors descend on Southport to take part in the famous dinghy race, which tasks competitors with a 24-hour race around a large section of the beautiful Marine Lake.
Watching the many coloured sails navigate around the lake’s islands is an incredible spectacle. It’s a perfect excuse for a day trip to the coast and a picnic down by the water. Visit the Lakeside Inn for one of the best views (if you can get a seat that is…).
The British Musical Fireworks Championship
26-27 September 2026 | Victoria Park
For a couple of days each Autumn, the sky above Southport becomes the setting for some of the world’s best pyrotechnic teams.
Enjoy a spectacle of dazzling firework displays that will take your breath away, exploding into life in perfect synchronicity with the music.
October
Southport Comedy Festival
2 - 18 October | Victoria Park
The annual Comedy Fest is a must-attend event for anyone seeking a good laugh!
A star-studded list of notable stand-up comedians bring their wit and humour to Southport each year. The event, which is hosted in Victoria Park beneath a grand marquee, featured such names as Chris McCausland, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Omid Djalili in 2025.
Books Alive
24 - 31 October 2026 | Southport Town Centre
Imagine you could step into your favourite book?
A joyful celebration of reading and stories, Books Alive will reimagine what a literature festival means for kids.
Find out more
December
Christmas in Southport
Southport sparkles each December with spectacular Christmas lights and an array of fun festive events throughout the Christmas calendar.
Visit the The Bear and The Reindeer, dive into the magic of a live panto at The Atkinson, and head out on an adventure and explore jolly town centre trails.
Southport Fitness Events
Check out our guide to health and fitness events taking place in 2026.
Read MoreBeyond Southport
Liverpool city centre, a hub of world-class events, is only a short train ride from Southport. Each year, the region draws thousands to the iconic Grand National for three days of racing. There's Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest free contemporary art festival, and the dazzling River of Light which brings a sparkle to winter nights.
Further inspiration
Planning to pay us a visit?
Head to Visit Southport for more information on Southport hotels and accommodation.
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