Blackpool has always been about having a good time. The seaside town draws millions of visitors each year, and many come for the nightlife. While traditional pubs are great for a quiet pint, sometimes you want more than just background music and a fruit machine. You want shows, performances, and an atmosphere that makes your night out memorable.
This guide covers ten venues where you can enjoy drinks alongside quality entertainment. Some are classic pubs with live music. Others are full-blown entertainment venues with bar service. What they share is the ability to turn an ordinary evening into something special.
Let’s break it down.
1. Funny Girls
Starting with the crown jewel of Blackpool nightlife, Funny Girls sits at the top of this list for good reason. Located on Dickson Road, this isn’t your typical pub, but it absolutely deserves the number one spot for entertainment value.
What you get here is world-class cabaret featuring talented drag performers who deliver comedy, singing, and dance numbers that rival West End productions. The venue has been running since 1994 and has built a reputation across the UK for putting on spectacular shows.
The bar serves a full range of drinks, from cocktails to beers, and the atmosphere buzzes with energy every night. Shows run throughout the week, with different themes and performers keeping things fresh. You can book tickets in advance through the Funny Girls website, which is recommended during peak season when the venue fills up quickly.
The production values are genuinely impressive. We’re talking costume changes, choreography, live vocals, and professional lighting that create a proper theatre experience. Yet the vibe stays relaxed and fun rather than stuffy. The performers interact with the audience, crack jokes about Blackpool landmarks, and make sure everyone feels included.
For hen parties, birthdays, or just a night out with friends, Funny Girls delivers entertainment that you’ll talk about long after you leave. The venue welcomes everyone, creating an inclusive space where people come to celebrate and have fun.
2. The Counting House
This Wetherspoon pub on Talbot Square offers something different: live music without the cover charge. The building itself is stunning, converted from a former bank with high ceilings and original features that give it character.
Most weekends feature local bands playing rock, pop, and indie covers. The acoustics work well for live performances, and the stage area gives musicians proper space to perform. You won’t find elaborate productions here, but the quality of musicianship is solid.
The drink prices follow the usual Wetherspoon model, making it budget-friendly for a night out. Food is available until late, which helps if you’re settling in for several hours of entertainment.
3. The Waterfront
Sitting on the Promenade with views across the Irish Sea, The Waterfront combines location with regular entertainment. Friday and Saturday nights typically feature tribute acts covering everyone from Tina Turner to Oasis.
The venue has invested in a decent sound system and lighting rig, so performers don’t feel like they’re playing in someone’s front room. The crowd tends to be a mix of locals and tourists, creating a lively atmosphere.
During summer months, the beer garden becomes an entertainment space of its own, with DJs and acoustic sets taking advantage of warmer weather.
4. Dutton Arms
This traditional pub on Hornby Road has been serving the local community for decades. What sets it apart is the commitment to live music, with acts performing multiple nights per week.
The style leans towards classic rock and blues, attracting musicians who genuinely love what they play. The intimate setting means you’re close to the performers, creating a connection you don’t get in larger venues.
Sunday afternoons often feature jam sessions where local musicians drop in to play together. It’s unpolished but authentic, giving you a taste of Blackpool’s grassroots music scene.
5. The Excelsior
Another Wetherspoon option, but worth including for its regular comedy nights and quiz events. The venue hosts stand-up comedians testing new material, sometimes catching performers before they hit the bigger circuit.
The layout works well for comedy, with the stage visible from most seats. Sound quality is decent, and the staff understand how to run events without excessive noise from the bar area.
Quiz nights pull in competitive teams who take their trivia seriously. It’s free to enter, with prizes for winners, making it popular with both regulars and visitors looking for something different.
6. Ma Kelly’s Showbar
Located in the North Shore area, Ma Kelly’s focuses on karaoke and disco nights. If watching others perform is your thing, this delivers entertainment through audience participation.
The karaoke setup is professional, with a proper sound system and a vast song catalogue. Most nights feature a mix of confident singers and brave first-timers, all encouraged by a supportive crowd.
Themed disco nights happen regularly, with DJs playing everything from Motown to 90s dance. The compact dance floor fills up quickly when the hits start playing.
7. The Pump and Truncheon
This micropub on Bonny Street takes a different approach. Entertainment here means acoustic sessions and folk music in an intimate setting. The venue only holds about 30 people, creating an atmosphere more like someone’s living room than a commercial venue.
Musicians perform without amplification, relying on the natural acoustics of the small space. It strips music back to basics and works beautifully for singer-songwriters and traditional folk performers.
Real ales dominate the drink selection, with rotating guest beers from small breweries. If you prefer quieter entertainment where you can actually hear the lyrics, this is your spot.
8. Viva Cabaret Bar
Another cabaret venue worth mentioning, Viva offers entertainment packages that include dinner and show options. The performances mix drag, comedy, and musical theatre, though on a slightly smaller scale than Funny Girls.
