Here's 13 Lancashire events to keep summer going (with places to stay)

Marketing Lancashire has been busy ensuring everyone can keep tat summer feeling as long as possible. Here’s 13 events still to come, complete with suggested places to stay.

• 4th – 6th September: St Annes Kite Festival at St Annes, Lancashire

The skies above St Anne’s seafront will be awash with colour once again as SmileFactor return from the evening of Friday 4th through to Sunday 6th September. Fabulous display kites will take to the air on the beach adjacent to the pier, with five flying arenas on the beach. The event will begin with an illuminated kite flying evening on Friday, and feature a fairground on the beach, plus additional food and drink stalls on the Promenade throughout the weekend. Stay nearby: Just outside the town you can find the beautiful escape that is The Villa at Wrea Green. The ideal country house hotel for a stay close to the action yet offering deep relaxation. Find out more: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/st-annes-kite-festival

• 4th September – 3rd January 2027: Blackpool Illuminations Blackpool, Lancashire

Friday 4th September will see a huge crowd gathered at Blackpool Festival Headland to enjoy music from Lucy Spraggon, The Feeling and 90s icons Five, followed by the world-famous light switch-on by comedy legend Paddy McGuinness. The world-famous illuminations then dazzle the night sky throughout the autumn and into winter, so why not plan your weekend treat now – the illuminations and fish & chips on the prom, it’s one of Lancashire’s best nights out. Stay nearby: Blackpool is home to so many great hotels and bed and breakfasts. If you are looking for something a little different to enjoy all that the Fylde coast has to offer, head to Stanley Villa Farm and Camping where you will find great camping and glamping pods ready to provide the best comfort for your weekend. Find out more: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/blackpool-illuminations-2026

• 4th - 6th September: The British Country Music Festival Blackpool, Lancashire

The British Country Music Festival is back for its 7th year and promises to be bigger than ever. With over 100 artists performing over the three days and new immersive attractions available for festival goers, there will be something new for those attending. The three-day event celebrates the best contemporary Country, Americana, Blues and Roots music from UK-based singer-songwriters alongside a select number of international artists and is great for all the family. On Friday night, Americana-blues artist Elles Bailey tops the bill. Elles was crowned Live Act of the Year at the UK Americana Awards 2024 and she hasn’t stopped since. Taking the main festival headline spot on the Saturday with over 100 million combined views and streams across platforms worldwide, is Scotland born Cammy Barnes. While on Sunday afternoon Nashville based duo SmithField will wow with their harmony filled, contemporary country-meets-classic pop catalogue of self-penned songs. With free line-dancing classes, poetry sessions, and an array of country shops, this is an immersive experience for music lovers to enjoy the best singer-songwriters from across the world. Stay nearby: Why not check into the Holiday Inn Blackpool just round the corner from the venue. Not only are there fantastic bedroom facilities but you can grab a bite to eat or a pre-gig drink in the stylish Platform 9 Bar. Find out more: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/3021954-the-british-country-music-festival-opera-house-winter-gardens

• 5th September - 18th October: Goosefest at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough, Lancashire

Not strictly weekend only, this September will see the launch of Goosefest at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Goosefest is a new autumn wildlife celebration marking the arrival of tens of thousands of pink-footed geese migrating from Greenland and Iceland to Lancashire. Visitors can enjoy a programme of activities including guided walks, goose-counting workshops, family trails, photography competitions, close-up wildlife encounters and special seasonal events, with the chance to witness spectacular flocks of geese filling the skies above Martin Mere. Stay nearby: West Lancashire is home to a number of beautiful self-catering and glamping options. Why not check out Stone Hall Farm Glamping for your visit? Find out more: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/3067024-goosefest-martin-mere-wetland-centre

• 5th September 2026: Guinness and Oyster Festival at Holmes Mill Holmes Mill, Clitheroe, Lancashire

Celebrate one of the world's most iconic food and drink pairings at Holmes Mill's Guinness and Oyster Festival. Held in the Mill Yard, the event features freshly shucked oysters, perfectly poured Guinness, outdoor bars, Laurent-Perrier Champagne, and live music throughout the day. Whether you're a Guinness enthusiast, an oyster lover or simply looking for a lively day out, you can enjoy a relaxed festival atmosphere with fantastic food, drinks and entertainment. Stay Nearby: Located within the Holmes Mill complex itself, The Spinning Block Hotel combines the character of the historic mill with contemporary comfort, making it the ideal base for festival visitors wishing to stay on-site and explore Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley. Find Out More: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/guiness-and-oyster-festival-at-holmes-mill

• 6 September 2026: Whitworth Rushcart Festival (Rushcart 2026) Whitworth, Rossendale, Lancashire

