Liverpool is gearing up for a huge year in 2026, with a packed calendar of world-class sport, major stadium concerts, and vibrant cultural festivals, all building towards a blockbuster scouse summer.
From headline events to city-wide celebrations, there is plenty to get excited for alongside the weather, daring to bring some sunshine out to play.
Whether you are a local looking to make this year a memorable one or you’re planning a visit to the banks of the Mersey, here are some of the standout events happening across the city this year.
The Randox Grand National Festival
Widely considered the world’s most prestigious horse racing event, the Grand National returns to Aintree Racecourse from 9 to 11 April 2026.
The show is a global trendsetter that blends elite sport with high fashion, earning it the nickname the World Cup of Steeplechasing for its high-stakes drama and fabulous atmosphere.
While the main race on Saturday is the global draw, Ladies Day on Friday, 10 April, is an unmissable explosion of style and costumes.
There is truly nothing that compares to the energy of Aintree when the sun is beaming, and the crowd is in full voice.
Tickets are available exclusively through the official Jockey Club website, including premium hospitality and terrace packages.
Africa Oyé
Bring all of your vibes and then some more as Europe’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music returns to Sefton Park on 20 and 21 June 2026.
Bringing a massive explosion of culture, sound systems and vibrant costumes to the city, this festival completely transforms the park.
For the first time in its history, the event will be ticketed to ensure its future, but organisers remain committed to keeping it affordable for everyone.
The Oye Active zones and food stalls are a soulful celebration of the city’s diversity, and it remains an unmissable weekend of music and food that is widely viewed as the heart of Liverpool’s summer.
Summer Concerts at Anfield
Liverpool’s most iconic stadium is transforming into a global music hub this June, bringing the world’s biggest musical icons to the heart of the city.
The 2026 lineup is packed with superstars, including Zach Bryan on 12 June and the Foo Fighters, who arrive for two exclusive nights on 25 and 27 June.
My Chemical Romance will also bring their Long Live The Black Parade tour to the stadium on 30 June with support from hometown legends Echo and the Bunnymen.
You can secure your tickets here.
Liverpool Sound City
Let your obsession with new music take over at Sound City 2026, taking place across the city centre on 2 and 3 May.
Following the release of so many highly anticipated albums this year, Sound City will showcase the next generation of stars in an intimate multi-venue residency.
These shows are a soulful celebration of the city as a musical powerhouse featuring a blend of indie-pop and heart-on-sleeve lyrics.
You can secure your tickets through the official festival website and explore the various venues that help nurture the city’s unmistakably northern attitude.
On The Waterfront
Taking place across the weekend of 18 to 21 June 2026, On The Waterfront brings world-class icons to the historic Pier Head.
The 2026 lineup features headline sets from Paul Weller and Snow Patrol, plus a special 10th anniversary celebration of Cream Classical on the Saturday.
It offers a festival atmosphere with the stunning backdrop of the Three Graces and the River Mersey.
Tickets are available through official partners with options ranging from general admission to luxury VIP platforms for those who want the best view of the stage.
River of Light
The spectacular light trail, River of Light, will be returning to Liverpool.
The popular free family-friendly event has taken over Liverpool City Centre and the waterfront for years and has become a much-loved date in the city’s calendar.
The city will light up Liverpool’s waterfront from October 23 to November 1 2026.
More information is set to be announced soon.
The 154th Open Championship
The oldest and most prestigious of the four golf Grand Slams returns to the region.
The Open will be held at Royal Birkdale in Southport from 12 to 19 July 2026.
The tournament sees the world’s elite players from across the globe compete on the iconic grass links for the Claret Jug.
Tickets are available through the official R&A ballot, with premium hospitality packages ready to buy for those hardcore golf fans.
Comic Con Liverpool
One of the biggest annual pop-culture events in the city will be taking place at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on 2 and 3 May 2026.
The event attracts elite stars from film and television for a wonderful weekend of Q&As and meet-and-greets.
It is a great chance to embrace the atmosphere whilst seeing the sights of the King’s Dock, with any luck, while the sun is out.
Fans are encouraged to bring their best cosplay and explore the massive shopping and gaming zones that take over the waterfront.
Moving away from the city centre, Southport’s Year of Culture will return to the coast throughout 2026, featuring the Lightport immersive installations in February and the Cristal Palace outdoor ballroom on 3 and 4 April.
Later in the summer, the International Beatleweek will return from 26 August to 1 September, where fans from across the globe battle it out for the best tribute spots along the famous Mathew Street.
Liverpool is, once again, the place to be, so don’t miss out and get having a browse for something to look forward to for yourself or your loved ones.
