What's On: October 2026

October is one of the best months to visit LGBTQ+ Blackpool. The Illuminations are still lighting up the Promenade, Funny Girls is deep into its Halloween season, and the half-term crowds bring a buzz to the Rainbow Quarter. Here's our pick of the month, from the second week onwards. For the nights that happen every week, see our weekly regulars page.

All month

Coven Queens Halloween Show at Funny Girls

Blackpool's most famous drag venue is running its Halloween revue, Coven Queens, Wednesday to Sunday until Sunday 1 November. Expect spooky glamour, big production numbers and plenty of camp comedy in the 1939 art deco former cinema on Dickson Road. Doors open at 7pm. Standing tickets start at £10 midweek; seats run from about £17 to £35 depending on night and position, with Fridays and Saturdays the priciest. You can add a three-course dinner in the venue's art deco restaurant beforehand. Strictly 18+.

Betty Legs Diamond and Zoe: Together Again

Two of Blackpool's best-loved drag names are reunited for a season of comedy, costume and dance routines in the show bar on Central Pier, running until the end of October. Catch it before it closes.

The Illuminations

The full six-mile Illuminations display runs nightly until Sunday 1 November. Many quarter bars are a short walk from the Promenade, so it's easy to combine the lights with a night out.

Week by week

Saturday 10 October

• The World Fireworks Championship heat planned for the Promenade was cancelled because of bad weather forecasts and is due to be rescheduled.
• A busy Saturday across the quarter, with Funny Girls, Garlands and the Flying Handbag all in full swing.

Sunday 11 October: National Coming Out Day

• Love, Loss and Living: Through an LGBTQ+ Lens at Funny Girls, 12pm to 1.45pm. A daytime session of music and storytelling about LGBTQ+ love and loss, followed by a conversation with Funny Girls founder Basil Newby about building one of the UK's best-known LGBTQ+ venues. A lovely way to mark National Coming Out Day.
• Our coming out support page has help for anyone thinking about taking that step.

Tuesday 13, 20 and 27 October

• The free fast-track sexual health clinic at the LGBTQ+ health centre, 102 Dickson Road, runs from 5pm to 8pm each Tuesday, with rapid HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C tests.
• On 13 October (second Tuesday) the Lancashire Lads trans men's group meets, 6pm to 8pm, at the same centre. The long-running Blackpool trans support group also meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays (13 and 27 October).
• Blackpool Allies meets on 20 October (third Tuesday), 6pm to 8pm.
• Electric Pink Voices, the LGBTQ+ choir, rehearses every Tuesday from 6.30pm at The Old Electric on Springfield Road. No auditions.

Wednesday 14 October

• The Phoenix Clinic for trans and gender-diverse people runs in the evening at Whitegate Health Centre. Book on 0300 1234 154.

Saturday 17 October

• GROWL at Acqua Sauna, Springfield Road, 12pm to 6pm: an afternoon social for bears, cubs, chasers and admirers. Men only, 18+.
• Marigold Addams as Jane McDonald at Rendezvous Bar, Lord Street, 8pm to 10pm. The drag performer returns with a full Jane McDonald tribute set. Perfect for a Saturday early evening before heading on.

Sunday 18 to Tuesday 20 October

• Bare and Bark, a three-day bears and pups weekend at Welhorny's, the men-only private members' guesthouse and bar on Banks Street. Pups and other K9s welcome. Adults only.

Saturday 24 October

• Alison Moyet plays the Opera House at the Winter Gardens. The concert is sold out, so look out for returns.

Thursday 29 October

• LGBTQ+ swimming group at Moor Park Leisure Centre, Bispham, 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Free, with a coach on hand and unisex changing. Register online with the county LGBTQ+ charity first.

Saturday 31 October: Halloween

• Halloween at McGrath's, 87 Lord Street, 8pm to 11pm, with a Sanderson Sisters themed drag takeover. Fancy dress very much encouraged.
• A Rocky Horror Bottomless Brunch at Viva, Church Street, 1pm to 4pm, with live vocalists, a DJ host, sharing platters and bottomless drinks. Fancy dress encouraged; 18+. From about £40.
• Coven Queens at Funny Girls is in its final weekend, so Halloween night is one of the most popular of the run. Book ahead.
• Expect costume parties across the quarter's bars, with Saturday late licences until the early hours.

Ongoing community dates

• Gender outreach drop-in: a free monthly Thursday lunchtime drop-in (12pm to 2pm) at Blackpool Central Library for trans and gender-diverse people on or considering the gender clinic pathway. Check the county LGBTQ+ charity's calendar for this month's date.
• Liberty Church, the LGBTQ+ inclusive church, holds Sunday worship at 6.30pm and a free Wednesday meal from 6.30pm.

Planning ahead

• Funny Girls' Christmas season opens on 12 November, and the Queens of the Knights two-night special is on 6 and 7 November. Both sell well, so book early.
• Late October half term makes hotels busy. Book your room in the quarter early.

Times, prices and line-ups can change, so check with the venue before you go.