Photo by Visit Southport
SOUTHPORT is set for a spectacular May half-term with a vibrant line-up of family-friendly events and activities, including the much-loved Food and Drink Festival – ready to bring the town to life.
Young visitors have plenty to dive into, from high-energy science shows and inspiring exhibitions at The Atkinson to football fun at Footy Nation, sparking the curiosity and creativity of the next generation.
Adults are also spoilt for choice as Southport Beer Week kicks off with a celebration of the town’s finest pubs, bars, and local brews.
Here are just some of the unmissable events to put in your diary this half-term:-
1. A whole barrel of fun at Southport Beer Week (20 May - 25 May 2026)
Southport Beer Week is back for 2026 with a sharper, livelier, and more ambitious programme - headlined by a new ale trail and a packed calendar of events. This year’s celebration of 17 pubs and bars will showcase more than 90 beers pouring across the town, turning Southport into a week‑long playground for lovers of real ale and great beer.
Round up your friends and expect a full slate of happenings: tap takeovers, meet‑the‑brewer sessions, special quizzes, beer history tours, food pairings, and plenty more surprises.
Read more here.
2. Buckle up for the ExtremeBHP Car and Family Festival (24 May 2026)
Southport’s ExtremeBHP Car and Family Festival roars back into Victoria Park for another high-energy year, uniting every corner of car culture in 1 massive outdoor showcase. Expect hundreds of standout vehicles on display - from pristine classics and wild modified builds to drift beasts, track weapons, American muscle, commercial displays, and packed club stands.
This family-friendly festival delivers a full day out for all ages, with a live DJ, great food and drink festival, bustling trader stalls, dedicated kid’s entertainment, show trophies, and plenty more to keep the engines - and the excitement - running.
Tickets:- Exhibitor entry from £15 per vehicle, public admission just £2.
Read more here.
3. Sun’s out, fun’s out at Southport Market (29 May 2026)
Get ready for a sunshine filled family rave at Southport Market, a high-energy daytime party for grown‑ups and little ravers alike. This feel‑good family event features a live DJ, a brilliant children’s entertainer, party games, and prizes, all set to a fun, family‑friendly soundtrack.
Summer vibes are encouraged, so beachwear and summer outfits are welcome. Bring the whole family, bring the energy, and dance your way into summer at Southport Market.
A licensed bar for adults and eight food vendors will be on site, offering a vast selection of food and drinks for everyone to enjoy
Read more here.
4. Score big at Footy Nation – Southport’s indoor football experience
Whether you are a passionate player or just looking for an exciting day out, Footy Nation is the go-to destination for football fun.
Based in Ocean Plaza, this immersive football experience is perfect to test your skills, challenge your friends, and level up your game in a dynamic space packed with interactive zones, training challenges, and competitive games.
Designed for players of all abilities and ages, Footy Nation is the perfect place to compete, laugh, and make memories together. Who knows, we might have the next Ronaldo on our hands…
Read more here.
5. Eat your heart out at Southport Food and Drink Festival (29 May - 31 May 2026)
Southport’s biggest annual event returns to Victoria Park, bringing together over 100 food, drink, and artisan traders.
With street food from around the world, local producers, live music and a family zone, the festival is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, with over 40,000 visitors expected.
Attendees can look forward to an impressive spread of global cuisine, from Asian street food to Caribbean classics, churros, crepes, gourmet burgers, paella, curries and more.
Read more here.
6. Cut Above! The British Lawnmower Museum
For a simply mow-verllous day out get along to The British Lawnmower Museum as it invites visitors to explore the surprisingly fascinating world of grass‑cutting greatness. The much-loved venue showcases the very machines once owned by the rich, the famous and the downright iconic. See lawnmowers linked to His Majesty King Charles III, the late Princess Diana, rock legend Brian May of Queen, and comedy favourite Eric Morecambe.
From the fastest to the slowest, the most unusual to the most valuable, this quirky collection offers a fun and unexpected look at the history of mowing — and the celebrities who have taken it seriously.
Tickets:- £10 per person or pre-book a unique experience group tours of 4 for only £30 and the tour lasts 1 hour.
For more information or to book contact:- br@lawnmowerworld.com or telephone:- 07543960407.
7. The Atkinson offering a whole host of exhibitions and displays
Explore Southport’s cultural home this half-term with music, theatre, art, and history – from brilliant exhibitions to inspiring shows for all the family. These include:-
The Utterly Revolting Science Show (30 May 2026)
Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high‑tech and explosively entertaining new journey through the human body - a fast-paced mix of playful biology, surprising physics and hands‑on edible chemistry that keeps young audiences laughing while they learn.
On the surface, it is a riotous rollercoaster of gloriously gross experiments designed to thrill young audiences. Beneath the bonnet, it is a meticulously crafted, curriculum‑led adventure with a clear mission: to ignite a passion for science in children across Britain.
Read more here.
The Sefton Open (30 May 2026)
The Sefton Open also returns as a bright, inspiring celebration of creativity - the perfect place to spark young imaginations and introduce children to the many ways art can come to life. This vibrant annual exhibition brings together an exciting mix of paintings, sculpture, textiles, craft, and more, created by artists and community groups from across the borough.
Curated in partnership with The Atkinson’s longstanding collaborators, the Southport Palette Club, this much-loved showcase gives children the chance to explore a rich variety of styles and techniques.
Tickets:- £16 per person
Read more here.
Explore more at The Atkinson here.
Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found here.