With so many exciting events and festivals happening in Preston in 2026, there’s sure to be plenty you won’t want to miss.
Here’s our guide to some of the major things taking place in the city – and slightly beyond – throughout the year, so you can mark your calendar early.
For everything else going on week in week out, be sure to check out our event listings. If you’re an organiser or venue, you can list your event for free via our fast and simple form.
Dragonfly International Film Festival
Saturday 7 March | The Continental
This volunteer-led, non-profit initiative aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment for filmmakers and celebrate oft-overlooked voices. Hosted by John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore, this inaugural festival will include a screening and awards for creatives from around the globe.
The Big PNE Sleep Out
Friday 27 March | Deepdale Stadium
Hundreds of hardy souls – including Team BP – will be sleeping out to raise vital funds to help tackle rising female homelessness in the city. This year’s event is seeking to raise £100,000 for initiatives from The Foxton Centre and Preston North End Community and Education Trust.
Egg Rolling
Monday 6 April | Avenham and Miller Parks
The city’s big tradition returns once again on Easter Monday, complete with entertainment for all ages. There will be market stalls, artists and performances, interactive workshops and the Easter Bonnet Competition. The egg rolling itself will take place on the hill each hour throughout the day.
Preston Weekender – Cream in the City
Saturday 2 May | Flag Market
This year’s Preston Weekender is set to bring the ultimate in dance culture when iconic dance brand Cream takes over the Flag Market with co-headliners Paul Oakenfold and Joel Corry. The line-up will also feature Cream resident Kola plus local support from Brian Hudson and Jason Marx.
Preston Weekender – Family Fest
Sunday 3 May | Flag Market
The family-friendly line-up will feature live music, magic, and special guests hosted by Preston’s Sam Henly. There will be action-packed stage performances from 12pm to 6pm including headline slots from Australian ABBA infused tribute act Björn Again and magician Harry Moulding.
South Ribble Live – Penwortham
Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May | Various Locations
The live music event is back following a 2025 outing that saw thousands of revellers enjoy 128 performances across 16 venues. South Ribble Borough Council works in partnership with the Creative Network to deliver the popular Live events.
Preston Caribbean Carnival
Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 May | Moor Park
The city’s 52nd Caribbean Carnival is planned to be bigger and better including a procession through the city centre. Participants will wear large costume pieces and will dance, drum and wind their way along the route before heading to the themed family fun day on Moor Park.
Preston Sup & Mooch
Saturday 30 May | 15 pubs
This popular Preston walking event returns for its second year. Blending community spirit, support for local pubs and fundraising for mental health, the 2025 outing attracted over 300 participants and raised more than £5,000 for Lancashire Mind.
Preston Jazz Festival
Saturday 30 May | Various Locations
Across May and June, music lovers can enjoy a packed line-up of gigs, get involved in workshops and even perform. The annual festival will welcome back the ever-popular Young Jazz in the Square event, and wrap up with the Jazzin’ The Park finale on Winckley Square.
Race for Life and Pretty Muddy
Saturday 6 June | Avenham and Miller Parks
Race for Life is a series of runs taking place around the country that give people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities the chance to come together and help beat cancer. They’re strictly non-competitive, and you can take it at your own pace.
Preston City Mela
Saturday 13 June | Miller Park
This long-standing celebration of South Asian arts, music, dance, culture and heritage is back for its 29th year. Mela brings families and communities together, highlights local talent, and offers something for everyone with a variety of stalls, food, and workshops.
Windrush 78 Festival
Sunday 21 June | Avenham and Miller Parks
Windrush 78 promises good vibes and soulful music, celebrating the city’s Caribbean community. There will be live music, DJ sets, dancing, a cricket match, stalls, children’s play area, and a wide selection of international cuisines including tastes of the Caribbean.
South Ribble Live – Longton
Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June | Various Locations
The 2025 Longton Live event saw thousands of locals and visitors enjoying 119 performances, which took place across 16 venues. With another two nights of live acts coming up, there’s sure to be something to please every music fan.
