Smithdown Weekender is returning this October, bringing two days of free live music to venues along one of Liverpool’s best-known roads.
Taking place on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd October 2026, with a special opening party on Thursday 1st October, the popular event will once again showcase emerging Liverpool talent alongside established local acts.
The festival remains completely free to attend, giving up-and-coming musicians the opportunity to play in front of busy crowds across Smithdown Road.
A mix of genres will feature throughout the weekend, with Handyman Bar and Brewery hosting the main stage for bands.
Keeping with festival tradition, Sound Together Choir will open the Handyman stage on Saturday afternoon. Later in the evening, The Shipbuilders will make their long-awaited full-band return to Smithdown Weekender, before Eugene McQueen & the American Dream bring their 80s-inspired mix of rock and pop to the stage ahead of the night’s DJ set.
Friday’s programme at Handyman will see festival favourites Silent-K return with their psychedelic sounds, joined by Handyman newcomers Lyons and Tigers and Lula Nova.
Further along Smithdown Road, Black Cat will get the celebrations underway with an opening party on Thursday night featuring New Orleans-inspired brass band Sticky Lips.
The venue will then host two more days of indie, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and DJs. Friday’s entertainment includes Party Sauce, Sh*t Indie Disco (Shindie) and DJ Adem, while Saturday will see Black Cat transformed into a dance party as Jubel takes over with DJs and giveaways throughout the night.
The Beeswing will also be joining the Weekender, hosting acoustic sessions during the afternoons before switching to full bands in the evenings. Performers appearing at the venue include Katie Brown, Jonny Taylor, The Din Dins and Gastrix.
Music fans visiting Handyman can also see artwork by Belgian artist Benjamin Schoos, whose piece imagines Liverpool’s music scene from an alien’s perspective and features numerous acts that have previously performed at the festival.
As well as celebrating Liverpool’s grassroots music scene, Smithdown Weekender will continue its longstanding support for The Whitechapel Centre. Entry to all events is free, with participating venues collecting donations for the Liverpool homelessness charity, which the festival has supported since its earliest days.
Smithdown Weekender takes place from Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd October 2026 at venues along Smithdown Road, Liverpool.
Full line-up and venue information are available through the Smithdown Festival Facebook and Instagram pages.
