There are so many exciting events and festivals happening in Southport in 2026 – here’s your guide to some of the major ones you won’t want to miss!
They include FOUR brand new events (Lightport, Cristal Palace, the Big Top Festival and Books Alive) plus the return of The Open Golf championship and regular favourites including Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show and Southport Comedy Festival.
It’s going to be a busy year with lots of reasons for people to visit Southport!
JANUARY
Southport Half Marathon and 10k – Sunday 4th January 2026
Adventure Coast Southport is delighted to partner with Epic Events and title sponsors XMiles to bring this iconic race back to Southport.
With a brilliant new course, the race starts outside the park entrance and covers the miles around beautiful Southport.
Entrants and their families will be able to enjoy delicious food and drinks at Adventure Coast before and after the race, as well as a 20% discount for a round of Viking Adventure Golf after the race.
Visit: Adventure Coast Southport | Explore, Play, Discover
Southport Winter Whisky Festival – Saturday 16th and 17th January 2026
Southport Whisky is delighted to announce their Winter Whisky Festival 2026! This event will be held on Friday 16th January 2026 at Remedy Churchtown and Saturday 17th January 2026 at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport.
Visit: Welcome to Southport Whisky – Southport Whisky
Southport Jazz Festival – 30th January – 1st February 2026
The growing Southport Jazz Festival once again takes place at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport with 10 superb acts across three days and nights!
Visitors travel from all over the UK to watch this event with headlines including: Swingtime Big Band feat. Liane Carroll & Emma Holcroft; The Clare Teal 5; and G4 with Claire Martin, Nikki Iles, Karen Sharp and Ewan Hastie.
Visit: Southport Jazz Festival 2026 Line Up | Who’s On
FEBRUARY
Lightport – 14th-16th February 2026
A breathtaking immersive light and sound installation from leading international artists Lucid Creates that will turn the town into a walk-through rainbow of colour and creativity.
Visit: Home
Southport Mad Dog 10k – Sunday 8th February 2026
The Mad Dog 10k is for runners of all experiences, providing an unforgettable day along the sunny shores of Southport.
The event starts and finishes at Victoria Park in Southport.
Not only are there live bands around the course, but each year there’s a new event theme, and with that theme a fancy dress competition.
In addition to the Mad Dog 10k there is the Crazy Pups race dedicated to under 16s
Visit: HOME | MAD DOG 10K
MARCH
International Women’s Day – Friday 6th March 2026
The International Women’s Day celebration 2026 organised by Queenscourt Hospice and Stand Up For Southport is celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.
This global event also serves as a powerful call to action for advancing gender equality.
Queenscourt IWD 2026 celebration will be held at The Grand on Lord Street, a beautiful venue known for its elegance and charm. Attendees will enjoy a two-course meal while hearing from relevant keynote speakers who will inspire and empower. The celebration will be rounded off with music and dancing, providing a joyful conclusion to the event.
Visit: Queenscourt Hospice | Where life is for living
St Patrick’s Day Beer Festival – Saturday 21st March 2026
Brand new event! The grand beer hall marquee at Victoria Park in Southport will be booming with the sound of fiddles & live Irish music with two sessions available.
Raise a stein of stout and toast to a proper Irish session!
Visit: Home | Southport Oktoberfest | Southport Events | Victoria Park
APRIL
Cristal Palace – 3rd-4th April 2026
World-renowned French street theatre company Transe Express brings its spectacular show Cristal Palace to Lord Street with a 15-metre-wide flying chandelier, transforming the street into an open air ballroom with live music, aerial performance and dance, a dazzling fusion of art and theatre set to be one of the year’s defining moments.
Visit: Home
Southport Sausage & Cider Festival – Saturday 18th April 2025
New event! Southport’s Oktoberfest Presents Sausage & Cider Festival coming to Victoria Park on Saturday 18th April 2026.
Live oompah band; steins of beer and cider; authentic German cuisine; more to be announced.
Visit: Home | Southport Oktoberfest | Southport Events | Victoria Park
Red Squirrel 10K – Sunday 19th April 2026
After a hugely successful inaugural race, the Southport Strollers are thrilled that so many people want the Red Squirrel 10k to return for another year!
Date: Sunday 19th April 2026
Start time: 10am
Entries open: Monday 5th January 2026 8pm (links will be posted on Southport Strollers Facebook and Instagram)
Places available: 400
Entry fee: £18.50 (£2 discount for England Athletics–affiliated runners)
They said: “This year, all profits will be split between Southport Soup Kitchen and Queenscourt Hospice – two incredible local causes doing vital work in our community.