RockPrest
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June | Moor Park
The ultimate tribute festival is on its way back with three stages and more than 30 live acts over two days of non-stop rock. There will be food and beer tents, thrill rides, and headline sets will come from Green Days and Queenesque.
The MET
July | Larches
Preston’s Mobile Event Tent is returning to Larches for 2026. In past years, the adaptable venue has hosted children’s workshops, arts and crafts, and entertainment, plus exhibitions, comedy nights, theatre and live music for adults.
The Lancashire Festival
Saturday 25 July | Miller Park
Celebrating the 10th anniversary since the very first festival in 2016, the family-friendly event will feature music, performances, and interactive activities for all ages, while staying true to its original mission of being accessible, inclusive, and community-led.
Winckley Square Summer Festival
Sunday 26 July | Winckley Square Gardens
The family-friendly annual event returns with something for all ages. Sit and relax with a drink from the pop-up bar while watching a show or dance, or take part in activities with the kids. Entry and all the entertainment is free to enjoy.
ChorFest
Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August | Astley Hall
Chorley’s outdoor music festival returns in 2026 with UK tribute acts and local artists in the grounds of Astley Park. The family-friendly event will feature a line-up built for singalongs, and there will be an outdoor festival setup with street food and bars, plus space to sit and relax.
Preston City Wrestling
Saturday 15 August | Flag Market
Preston City Wrestling is returning to the Flag Market with another free spectacular show for its 12th year. The audience can expect a spectacle of match brawls and a colourful display of strength and competitiveness as fighters duke it out for the belt of glory.
Glastonferret
Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August | The Ferret
The original indoor turfed festival returns once again with four days of live music across the August bank holiday weekend. With festival decor including real turf and hay bales, food vendors, craft and vintage stalls, beer garden DJ Sessions, and late-night after parties.
Preston Pub Festival
September | Various Locations
Confirmed to be returning in 2026, previous Preston Pub Festivals have seen numerous venues host special events such as live music, tap takeovers, and food offerings. The weekend is designed to honour the city’s pub heritage and the diversity that makes the scene so special.
Heritage Open Days
Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September | Various Locations
Every September as part of the national festival, volunteers across Preston organise events to celebrate the city’s history and culture. It’s a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences, all of which are free to explore. The theme for 2026 is Everyday Histories.
Encounter Festival
Saturday 19 September | Harris Quarter
Free outdoor theatre shows, games, and live music right in the heart of the city centre. Expect thought-provoking dances, fun creativity sessions, and as always, the signature Torchlight Procession that brings music and dancing through the streets.
Preston Arts Festival
September to October | Various Locations
This festival of performances and activities has been held for many years. New this year is Preston Crime Fiction Festival taking place from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September. Plotted by Preston’s thriller writer, Christie J. Newport, look out for top authors, local talent and aspiring writers.
Preston Pride
Saturday 26 September | Flag Market
Everyone is welcome as the city celebrates Preston’s LGBTQ+ communities with live music, guest appearances, and a variety of information stands and stalls. The parade features photo opportunities with cosplayers of various pop culture characters.
Remembrance Sunday
Sunday 8 November | Flag Market
Join the Right Worshipful Mayor of Preston, veterans, Armed Forces and others, in gathering around the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. A parade of armed forces members, cadets, dignitaries and others will walk around the city centre, ending at the Flag Market.
Armistice Day
Wednesday 11 November | Flag Market
The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of World War I as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918. Mark the day with a two-minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month at the Preston Cenotaph.
Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 21 November | Flag Market
Join a host of famous faces as Preston is lit up for Christmas. There’ll be music, entertainment, food and drink, and of course, the switch on itself. Last year saw the likes of Paul Zerdin, TikTok star Henry Oliver, city rapper Peggy and SpudBros grace the stage.
Winckley Square Christmas Concert
Sunday 14 December | Winckley Square
The popular annual event was sadly cancelled last year due to the weather, so here’s hoping 2026 is a success with the traditional carols around the Christmas tree, entertainment, mulled wine, mince pies, parched peas, hotdogs and much more.
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