Summer Holidays in Blackburn

Everything you need to know about the summer in Blackburn

Always something to do in Blackburn

Throughout Summer, there’s always something to do in Blackburn town centre, from a fantastic selection of FREE events like the Poetry Trail, amazing shopping and dining options to our leisure activities like the flumes at Blackburn Leisure Centre, cinemas and ice rink.

The Poetry Trail is just one of the FREE Summer activities, where you’ll find sections of a newly commissioned poem scattered around town. The poem is all about Blackburn and you might even add a new verse at the end!

There are also various live shows, workshops and much more interactive fun for the kids – check out all the information below.

No matter when you come into town, there will be something to do, so keep an eye on our socials for all the latest.

So Much Happening Around Town (and loads of it’s FREE)

The Poetry Trail is the highlight of the summer festivities but there are plenty of other activities to keep the whole family busy during the summer holidays.

Starting with the Darwen Street Window Art Trail, where the amazing local artist Cath Ford has decorated different shop windows.

We have bands around town, storytelling, and workshops where you can make wonderful crafts like mini banners. Or maybe pop on the lost bus to Blackburn for the audio show you’ve always dreamed of.

Check out below for everything Blackburn has to offer this summer…

Check Out All The Events Around Blackburn This Summer

Family

1st Jul 2026

‘Time To Garden’

King William Street

Find out more

Family, Summer

28th Jul 2026

Here Be Dragons

Blackburn Market

Find out more

Family, Summer

1st Aug 2026 – 31st Aug 2026

Darwen Street Window Art Trail

Darwen Street

Find out more

Family, Summer

4th Aug 2026

Khooghi

Blackburn Market

Find out more

Family, Summer

6th Aug 2026

Kindness Collective

Blackburn Market

Find out more

Family, Summer

8th Aug 2026

Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band

King William Street/Church Street

Find out more

Family, Summer

12th Aug 2026

Storytelling with Ian Douglas

Blackburn Market

Find out more

Family, Summer

13th Aug 2026

Mini Banners

Blackburn Market

Find out more

Family, Summer

15th Aug 2026

The Last Bus To… Blackburn

King William Street/Church Street

Find out more

Family, Summer

18th Aug 2026

Ukulele Zero to Ukulele Hero in 10 minutes!

Blackburn Market

Find out more

Family, Summer

22nd Aug 2026

A Few Feet Up

King William Street

Find out more

Family, Summer

25th Aug 2026

Dangerous Dave

Blackburn Market

Find out more

Music

20th Sep 2026

Jason Donovan

King George’s Hall

Find out more

Family, Theatre

27th Sep 2026

Tim Peake

King George’s Hall

Find out more

Music

16th Nov 2026

Shed Seven

King George’s Hall

Find out more

Venues Galore

The town’s venues have really stepped up to ensure everyone is entertained this summer.

You might want to check out the many events happening around the market (alongside visiting the many amazing stalls) or head to the leisure centre for the flumes that are bound to keep the kids entertained. The library is a wonderful source of activities this summer and the ever popular making rooms will have its usual interactive sessions running throughout the season.

 

 

Make A Day Of It

With so much happening in Blackburn this summer, you are going to get hungry or thirsty at times (possibly both!), but never fear, you’ll find somewhere to stop that will cover whatever takes your fancy.

Just want to grab a coffee to stop you from flagging as you hike around the poetry trail? No problem

Need somewhere to fill up the kids before the next fun workshop? We’ve got you covered

Adults looking for somewhere nice to eat after catching a performance in town? Loads of options

Just looking for something to grab on the go as you move between events? You can count on Blackburn

Getting Here

Blackburn is supported by a great network of road and public transport options for getting into town.

By Car – the biggest car park near the venue is the The Mall’s own car park, that holds up to 1,300 cars but within 10 minutes of the event you’ll find many other public car parks, click through to have a look at the options available – you’ll even see we multiple charge points if you need a little boost before heading home.

By Bus – Most regional bus services stop at Blackburn bus interchange. Upon arriving, simply walk around the Mall on route to the Town Hall, its just a couple of minutes away.

By Train – Blackburn is well served by the rail network and once you leave the station, head into town, passing the Cathedral and a few minutes after the The Mall, you’ll find the Town Hall

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Leisure & Attractions

Food & Drink

Shopping

What’s On

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Chromatogram, Art in Manufacturing, by Lazarian. Photo by: Photographer Name