Lancashire events to look forward to this year

Whilst the jam-packed summer events calendar might feel like it's behind us, here in Lancashire we are just getting started! The county is full to the brim over the next three months with spectacular events, from firework displays to vintage car shows, food festivals to live music. Add to this a bumper crop of pumpkin and Halloween themed events, and you don't have to worry about those summer blues! 

Blackpool Illuminations
Promenade, Blackpool
29th August – 4th January 2026
The world-famous Illuminations need little introduction. With six miles of traditional festoons, tableaux and interactive features along the Promenade, no wonder it’s commonly known as the greatest free light show on Earth! 
Click here to learn more

Heritage Open Days 
All across Lancashire 
12th – 21st September 
Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, each year thousands of volunteers across the country invite you to experience local history, architecture and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences for FREE. 
Click here to learn more  

Burnley's Vintage and performance car show
St James' Street, Burnley
13th September 
Get revved up for a fun day out that the whole family will enjoy as Burnley is hosting a Vintage and Performance Car Show in the town centre. This year's event will feature an array of vintage, classic and performance vehicles.
Click here to learn more  

World Fireworks Championship Blackpool 
Blackpool Tower Festival Headland 
13th & 27th September and 11th October 
The fireworks are back with a bang this September. The event will gather the crème de la crème of the world's firework elite and promises to be a fantastic spectacular display with jaw-dropping entertainment for all the family. 
Click here to learn more 

A Taste of Leyland 
Leyland Town Centre 
20th September 
Calling all foodies, get ready for A Taste of Leyland 2025. A great family fun day out as well as a fantastic opportunity to support some of the fantastic local businesses. 
Click here to learn more 

Encounter Festival 
Preston City Centre 
20th September 
Encounter Festival is back for a day packed with engaging and amazing performances. You can expect free outdoor theatre shows, games, live music and of course the signature torchlight procession and firework display. 
Click here to learn more 

Preston Pride 
Preston City Centre 
27th September 
Preston Pride returns for 2025 in the city centre where everyone is welcome to come and celebrate Preston's LGBTQ+ community. You can expect live music, guest appearances and a variety of information stands and stalls.
Click here to learn more 

Wallace & Gromit in a Case at the Museum 
The Harris, Market Square 
28th September – 4th January 
Step into the world of Wallace & Gromit at The Harris' grand reopening headline exhibition – A Case at the Museum. You can expect original sets and models, real stop motion models that have been used in the films, as well as lots of behind-the-scenes magic and interactive fun. 
Click here to learn more  

British Textile Biennial 
East Lancashire venues
2nd October – 2nd November
British Textile Biennial is a free festival of contemporary art, commissioning artists and designers from all over the world. This year the British Textile Biennial explores invention and innovation, past, present and future through indigenous knowledge to space-age technology. 
Click here to learn more 

Chorley Live
Chorley Town Centre 
3rd – 4th October 
Chorley's annual weekend of live music returns, bringing a jam-packed weekend of music and entertainment to Chorley Town Centre. You can expect hundreds of performances by live artists each night. 
Click here to learn more  

Lightpool Festival 
Blackpool Town Centre
15th October – 1st November 
The award-winning Lightpool Festival is back, lighting up the night for nine evenings. Enjoy a spectacular programme of light-based art installations, live performances, 3D projection shows and family-friendly activities. 
Click here to learn more  

Halloween in Lancashire 
Of course, there's plenty of Halloween events coming up across Lancashire. Whether it's pumpkin picking, family friendly Halloween parties or you are brave enough to chance one of the scare parks, find events to get you into the seasonal spirit.
Learn more about what's on this Halloween on our dedicated page here

Light Up Lancaster
Lancaster City Centre
6th-8th November
This year’s theme has been announced as ‘In The Blink of an Eye’. Audiences will experience a festival where shapeshifting, illusion and the ever-changing will be reflected in fun, engaging and clever light artworks. 
Don’t forget – Light Up Lancaster’s Explore Week will be back too – five days’ of incredible workshops and hands-on activities celebrating light, art and science! 27 – 31 October.
Click here to learn more