10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Blackpool

Winter Gardens Blackpool is a Victorian building that is open to the public most days and hosts some of the most incredible events throughout the year. For private events, there are ballroom venues that accommodate small, medium and large events—each suite with its own unique and luxurious theme.

For the public, you can purchase tickets to popular theatre and musical shows, ranging from An Evening of Burlesque and Dreamgirls The Musical to Mamma Mia! and Elf The Musical. Events vary by the time of the year and bookings, but the venue always puts on a show that excites.

Open from early morning until midnight, The Albert and The Lion pub offers guests an incredible experience throughout the day. The pub was named after Stanley Holloway's depiction of the Woolworths store that the venue once occupied.

Starting with your first purchase, the pub offers free refills on Lavazza coffee and tea all day long. The venue offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, with a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including craft beers, gins, and real ales. Albert and The Lion is most popularly known for its print and text illustrations of the tragic story of Albert, whom the pub got its name from.

From comedy skits and standups to talent shows and live music, Ma Kelly's plays host to some of the most incredible entertainment and atmosphere experiences in Blackpool North. A variety of lineups and events are offered every day at the venue, with the weekends offering the most supreme and popular events and the weekdays hosting events such as Bingo, Karaoke, and live entertainment.

The pub is most popularly known for the boisterous and funky atmosphere guests enjoy while live guests fill the room with locally known entertainment and an array of seating and exquisite decor.

Another prominent historical premise in Blackpool is The Layton Rakes, built by J D Wetherspoon in 2011. The site was once home to Whitehead's Fish, Game, Poultry, and Oyster Warehouse, which played host to Blackpool's most exquisite oyster room in Victorian times. Since then, it has become a place of historical significance, paying homage to the original name of the area (Layton Village) that connected to the sea through a 'Rake.'

Today, the pub offers guests indoor and outdoor seating, with each space offering a uniquely different experience. Inside, the ambience is comfortable and friendly. Outside, guests enjoy the beautiful weather and bar-like atmosphere.

Also known as the National Theatre of Variety, The Grand Theatre celebrates over 125 years of history and entertainment in Blackpool. People gather from around the world to see 'the glorious Grand,' which many have deemed the venue due to its extravagant architectural character and Victorian auditorium entrance.

With live art forms showcasing the 4-level auditorium all year round, guests can file into more than 1,000 seats to see popular programmes unique to the area. It is most widely known for its success through major historical events such as World War I and World War II, where many gathered to bring to witness the innovative 'cantilever' design and unmatched seasonal shows.

Although Soul Suite opens just before noon, the pub is most popularly known for its nighttime events that incorporate the best soul singers and entertainment in the area with hearty food and drinks. The atmosphere is full of dancing, friendly staff, and a range of drinks and cocktails.

Service is obtained straight from the bar, with food ending as early as 7:30 in the evening to allow more room for the soulful activities of live artists and entertainment filling the room the rest of the night.

Viva Blackpool brings the famous Las Vegas venue to the Blackpool area, combining the incredible experience of dinner, drinks, and an unforgettable show in one evening. From comedy and live music to drag shows, magic shows, dancers and much more, Viva Blackpool offers table service to every table during the event and a party atmosphere no one would want to miss.

The venue is most widely known for its Viva Vegas Live! show starring Leye DJohns. The evening experience lasts for a non-stop 2.5 hours, introducing a phenomenal lineup of showgirls, singing, dancing, comedy and other live entertainment.

When looking for an exciting evening of food, drinks and fun, the Duke of York is the place to be in Blackpool. Not only does the pub offer guests a wide range of cocktails, beers, spirits and soft drinks, but residents and tourists rush to the bar area for its tasty meals. Between its steaks, curries and famous burgers, the Duke of York is the place to be if you're interested in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere.

In addition to its incredible selection of food and drinks, the Duke of York is widely known for its game night events, multiple screens for sports, and famous karaoke with DJ Rayvon starting at 9 pm from Thursday to Sunday.

The Blackpool Opera House is located inside the Winter Gardens Blackpool, making it a Listed Building or Structure that Historic England maintains for its rich components of history in England. The venue books various theatrical performances throughout the year, with bar drinks offered outside of its entry.

Using a combination of strategic seating, modern audio and visual technology, the Opera House is one of the most popular venues for live entertainment, conferences, presentations and even seminars. In addition to being one of the largest theatres in Europe, the Opera House also features one of the widest proscenium arches in the world and at least 17 dressing rooms.

Inhabiting a former catholic school that dates back to 1888, the Little Black Pug Bar offers the most unique day and night live music atmosphere in the Blackpool area. From the broadest range of beer and cocktail lists (200+ malts, 60+ gins, and 40+ vodkas) to free live entertainment all day and night, this Blackpool bar is one of a kind.

The bar is warm, welcoming and equipped with locally produced and sourced meals. Live entertainment is also unique every weekend, spanning from single acts from the most exclusive talent to bands with ten or more skilled musicians in it. It's no wonder why the bar is considered Blackpool's finest and the most beloved bar in the area.