September brings a welcome change of pace to Liverpool. The height of summer may be drawing to a close, but the city’s cultural calendar shows no sign of slowing down.
Liverpool Empire welcomes a succession of major touring musicals, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra opens its new season and the Everyman and Playhouse return with theatre, comedy and special events. Elsewhere, Liverpool Cathedral hosts atmospheric live music, M&S Bank Arena welcomes major performers and Southport closes the month with one of the North West’s most spectacular fireworks events.
Families will also find plenty to do once school returns, from indoor attractions and museums to waterfront days out and opportunities to see some impressive cruise ships arriving on the Mersey.
Whether you are searching for theatre, music, comedy, family days out or something a little different, these are some of the best things happening in Liverpool during September 2026.
Minton Tiles Closing Ceremony at St George’s Hall
2 September, 7pm to 9pm
September begins with a final opportunity to celebrate one of Liverpool’s great architectural treasures as St George’s Hall hosts the Minton Tiles Closing Ceremony on 2 September. Taking place from 7pm until 9pm, the evening marks the close of the latest period in which the magnificent Minton tiled floor has been uncovered for visitors to admire. Usually protected beneath a wooden covering, the intricate Victorian floor contains thousands of handcrafted tiles and is considered one of the hall’s most remarkable surviving features. The closing ceremony offers a fitting farewell before this extraordinary piece of Liverpool heritage is carefully covered once again.
Dirty Dancing at Liverpool Empire
1 to 5 September
The stage production of Dirty Dancing arrives at Liverpool Empire at the beginning of September.
Set during the summer of 1963, the musical follows Frances “Baby” Houseman as she falls for dance instructor Johnny Castle while holidaying with her family. Audiences can expect familiar scenes, impressive choreography and the soundtrack that helped make the original film a classic.
The production runs from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 September.
Michael Ball at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
2 September
Michael Ball returns to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Wednesday 2 September as part of his 2026 live programme.
The singer, actor and broadcaster is touring following the release of his new solo album Glow. The Liverpool performance begins at 7.30pm.
Hot Ice at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Until 10 September
If you fancy venturing a little further from Liverpool, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is around 1 hour 15 minutes by car and makes an easy September day trip. This year is particularly special as the resort’s legendary Hot Ice Show celebrates 90 years of performances with Hot Ice XC. Running until 10 September, the production brings together more than 30 international figure skaters, including elite performers and championship-level talent, for an evening of spectacular skating, dramatic choreography, music and costumes inside the Pleasure Beach Arena.
Make a full day of it by visiting the Pleasure Beach rides and attractions before heading to the arena for the show. With the summer crowds beginning to ease, early September is also a lovely time to enjoy Blackpool before the autumn season gets underway.
Pleasure Island at Future Yard
5 September
Cross the Mersey to Birkenhead for an intimate night of live music at Future Yard.
Pleasure Island performs on Saturday 5 September, with doors opening at 7.30pm. Future Yard’s bar and coffee shop are open during the day, while its kitchen serves before the show, making it easy to turn the gig into an evening out.
Queen by Candlelight at Liverpool Cathedral
5 September
Liverpool Cathedral provides a particularly dramatic setting for an evening celebrating the music of Queen.
West End vocalists and a live rock band will perform some of the group’s best-known songs beneath the cathedral’s soaring interior, with hundreds of candles adding to the atmosphere.
The concert takes place from 7.30pm until 10pm on Saturday 5 September.
Connected Voices at M&S Bank Arena
6 September
Connected Voices arrives at M&S Bank Arena on Sunday 6 September, bringing 200 voices together for a large-scale live performance in support of Bebe’s Hive.
Waitress at Liverpool Empire
7 to 12 September
The uplifting musical Waitress comes to Liverpool Empire from Monday 7 to Saturday 12 September.
Featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, the story follows Jenna, a talented pie maker searching for a way to reshape her future. Friendship, romance, humour and some memorable songs combine in one of September’s major theatre productions.