“We can’t wait to welcome you back for another fantastic event. Hope to see lots of you there again!”
Visit: (20+) Facebook
Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards – Friday 24th April 2026
Do you know a true local hero who deserves recognition?
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards, organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport with support from In Demand Radio.
They have a total of 13 awards all sponsored by local businesses to present to those who give so selflessly for others.
Visit: Pride Of Sefton Awards
MAY
Big Top Festival – 2nd-3rd May 2026
Big Top Festival will take over the town with the best of modern circus including shows from world renowned companies including Circa and Gandini Juggling coming to one of the artforms spiritual homes. Across open-air stages, audiences can expect breathtaking acts, live music and hands-on workshops for all ages.
Visit: Home
Star Trekk – Friday 8th May 2026
This annual night walk bring together families from across Southport, Formby and West Lancashire walking together to raise funds for Queenscourt Hospice,
This 10k route takes walkers through Southport in one of the year’s biggest community events.
Visit: Queenscourt Hospice | Where life is for living
Lancashire County Cricket at S&B – 15th-18th May 2026
Lancashire’s first team cricketers will return to Southport for a County Championship match in 2026.
Sports fans in our town and the surrounding areas will be able to watch players like James Anderson, Marcus Harris and Keaton Jennings take on Worcestershire in a four-day game beginning on Friday, 15th May 2026.
Southport did not host a top-level domestic men’s match in 2025 and the decision to play at Trafalgar Road again represents a vote of confidence in S&B Sports Club at a time when the county has no shortage of outgrounds and the new facility at Farington is nearing completion.
Hosting the fixture is a tribute to the remarkable work done by the club’s groundsman, Colin Maxwell, and his team of helpers, who keep the square, outfield, environs and tennis courts in such excellent condition throughout the year.
“We didn’t get a game last year but I know that Lancashire think highly of us,” said S&B’s cricket chair, Jordan Bell, as he welcomed the news and began to prepare for six months’ very hard work.
Southport Beer Week – 20th – 25th 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.
Visit: Your Southport | The Local Guide to Southport
Southport Food & Drink Festival – 29th-31st May 2026
If you love food, then you need to add the Southport Food & Drink Festival to your diary!
A ‘foodies’ paradise with a little something for everyone to enjoy. Stimulate your senses and try food from different cultures – you can enjoy crepes, gourmet burgers, hot wings, churros, spiral potatoes, paella and curry from the Street Food stalls.
Tantalise the taste buds by sampling the different produce around the event – handmade cheeses, sausages, sweet and savoury pies, chutneys and pickles are just a few of the delights that can be taken home.
Traditional British food is celebrated throughout and producers will delight you with homemade pies, chutneys, local sausages, hog roast, and ice cream.
Throughout the weekend the entertainment arena will host local bands and musicians, you can shade from the sunshine (hopefully!) and tuck into the amazing food and drink.
Visit: Visit Southport | Official Southport Tourist Information Site
JUNE
Summer Solstice – Saturday 20th June 2026
Get ready for the most unforgettable start to summer!
In Demand Radio and Elite Events are thrilled to bring Summer Solstice, a spectacular one-day festival on Saturday, 20th June 2026, to Victoria Park, Southport.
Running from 2pm to 10pm this 8-hour day dancing party promises an all-out celebration of music, sunshine, and good vibes.
Whether you’re a die-hard dance music fan or just looking for the perfect way to kick off the season, Summer Solstice delivers a VIP experience for every guest.
Visit: indemandradio.com/liverpool
North West Armed Forces Festival – 27th & 28th June 2026
Organised by Southport Royal British Legion, this event has grown to become one of the biggest and best Armed Forces Day events in the UK.
It is free to attend with lots happening across Southport town centre on both days.
More details to be announced.
JULY
The Open – 12th-19th July 2026
Royal Birkdale Golf Club is the jewel in the crown of Southport’s golfing heritage and is widely regarded as the best links course in England and is a regular host to The Open Championship.
Another riveting chapter in golf’s most famous championship will be written when the world’s best players return to Royal Birkdale in 2026 for the 154th Open.
The Southport links will stage The Open for the 11th time, with more special moments guaranteed in the quest for the famous Claret Jug.
Championship play will start on Thursday 16 July and run across four days until Sunday 19 July when the winner and Champion Golfer of the Year will be crowned.