The venue works well for groups celebrating special occasions, with table service and a party atmosphere. Shows tend to be high-energy with plenty of audience interaction.
Booking ahead is necessary as the venue operates on a ticketed basis rather than walk-in admissions. Check their schedule online as show times vary throughout the week.
9. The Old Bridge House
Situated near the Pleasure Beach, this pub combines live sports screenings with occasional live music. It’s not primarily an entertainment venue, but weekend performances add energy to what’s otherwise a sports bar.
The music tends towards covers of popular rock and pop songs. Nothing groundbreaking, but delivered competently by local musicians who understand their audience.
The location makes it convenient for visitors exploring the southern end of Blackpool. Large screens throughout the venue mean you can catch important matches alongside your entertainment.
10. The Layton Rakes
This community pub in the Layton area hosts regular bingo nights, quiz events, and occasional tribute acts. It’s firmly local in character, welcoming visitors but primarily serving neighbourhood regulars.
Entertainment here is unpretentious and affordable. Bingo sessions draw dedicated players who take the game seriously but keep things friendly. Tribute acts perform about once a month, covering popular artists from various decades.
The atmosphere feels more like a social club than a tourist destination. If you want to see how locals spend their evenings, this provides an authentic glimpse.
What Makes Entertainment Pubs Special in Blackpool?
Blackpool’s entertainment heritage runs deep. The town built its reputation on variety shows, music halls, and seaside entertainment that stretched back over a century. That tradition continues in venues across the town.
What separates these entertainment pubs from standard watering holes is the commitment to creating experiences. Anyone can serve drinks. These venues understand that people want memories alongside their beverages.
The quality varies, certainly. A drag show at Funny Girls represents a different level of production than a local band at a neighbourhood pub. But each serves its purpose and finds its audience.
Prices reflect this range. Premium entertainment venues like Funny Girls charge admission but deliver professional productions. Traditional pubs offer free or low-cost entertainment with drinks at standard pub prices.
Planning Your Entertainment Pub Crawl
Visiting multiple venues in one night is possible, though you’ll need to plan around show times. Most cabaret venues require you to commit to the full evening, while pubs with background entertainment let you drop in and leave as you please.
Transportation between venues is straightforward. Blackpool’s compact town centre means most entertainment pubs sit within walking distance. Trams run along the Promenade for venues further apart.
Booking ahead matters for ticketed venues. Funny Girls, in particular, sells out on busy weekends and during school holidays. Walk-in pubs fill up on Friday and Saturday nights but generally have space available.
Dress codes exist at some venues. Cabaret bars appreciate smart casual attire, while traditional pubs accept whatever you’re wearing. Check venue websites if you’re unsure.
Beyond the Drinks
Entertainment pubs serve another purpose beyond selling alcohol and providing shows. They create social spaces where strangers become friends, where birthdays turn into celebrations, and where ordinary evenings transform into stories you’ll retell.
Blackpool needs these venues. The town’s economy depends on tourism and entertainment. These pubs and bars employ local performers, support musicians, and keep the town’s entertainment heritage alive.
For visitors, they offer something different from tower climbs and pier walks. They reveal Blackpool’s character after dark, when the illuminations glow and the town shifts into entertainment mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pub in Blackpool for live entertainment?
Funny Girls stands out for professional cabaret shows featuring drag performers, comedy, and musical numbers. The production quality matches theatre standards, with shows running nightly throughout the year. While not a traditional pub, it offers full bar service and an unmatched entertainment experience. Book tickets through the Funny Girls website to guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.
Are entertainment venues in Blackpool suitable for families?
Most entertainment pubs are adult-oriented, particularly those featuring cabaret and late-night shows. However, some traditional pubs with afternoon live music welcome families earlier in the day. Always check age restrictions before visiting. Venues like The Counting House allow children during meal times but become adults-only after evening hours. Verify policies directly with venues.
Do I need to book tickets for pub entertainment in Blackpool?
Ticketed venues like Funny Girls and Viva Cabaret Bar require advance booking, especially on weekends and holidays. Traditional pubs with live music typically operate on a first-come basis without tickets. Booking guarantees entry and sometimes offers better seating options. Check individual venue websites for reservation requirements and show schedules before planning your evening.
How much does entertainment cost at Blackpool pubs?
Costs vary widely. Traditional pubs offer free live music with standard drink prices. Wetherspoon venues combine affordable drinks with complimentary entertainment. Cabaret venues charge admission ranging from £15 to £30 depending on the show and date. Dinner-and-show packages cost more but include food. Budget accordingly based on the type of venue you choose.
What types of entertainment can I find at Blackpool pubs?
Blackpool pubs offer diverse entertainment including professional cabaret shows, live rock and pop music, tribute acts, comedy nights, karaoke sessions, quiz events, and acoustic performances. Funny Girls specialises in drag cabaret, while traditional pubs focus on live bands and solo musicians. The variety means you can find entertainment matching any preference, from high-energy shows to intimate acoustic sets.
