NORTHWICH is set to go tropical once again as the town's hugely popular flagship Piña Colada Festival returns this month, promising its biggest celebration yet.
Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the town centre on Saturday, August 22, for a day packed with live music, street performances, family activities, parades, food, drink and plenty of Caribbean-inspired fun, all completely free to attend.
When is the festival?
The festival takes place on Saturday, August 22, with activities running from 12 noon onwards across multiple locations in Northwich town centre.
Organisers say 2026 will be the biggest event yet, with expanded entertainment areas, more seating and an enhanced programme of activities.
Where is it happening?
The festival is spread throughout the town centre, with three major hubs:
- Apple Market Place
- Witton Quarter
- Barons Square
Additional attractions will also be located throughout Northwich, including at Barons Quay, High Street, Witton Street and Wildflower Meadow.
Live music throughout the day
Apple Market Place
Apple Market Place will host the festival's biggest stage to date, with a packed programme of music hosted by Max Mutant.
The line-up includes:
- 12pm: The Island Boys
- 1pm: Max Mutant
- 2pm: Caribbean Rootz
- 3pm: Caribbean Rootz
- 4pm: Golddust
- 5.15pm: Golddust
Festival-goers are also encouraged to watch out for the spectacular parade arriving at the venue at around 5pm.
Visitors looking for a more laid-back atmosphere can head to Witton Quarter, where a beach-themed area with deckchairs, sand, and alfresco seating will host live performances throughout the afternoon.
Acts include:
- Eesha Plays Steelpan
- The Island Boys
- Northwich Uke Club
- Jay Orchard
There will also be free popcorn and candy floss from noon until 4pm, subject to availability.
Family activities
Families will find plenty to keep children entertained throughout the day.
Barons Square, outside Asda, will host free activities between 12pm and 4pm including:
- Pineapple-themed rosette making
- Caribbean-themed craft workshops
- Tropical sand art
- A samba dancing workshop at 1.45pm
All activities are free.
Elsewhere around town there will be:
- A surf simulator near Odeon
- Pineapple-themed crazy golf
- A free tropical photo booth
- Fairground games with prizes
- Butterfly wing dress-up experiences
- Sharlands Funfair on Wildflower Meadow
- Performances from street entertainers Turbo & Dai
Most activities run between noon and 4pm.
Don't miss the parades
One of the festival's biggest attractions is set to be the colourful carnival parade.
Featuring a larger samba band, dancers, giant butterflies, Birds of Paradise and festival mascot Mr Colada, the parade will set off from Barons Square and travel throughout the town centre.
Parade times are:
- 1pm
- 3pm
- 4.30pm
All begin outside Asda in Barons Square.
Food, drink, and piña coladas
Dozens of businesses across Northwich will be taking part, serving their own versions of the famous piña colada alongside food, mocktails, and festival-themed specials.
Participating venues include Barons, Bear, Bombay Quay, Corner Haus, Gaia, Goblin Coffee & Beer, Quayside, The Salty Dog, The Green Dragon, Wildwood, ZaZa Café Bar and many more.
Organisers are encouraging people to explore the town centre, as additional businesses may also be taking part.
Parking and facilities
Several town centre car parks will be free to use during the festival, including:
Barons Quay
- Asda
- Odeon Northwich
- Leicester Street
- Chester Way/Station Road Roundabout
- Hadfield Street
- Central Palace Drive
The Market Car Park will be closed during the event.
Public toilets will be available at:
- Asda
- Northwich Memorial Court
Additional portable toilets will be located in Apple Market Place, Northwich Library, and Northwich Art Shop. Accessible changing facilities will also be available at Memorial Court.
Accessibility and quiet space
A quiet zone will be available throughout the day in Riverside Park, offering visitors a place to step away from the crowds.
The festival also supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme as part of the wider Accessible Northwich initiative.
The essentials
What: Piña Colada Festival 2026
When: Saturday, August 22, from 12 noon
Where: Northwich town centre
Cost: Free entry and free activities throughout the day
Highlights: Live music, carnival parades, family entertainment, beach zone, food, drink, and piña coladas across the town.
With samba rhythms, steel pans, tropical cocktails and family-friendly entertainment filling the streets, Northwich's Piña Colada Festival looks set to deliver another memorable summer celebration.
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