One of Lancashire's most distinctive traditional celebrations, the Whitworth Rushcart Festival marks 50 years since the revival of the local Rushcart tradition. Whitworth is one of only four towns in the UK that continues to stage a Rushcart procession and is unique for decorating its cart with locally gathered heather rather than rushes. Visitors can expect a colourful procession through the town accompanied by traditional dancers, musicians and brass bands, along with stalls, entertainment and community celebrations that showcase Lancashire's rich folk heritage. Find Out More: https://www.whitworth.gov.uk/events/

• 12th September 2026: Nelson Food and Drink Festival Nelson Town Centre, Nelson, Lancashire

Nelson Food and Drink Festival returns to the town centre for a free, family-friendly celebration of food, drink and entertainment. Visitors can sample delicious street food, browse artisan producer and craft stalls, enjoy live entertainment and watch cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs including social media sensation Zaynah Din and Lancashire BBQ expert Naem Rafiq. Find Out More: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/nelson-food-drink-festival

• 12 September 2026: The Vintage and Performance Car Show Burnley Town Centre, Burnley, Lancashire

Filled with horsepower, history and high-octane entertainment, Burnley's Vintage and Performance Car Show brings together an impressive display of classic, retro and high-performance vehicles in the heart of the town centre. Car and motorcycle enthusiasts can admire a stunning range of vehicles while enjoying free family activities, live performances and walkabout entertainment. Organised by Burnley BID with support from The Rotary Club of Burnley, the event creates a vibrant festival atmosphere and is one of the town's most popular annual attractions. Find Out More: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/the-vintage-and-performance-car-show

• 17th - 20th September 2026: Petals & Pistons at The British Commercial Vehicle Museum Leyland, Lancashire

Petals & Pistons is a unique exhibition that brings together historic commercial vehicles and spectacular floral art. Created in partnership with Flowers North West to celebrate its 65th anniversary, the event features around 25 imaginative floral displays set amongst the museum's collection of vintage lorries, buses and commercial vehicles. Visitors can also enjoy floral demonstrations, hands-on workshops, children's craft activities and full access to the museum's exhibits, creating a distinctive celebration of creativity, engineering and craftsmanship. Stay Nearby: Located just a short drive from the museum, Farington Lodge is a historic country house hotel offering comfortable accommodation and is well placed for exploring Leyland and South Ribble. Find Out More: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/petals-pistons

• 19 September 2026 - 31 January 2027: Horrockses Fashions: Everyday Glamour & the Art of British Ready-to-Wear The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library, Preston, Lancashire

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. Stay Nearby: Delta Hotels by Marriott Preston is easy to access from the city centre, with the benefit of the peace that being on the outskirts of the city and 11 acres of parkland has to offer. Find Out More: https://www.visitlancashire.com/blog/made-in-preston-worn-by-the-world

• 19 September 2026: A Taste of Leyland Leyland, Lancashire

A Taste of Leyland is a vibrant celebration of local food and drink, showcasing more than 40 traders from across Lancashire and beyond. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of street food, sweet treats, artisan produce, local drinks and market stalls, alongside live music, family entertainment, children's rides, face painting and walkabout performances. Free to attend, the event offers a fantastic opportunity to sample the region's culinary talent while enjoying a lively atmosphere in the heart of Leyland. Find Out More: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/a-taste-of-leyland

• 19 September 2026 Colne Cricket Club Music Festival Colne, Lancashire

A spectacular new music festival coming to Colne this autumn, headlined by legendary 90s chart-toppers East 17. The festival will feature live performances from tribute acts celebrating artists including Oasis, Robbie Williams, Taylor Swift and K-Pop favourites, alongside performances from local talent. Visitors can also enjoy fairground attractions, street food, bars and a VIP area, creating a fun-filled day of entertainment for all ages.

Stay Nearby: Just a short drive from Colne visitors will find The Forest at Fence, an award-winning boutique inn offering luxurious accommodation and exceptional dining Find Out More: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/colne-cricket-club-music-festival

• 19 September 2026 Encounter Festival Preston, Lancashire

Encounter Festival returns to Preston for a day of free outdoor arts, live music, street theatre, family activities and immersive performances. Highlights include large-scale installations, community performances, the much-loved torchlight procession and a spectacular fireworks display to close the festival. Bringing music, motion and magic to the streets of Preston in a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity this event is not to be missed. Stay Nearby: Barton Manor Hotel & Spa is located just a short drive from Preston city centre. A stylish four-star hotel offering comfortable accommodation, a luxury spa, swimming pool and restaurant, making it ideal for visitors attending the festival Find Out More: https://www.visitlancashire.com/events/encounter-festival

If you're planning fun days out and events further into September or later in the year, the Visit Lancashire website has you covered. Head to www.visitlancashire.com to find all the latest events listings, attraction ideas and places to eat, stay and shop.