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Things you won’t be able to miss in Liverpool during 2026
1 hour ago
2025 was an outstanding year for events and openings in Liverpool, and 2026 is already shaping up to be just as good if not better.
With new restaurants coming, some amazing gigs and big sports dates lined up for the city region, it’s time to start filling up your diary for the year ahead.
Here are the things you won’t be able to miss in Liverpool during 2026 …
A new ferry will take to the Mersey
Our Mersey Ferries aren’t just a means of transport, they’re a world famous icon and in 2026 a brand new one will join the fleet. The Royal Daffodil, constructed in Birkenhead by Cammell Laird, is the first new ferry to be built in more than 60 years and it’s scheduled to make its first crossings in the summer.
The 154th Open will take place at Royal Birkdale
If you’re a golf fan, 2025 was a momentous year with Europe claiming a historic victory over US rivals in the Ryder Cup. Now in 2026 it’s returning closer to home when Royal Birkdale hosts the world’s finest players as they compete for the coveted Claret Jug at The 154th Open Championship from July 12-19.
Southport will be celebrated with a massive year of culture
Southport will become a year-round stage for art, performance and music in 2026, marking its first ever Year of Culture. A creativity-packed programme includes the spectacular Lightport in February, an immersive light and sound installation which will turn the town into a walk-through rainbow of colour.
The Grand National will return
Liverpool’s sporting calendar wouldn’t be complete without the event which attracts the biggest global audience – the Grand National is back at Aintree for three days of top class racing and gorgeous fashion. This year’s is from Thursday April 9, Ladies Day is Friday April 10 and the National is on Saturday April 11.
Foo Fighters and more for Anfield
After Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey and Springsteen in 2025, Anfield is attracting some of the biggest music artists in the world again in 2026. Country superstar Zach Bryan kicks things off on June 12, then it’s rock legends Foo Fighters on the 25th and 27th, and My Chemical Romance with special guests Echo & The Bunnymen on June 30.
Paul Weller, Snow Patrol and more for On The Waterfront
The Pier Head will be bouncing again from June 18 to 21 when On The Waterfront returns for another huge weekend of live music. Paul Weller headlines the opening Thursday, with Red Rum Club on Friday, 10 years of Cream Classical featuring Alison Limerick on Saturday and Snow Patrol closing on Sunday.
Africa Oyé will make its welcome return
After a year away, Africa Oyé comes back to Sefton Park on June 20 & 21. To keep what’s become one of Liverpool’s most popular family events going, it will be paid for in 2026, with tickets including fantastic live music and also community performances, workshops, DJs, world foods, arts & crafts and more. Under 12s with an adult will still be free.
Jodie Comer will take to the stage
If you thought getting your hands on Oasis tickets was tough, you should have tried bagging one to see Jodie Comer in Prima Facie at the Playhouse!
The Liverpool actress is bringing her superb multi award-winning one woman play home in March and tickets absolutely flew as soon as they went on sale.
New restaurants including Dishoom and Flat Iron will open
A new restaurant arrival is always something to look forward to and there are a few big names coming in 2026 including top tier Indian restaurant chain Dishoom, which is opening its Permit Room at Exchange Court on Dale Street, and steak specialists Flat Iron joining Castle Street’s already thriving food scene.
Speedo Mick will take on more epic challenges
Mick was busy handing out the proceeds of previous walks to charities via his foundation in 2025, but now he’s back stomping and challenging himself for good causes again. For his first of the year, he’ll join former Olympic champion Fatima Whitbread and six other walkers on a sub-zero seven-day Polar trek.
Liverpool will be on screen lots with This City Is Ours 2, The Cage on TV and Clayface in cinemas
Most actors would give anything to have as many credits as Liverpool and we’ll rack up even more in 2026. Hugely successful crime drama This City is Ours returns to BBC1, Tony Schumacher’s new five-parter starring Sheridan Smith, that filmed here in June, airs and Hollywood blockbuster Clayface, which saw city centre locations transformed into Gotham, is due for release in September.
Ryanair will take flight to three new destinations and a new aircraft
Who doesn’t love a new holiday place to discover, especially if you can get there from home? Liverpool JLA is booming and budget airline Ryanair is one of those expanding routes. Polish capital Warsaw, the historic Moroccan city of Marrakesh and Albanian capital Tirana will all be added for summer 2026.
Theatres will be alive with Mary Poppins, Little Shop of Horrors, Taking the Piste, Back to the Future and more
Liverpool’s theatre calendar is looking brilliant, and it’s got something for everyone whether you like musicals, comedy or a nostalgic classic. The award-winning Mary Poppins flies into the Empire from January 14, Taking the Piste – the bizarre tale of the Kirkby ski slope – brings lots of laughs to the Royal Court in June, cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors gets a Christmas run revival at the Playhouse, and Marty McFly and Doc Brown return in Back to the Future The Musical at the Empire next January.
Nile Rodgers & Chic will perform in Bootle!
Funk guitar legend Nile Rodgers is coming in August to the Salt & Tar weekender with equally iconic band Chic. The festival keeps on growing, bringing in big crowds for live music from previous headliners like Tom Jones and Ocean Colour Scene, and in 2026 it will temporarily relocate to Lock and Quay in Bootle.
And Robbie Williams will play at the Olympia
Talking of megastar names who’ll be coming to Liverpool in the new year, Robbie Williams is bringing his Long 90’s UK Tour here. He’s playing four UK dates in February, including a sold out one at The Olympia, when he’ll be performing Life Thru a Lens and Britpop in full on what’s sure to be a phenomenal night.
While Gorillaz, Florence & the Machine, Richard Ashcroft and more will play M&S Bank Arena
It’s looking like a stellar year for live music at the Arena too. Florence + the Machine will create theatrical magic in February on the much-awaited Everybody Scream Tour, and March sees former The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft and Gorillaz celebrating their new album with a stunning live show.
Work will start on the new Baltic Station
The Baltic Triangle takes the first step towards a major transport boost in early 2026 when work starts on a new £100million train station which will be located on Merseyrail’s Northern Line. Travellers will have to be patient though, because the station on Stanhope Street isn’t due to open until the end of 2027.
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