AUGUST
Southport Flower Show – 20th to Sunday 23rd August 2026
Get ready for a blooming brilliant time at the 2026 Southport Flower Show!
The show takes place from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd August 2026, and promises to be bigger and better than ever!
As the UK’s largest independent flower show, Southport Flower Show attracts over 55,000 visitors across four spectacular days – plus special discounts for residents in the PR8 and PR9 postcodes in Southport.
Prepare to be inspired by breathtaking show gardens, stunning floral displays, and expert gardening advice that will ignite your passion for plants. You can also enjoy live cookery demonstrations, delicious food, live music, and a whole host of entertainment that makes this a fantastic day out for everyone.
Kids under 16 go free when accompanied by a paying adult, so bring the whole family!
Visit: Home – Southport Flower Show
Southport Air Show – 29th – 30th August 2026
The Southport Air Show, a cherished tradition and highlight of our summer calendar, is thrilled to open its gates again in 2026 and welcome you all – families, friends, aviation buffs, and first-time visitors alike – to another spectacular weekend by the sea.
For many years, the Air Show has thrilled generations, bringing together families, aviation enthusiasts, and the local community in a shared celebration of flight, skill, and engineering marvels. This year promises to be no exception!
Visit: Southport Air Show 2025 | Visit Southport
SEPTEMBER
24-hour Yacht Race – 12th & 13th September 2026
Marine Lake, Southport, setting off from the West Lancs Yacht Club.
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: WLYC 24 Hour Race : West Lancs Yacht Club
Great British Motor Show – Sunday 13th September 2026
Great British Motor Shows are delighted to come back to Victoria Park in Southport.
The stunning grounds of the Southport Flower Show will play host to a day of your stunning cars and bikes.
The Motor Show will have hundreds of cars, bikes and commercials.
Trade stands, autojumble plus show arena, food stalls and main displays will also be on site.
Visit: Great British Motor Show – Victoria Park Events
British Musical Fireworks Championship – 26th & 27th September 2026
Get ready to be amazed! We love music, we love vibrant colours, and we absolutely love hearing the crowd gasp with delight at Southport’s incredible British Musical Fireworks Championship. Taking place in the stunning Victoria Park each year, this event is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a truly spectacular show.
The British Musical Fireworks Championship isn’t just any fireworks display, it’s a pyro- musical competition, where fireworks are choreographed perfectly to music, creating an unforgettable experience. Expect some of the most breathtaking displays you’ll ever witness, where every explosion is timed to perfection!
Join us in Southport for an unforgettable fusion of tradition and innovation, the ultimate celebration of light, sound, and creativity.
Visit: Visit Southport | Official Southport Tourist Information Site
OCTOBER
Southport Comedy Festival – 2nd–18th October 2026
Over 6,000 people enjoyed the 2025 Southport Comedy festival sponsored by Halliwell Jones Kia and the popular annual 17-day event looks to be even better in 2026!
Scott Bennett was recently announced as the fourth act on the bill for 2026, joining German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn, King of the One Liner Gary Delaney, and Laura Smyth, the rapidly rising comedy and TV star, as seen on Live at the Apollo, QI, Would I Lie To You and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
The 15th annual Southport Comedy Festival runs from, returning for the sixth year to the luxury, fully-seated and heated marquee provided by Elite Events, set in the stunning grounds of Victoria Park, home of the world-famous Southport Flower Show.
There were a record-breaking ten sell-out shows in 2025, making it the most successful festival to date.
Visit: Southport Comedy Festival
Books Alive! – 24th-31st October 2026
Books Alive! Is a reimagined literature festival designed for families and young readers. Running through half-term, the event will fill the town with storytelling installations, live performances and author-led workshops, turning Southport into a living storybook.
Visit: Home
Oktoberfest – 24th & 25th October 2026
Southport Oktoberfest is back at Victoria Park in Southport after a stunning first year!
There are various sessions available for the biggest German themed party in Southport.
Enjoy German beers; German sausages and food; oompah bands and great entertainment; and a day or night out you won’t forget!
Visit: Home | Southport Oktoberfest | Southport Events | Victoria Park
DECEMBER
Southport Santa Sprint – Sunday 6th December 2026
Southport will once again turn into a sea of Santas as hundreds of runners, walkers and dog walkers don their Father Christmas suits to walk either a 3k or a 5k course to support Queenscourt Hospice.
A wonderful way of enjoying some festive spirit in Southport. Visit: Queenscourt Hospice | Where life is for living
Christmas in Southport – December 2025
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.
Visit: Your Southport | The Local Guide to Southport
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