Jane McDonald at M&S Bank Arena
11 September
Jane McDonald brings her Living the Dream tour to Liverpool on Friday 11 September.
Known for her warm stage presence and devoted audience, McDonald’s arena shows combine familiar favourites with newer material from her recording career.
André Rieu at M&S Bank Arena
12 September
André Rieu returns to Liverpool with the Johann Strauss Orchestra on Saturday 12 September.
Expect waltzes, orchestral favourites and the theatrical atmosphere for which Rieu’s arena performances have become famous. The Liverpool concert forms part of his 2026 UK and Ireland tour.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
12 September
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall hosts Rumours of Fleetwood Mac on Saturday 12 September.
The internationally touring tribute celebrates music from across Fleetwood Mac’s catalogue, with several performances scheduled during the day.
Liverpool Philharmonic Open Day
13 September
Liverpool Philharmonic opens its doors for a day of music and activities on Sunday 13 September.
The event offers visitors an opportunity to experience performances, discover more about the organisation and spend time inside one of Liverpool’s best-known cultural venues.
It is particularly well suited to families who may not usually attend a full orchestral concert.
The Ultimate Show at Exhibition Centre Liverpool
13 September
Car enthusiasts can head to Exhibition Centre Liverpool for The Ultimate Show.
The event returns on Sunday 13 September and features automotive displays, modified cars and specialist vehicles, making it a good option for teenagers and families interested in motoring.
Barnum at Liverpool Empire
15 to 19 September
The colourful musical Barnum arrives at Liverpool Empire in the middle of the month.
Inspired by the life of showman P.T. Barnum, the production combines musical theatre with spectacle and the story of one of entertainment history’s most ambitious figures.
Performances run from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 September.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Season Opening Concert
17 September
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra begins its 2026/27 season with Unveiling the Enigma.
Taking place at 7.30pm on Thursday 17 September, the concert marks the official start of a new orchestral season at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
Death of a Salesman at Liverpool Everyman
19 September to 10 October
Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman opens at Liverpool Everyman on Saturday 19 September.
This Made in Liverpool production brings one of the twentieth century’s best-known dramas to the Everyman stage, following salesman Willy Loman as he struggles with family pressures, disappointment and his increasingly fragile idea of success.
The production continues until 10 October.
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
19 September
A celebration of Tina Turner’s music arrives at M&S Bank Arena on Saturday 19 September.
The touring show includes favourites such as Private Dancer, Proud Mary and Simply the Best.
Blippi at M&S Bank Arena
19 September
Families with younger children can see Blippi live as the Be Like Blippi tour arrives in Liverpool.
The show brings familiar songs, movement and colourful educational entertainment to M&S Bank Arena on Saturday 19 September.
Annie at Liverpool Empire
22 to 26 September
The classic family musical Annie comes to Liverpool Empire towards the end of September.
Set in 1930s New York, the story follows a young orphan whose life changes after she is invited to stay with billionaire Oliver Warbucks.
Performances run from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September.
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
25 and 26 September
Watch How to Train Your Dragon on the big screen while the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performs John Powell’s acclaimed film score live.
Performances take place at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September, making this one of the month’s standout family events.
British Musical Fireworks Championship, Southport
26 and 27 September
One of the North West’s most spectacular annual events returns to Victoria Park in Southport.
Competing teams choreograph large-scale pyrotechnic displays to music over two evenings, filling the park with colour and sound.
The British Musical Fireworks Championship takes place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September.
Spend a September Day at Royal Albert Dock
Royal Albert Dock remains one of the easiest places to build an entire family day around once the summer holidays end.
Start with a walk around the historic colonnades before visiting one of the nearby museums or attractions, then stop for lunch overlooking the water.
Families can combine the dock with The Beatles Story, the Museum of Liverpool at Pier Head or a Mersey ferry trip.
September is particularly useful for waterfront days because you can adjust the itinerary according to the weather. If the sun appears, stay outside and explore the waterfront. If the rain starts, there are several indoor attractions within easy walking distance.