Looking for what's on in Liverpool in 2026? There’s so much happening across Liverpool City Region you won’t want to miss.
Expect huge musical festivals taking over stadiums and parks, to cultural events lining the streets of Southport. We’ll also see some of the world’s biggest sporting events like the Randox Grand National and the 154th Open return to the region whilst we also have a good old laugh when the BBC Comedy Festival takes over the city.
This is only a highlight of what's taking place across the region, for everything going on have a look through the 'What's On' page here.
Southport 2026 - Elegantly Eccentric
Southport Town Centre
Various dates across 2026
Giant chandeliers, world class circus performers and never ending rainbows will all be on show in Southport in 2026 as part of a hugely ambitious programme of new cultural events.
Lightport
14-16 February
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.
Cristal Palace
3-4 April
Cristal Palace will see world renowned company Transe Express turn Lord Street into a giant ballroom. 150 years of music and dance played out underneath a 15m high chandelier stage.
Big Top Festival
2-3 May
Big Top Festival will welcome incredible modern circus performers to take over Southport's streets. Spectacle, live music and incredible performance.
Find out more about Southport's 2026 Cultural Programme 'Elegantly Eccentric' here.
The Randox Grand National
Aintree Racecourse
9-11 April
The Randox Grand National returns to Aintree Racecourse in April for the world’s greatest steeplechase. An event of grand proportions, you can be there for yourself to experience all the action of one the world’s biggest sporting events.
May Morris: Crafting a Legacy
Lady Lever Art Gallery
25 April - 1 November
This exhibition at Lady Lever Art Gallery is a celebration of the wide-ranging creative output of Arts and Crafts designer and maker, May Morris, the younger daughter of William Morris. A vibrant display of embroideries, wallpapers, watercolour designs, costume and jewellery will showcase her many talents.
Liverpool Sound City
Liverpool City Centre venues
2-3 May
Since exploding on the UK festival scene in 2008, Sound City has established itself as one of Europe’s leading independent music festivals and conferences. Uniquely placed in Liverpool, they energetically uphold the city’s global reputation as the world centre of pop music.
This year will see Keo, Jalen Ngonda, Keyside, Brooke Combe, West Side Cowboy and lots more!
Comic Con Liverpool
ACC Liverpool
2-3 May 2026
One of Europe's largest pop culture conventions, attracting tens of thousands of fans twice a year. This May, Comic Con Liverpool will see guests like Gillian Anderson, William Shatner, Laura Prepon and lots more take to ACC Liverpool alongside plenty more entertainment.
Netball Super League
M&S Bank Arena
9 May 2026
Get ready for an action-packed evening of world-class netball as the Netball Super League 2026 comes to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool! Two thrilling clashes are set to light up the court: LexisNexis Dragons vs NIC Leeds Rhinos and Manchester Thunder vs London Pulse.
BBC Comedy Festival
13-15 May 2026
The BBC Comedy Festival 2026 will take place in Liverpool on 13 -15 May with a series of talks, panel discussions, screenings, short film nights, live comedy shows and networking events for industry professionals and beyond. Whether you’re an established comedy producer or creator or new to the business, this is a chance to meet your peers and be inspired by all things comedy.
Southport Food and Drink Festival
Victoria Park
29-31 May
A ‘foodies’ paradise with a little something for everyone to enjoy at Southport Food and Drink Festival. Stimulate your senses and try food from different cultures, enjoy live entertainment and the beautiful surroundings of Southport’s Victoria Park.
Anfield Concerts - Zach Bryan, Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance
Anfield Stadium
12 June, 25 & 27 June, 30 June
Summer concerts at Anfield Stadium are back with three huge names announced. American country music superstar Zach Bryan will take to the stage on 12 June. American rock legends, Foo Fighters will bring their much loved anthems to the stadium on 25 and 27 June which alt-rock favourites, My Chemical Romance will head to Anfield on 30 June as part of their The Black Parade Tour.
On the Waterfront
Liverpool Pier Head
18-21 June
On the Waterfront is a flagship music event that first launched in Liverpool in 2021. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the city’s iconic Pier Head and the world-famous Three Graces, this four-day concert series has quickly become a staple in Liverpool’s cultural calendar.
2026 marks the festival's 5th edition and features headline performances from the likes of Snow Patrol, Paul Weller, Cream Classical and Red Rum Club.
Africa Oyé
Sefton Park
20 - 21 June
The UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture returns to Sefton Park this summer with Africa Oye. The festival hosts artists from nations right across Africa and music from South America and The Caribbean with Salsa, Soca and Reggae. Africa Oyé is about more than music. Over 90 stalls selling the best food, drink, arts and crafts and fashion from Africa and beyond will again be present at the Oyé village.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Liverpool Empire Theatre
2 July - 8 August
Enter a world of splendour, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical as it takes over Liverpool Empire Theatre for a month-long run.
154th The Open
Royal Birkdale
12 - 19 July
The world’s best players will return to Royal Birkdale, for another compelling chapter in golf's original championship in July 2026.
Hosting The Open for the 11th time in 2026, Royal Birkdale has been the most regular venue to host the event, apart from St Andrews in Scotland, since first hosting The Open in 1954. Royal Birkdale is widely regarded as the best links course in England and is the jewel in the crown of Southport's golf offer.
We Are Wirral Festival
Birkenhead Park
18-19 July
Save the date for this two day family festival coming to Birkenhead Park on the first weekend of the school summer holidays. Expect the best music, activities, entertainment, food and drink for all of the family to enjoy at We Are Wirral Festival.
Salt and Tar Weekender
Salt & Tar
14-17 August
Salt and Tar music venue are welcoming three huge acts to their stage once again this summer including headline performances from, The Waterboys, The Saw Doctors and Nile Rodgers & Chic.
In The Park Presents Lewis Capaldi
Sefton Park
15 August
In the Park makes its highly anticipated return to Liverpool this summer, with global superstar Lewis Capaldi announced as headliner. The much-loved event will take over Sefton Park on Saturday 15th August, hosting Capaldi’s biggest-ever outdoor headline show in the city.
Southport Flower Show
Victoria Park
20-23 August
As the UK’s largest independent flower show, Southport Flower Show attracts over 55,000 visitors across four spectacular days, and you won’t want to miss it.
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.
Southport Air Show
Southport Beach
29-30 August
Renowned as one of the UK's premier air displays, Southport Airshow offers an accessible, world-class spectacle on the Southport coastline. 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.
British Musical Fireworks Championships
Victoria Park
26-27 September
British Musical Fireworks Championships is a spectacular end-of-summer event combining fireworks, music and live entertainment. Teams compete to choreograph stunning pyrotechnic displays to music. Taking place in the stunning Victoria Park each year, this event is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a truly spectacular show.
