What's on this weekend 23rd – 25th October
Half term has begun and there are so many great events for little ones, and big ones, to enjoy! From great Halloween events to light trials and live music or comedy shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy this weekend in Lancashire
General Events
Lightpool Festival
21st – 31st October
Blackpool
A ten day long celebration of light hits Blackpool this week, and the weekend will be the perfect time to see it for yourself! Joining the already impressive 7 mile stretch of the Blackpool Illuminations, Lightpool invites you to get up close to amazing artworks in and around the resorts centre. This year the festival celebrates 10 years or making memories in the town with new installations and of course the Carnival Magic show will return, taking place in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Monday evening.
Rivington Festival of Light
22nd – 25th October
Rivington Terraced Gardens, Chorley
From light displays on the coast to lights in the trees, Rivington Terraced Gardens comes alive with amazing artworks during the darker hours this weekend and you simply must go and visit. Offering a mesmerising trail through the historic gardens and woodlands, you will be treated to a variety of amazing sculptures and light shows throughout.
Find out more and book your ticket
Late Nights at Martin Mere
Until 24th October
Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough
This time of year is ideal for bird spotting! As the migratory birds make their way south for the winter, the morning and evening skies come alive with flocks as far as the eye can see. With Martin Mere such a fabulous rest stop the centre sees up to 30,000 geese roosting in the evenings, and the centre becomes a must visit destination! To celebrate, the centre opens late on selected dates throughout the month of October, check it out on Saturday with free access after 5:30pm.
Rock am River
23 & 24th October
The Continental, Preston
Calling all live music fans, Rock Am River is celebrating its 5th birthday in style at The Continental this Friday and Saturday night! This live music festival has been taking place on the River Ribble for five years, bringing exciting artists to the forefront and offering a great festival experience, complete with Riverside Market offering stalls and festival food. This year the festival returns to a two-day event and will feature an after party at nearby The Ferret.
Chris Ramsey
23rd October
Winter Gardens Blackpool
Join Geordie funny man Chris Ramsey as he takes to the stage in Blackpool Winter Gardesn this Friday night. Touring his hit show Here Man, full of the lines he can't say on his hit podcast with wife Rosie Ramsey! This laugh out loud show is only available to those 14 and over due to the nature of the humour, but promises to be a brilliant night out for many.
Mushroom Artisan Market
24th and 25th October
Holden Clough Nurseries
Holden Clough Monthly Markets return this weekend with a Mushroom theme for the depths of Autumn. Join a variety of local makers, artists and producers for a fantastic afternoon of seasonal loveliness. Whether you are after a gift for a friend, something to refresh your home or simply a relaxed autumn browse, you wont find a better place for it than Holden Clough.
A Taste of Lancashire
24th October
The Lawrence Hotel, Padiham
Join the team at The Lawrence to celebrate the seasonal produce and flavours of Lancashire with a six course tasting menu! This menu showcases the incredible ingredients and favourites of Lancashire with each dish carefully curated to provide the wow factor. From Morecambe Bay shrimp to rainbow trout and Bowland Venison, there will be mouthwatering dishes at every turn. Dining and stay package available.
Whalley Artisan Market
25th October
Whalley
Within Crafty Vintage's bustling monthly market in Whalley you'll uncover a plethora of premium handcrafted treasures, meet local artisans, passionate creators, and innovative makers who display everything from intricate ceramics and bespoke textiles to gourmet delights and tantalise your taste buds with the street food offerings. Amplifying the lively ambience is the melodies of gifted musicians and DJs spinning vinyl classics! Set amidst Whalley's historic tapestry, punctuated by quaint shops and sumptuous eateries, the market becomes the quintessential spot for a delightful day out. Whether it's with family, friends, or your furry buddies, there's an adventure awaiting every visitor.
Halloween Events
Trick or Treat Halloween Spin
Until 1st November
The Hole in Wand, Blackpool
Something mysterious is stirring at The Hole In Wand Blackpool. This Halloween, witches, wizards and magical adventurers can take on the enchanting wizard golf course before spinning the wheel to discover what fate has in store. Will fortune favour you? Will you face a mysterious challenge? Or will a little magical mischief come your way? The wheel is waiting and your fate is calling. Will you dare to spin?
Pumpkins in the park
24th and 25th October
Lowther Gardens, Lytham
The annual Pumpkins in the Park Festival features pumpkin carving, seasonal craft activities, family games, an inflatable pumpkin, food and drink, and plenty of autumn-themed fun for all ages. With covered creative crafting areas and outdoor marques acting as family activity zones, this fun family day out is ideal for enjoying the festivities of the season without having to worry about the weather. Head on down for some autumnal fun!
Ascarium After Dark
23rd October – 31st October
SEA LIFE Blackpool
This weekend sees the return of Ascarium After Dark at SEA LIFE Blackpool. Designed for older children and adults, you can enjoy a walk through of the aquarium after dark, but be warned, you won't be alone. From manic clowns to intimidating inmates, do you dare to visit the Ascarium After Dark?
Wizarding Wildlife School
24th October – 1st November
Blackpool Zoo
Calling all little witches, wizards and Wildlife Enthusiasts! You are in for a treat this half term as a new spellbinding adventure rolls into Blackpool Zoo. Collect your very own wildlife wizard study log and collect five magical lessons as you move through the zoo, check out Professor Pongs Poo School, the Academy of Aquatic Magic, the Department of Creature Care and the Wildlife Discovery Lab, before heading to the most important lesson of all; Magical Conservation! Theres so much to learn and so much fun to be had
Get Creepy Before Christmas
24th – 31st October
Affinity Lancashire, Fleetwood
Half term has arrived at Affinity, with a series of fabulously fun and spooky Halloween themed events to entertain the little ones as you shop. Starting on Saturday 24th October, you can meet the Creepy Before Christmas crew, with character appearances from Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie throughout the day starting at 11am. There will be free face painting to enjoy as well. The activities carry on from Monday through to Saturday 31st October, so be sure to check out the affinity website for more!
Ongoing Events
Pumpkin Picking
Unitl 31st October
Various Locations
Not got your Halloween pumpkin sorted yet? Don't miss out! This weekend is the last full weekend before Halloween, so grab your perfect pumpkin while you can and get carving. There are so many pumpkin patches in Lancashire, check out the blog below to pick out your favourite pumpkin patch.
Horrockses Fashions: Everyday Glamour & the Art of British Ready-to-Wear
The Harris Museum
Until 31st January 2027
Marking the 80th anniversary of Horrockses Fashions, this major exhibition celebrates one of Preston's most remarkable fashion success stories. Drawing on the largest museum collection of Horrockses garments in the UK, the exhibition explores how the Lancashire-based company transformed British ready-to-wear fashion by combining couture-inspired design with high-quality printed cottons. Featuring more than 60 dresses alongside original fabric swatches, design books, photography and archive material, the exhibition showcases a brand worn by everyone from mill workers to members of the Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II. There a number of workshops taking place surrounding the exhibition throughout its run, which can be found on The Harris Museum listing.
Blackpool Illuminations
Blackpool
Until 3rd January 2027
Following an incredible evening of entertainment from pop favourites Five at this year’s Illuminations Switch‑On, the lights are now dazzling throughout the autumn winter season! Catch what is known as the greats free light display on earth as new and past favourites shine brightly along six miles of Blackpool's incredible coastline every evening.