FREE Family Days Out in Halton

This June, Halton’s cultural calendar steps up a gear as Halton Fest returns for its third year to celebrate Halton’s 50^th year anniversary and Culture 26. With a packed programme of FREE events for the whole family to enjoy, with creative workshops, live music, theatre performances and outdoor experiences. We’ve rounded up some of the key events and experiences to look forward to in June, to make the most of the longer and hotter summer days.

National Hot Air Balloon Day

Friday 5^th June | FREE

As part of Halton’s Culture 26 events programme, the large Hot Air Balloon’s created by the local community from the creative workshop on Friday 29^th May, will be displayed in the Community Square to celebrate National Hot Air Balloon Day!

Halton Fest 26

Saturday 6^th & Sunday 7^th June | 11am - 6pm | FREE

Get ready for a weekend of creativity, community and celebration as Halton Fest returns to Runcorn Hill Park on 6^th and 7^th June 2026, as part of the borough’s Culture26 programme of events. This free festival, promises an exciting day out for families and friends, packed with live music, theatre, circus performances, classic cars, funfair rides, a petting zoo, hands-on activities and much more for all ages.

Set around the park, the weekend will be filled with live performances and creative workshops in dedicated marquees. On Saturday at 11:30am, don’t miss The Dinosaurs are Back, where Dommy B brings a high-energy one-man adventure of poems, rap and dance. Throughout the weekend, local talent will take to the stage, including Andrew Curphey Theatre Company, Victoria Music Ltd, Mersey Wave Choir, Ukes on Track and Runcorn Community Choir.

New for Culture26, those feeling creative can head over to the Creative Marquee, where children and toddlers can get hands-on with crafts and nature-based activities from Hazlehurst Studios, Animal Teach, Woolyback Crafts, Neens and Beans & more. To explore creativity together in a fun and welcoming space.

Beyond the marquees, expect a vibrant atmosphere with community stalls, walkabout versions of your favourite characters, a baby big top circus, a petting zoo, funfair rides and classic cars. The arena will host a mix of engaging performances including dog and pony shows, dance schools, mini steamers and an incredible show from The Animal Guyz.

Families can also enjoy a wide range of free activities, including archery, yoga and meditation taster sessions from Space Runcorn, goal shooting with Widnes Wild, and a silent disco. So, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

Alongside the family funfair, food stalls and licensed bar, Halton Fest offers the perfect chance to relax, explore and celebrate creativity that makes Halton unique with free parking and a free shuttle bus from Widnes and Runcorn, it’s never been easier to join the fun!

Hale Village Carnival

Saturday 13^th June | 10am – 4pm | FREE

The week after Halton Fest, Hale Village Carnival returns for a day packed with tradition, family activities and fun events.

Visitors can look forward to a fantastic mix of classic carnival activities, including a lively funfair, dog agility courses, welly throwing and a tug o’ war, alongside a wide variety of stalls offering something for every interest. The ever popular selection of classic cars from North West Casual Classics, will be making a return, accompanied by live entertainment from The Mysterons and the Saints Peter and Paul Samba Band.

This year also sees the return of the beloved community scarecrow competition, with a fun World Cup theme, alongside the Best Garden Competition. So be sure to keep an eye out as you wander around, soak up the atmosphere and decide on your favourites.

Queens of Halton Awards Ceremony

Friday 19^th June | DCBL Stadium, Widnes, WA8 7DZ

Celebrating the women who go above and beyond in Halton’s local community, those who inspire, support, lift and champion others. Join us at the Queens of Halton Awards as we shine a light on, and give recognition to, the incredible achievements of women across the borough.

Alongside the usual awards, Volunteer of the year, Woman in Business, Jo Cox Make a Difference, Rising Star, Community Leader of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Ray of Light – we are introducing something new for 2026. To celebrate the borough’s strong and rich culture, a new Queen of Culture award will be presented to recognise commitment to championing and creating access to arts and culture in Halton.

Liverpool Architecture Festival

Reconnecting Runcorn Walking Tour

Wednesday 17^th June, Friday 19^th June & Saturday 20^th June | Times Vary | FREE

Join a guided walking tour of Runcorn town centre and discover how Reconnecting Runcorn is transforming the area. Starting at Runcorn Railway Station, the tour takes you past a series of regeneration projects, both newly completed and nearing completion, designed to revitalise the town while keeping the community at its heart. From a new Buddhist Temple and Peace Garden to a youth centre, arts spaces and the extended Brindley Theatre, you’ll see how these developments are creating vibrant, accessible spaces for residents and visitors alike. Guided by the vision of the Government-funded Town Deal, the project aims to boost local economy, encourage community use, and ensure the town centre remains meaningful for years to come.

Wednesday 17^th June: 6:30pm

Friday 19^th June: 2pm

Saturday 20^th June: 10am

Get your FREE tickets here!

Shopping City Tour

Saturday 20^th June | 12:45pm – 3pm | FREE

Join Merseyside Civic Society as they celebrate Liverpool Architecture Festival at Runcorn Shopping City with a guided tour around its interesting architecture. Listen to a talk from Runcorn Historical Society, get involved with a snap and social walk with Hazlehurst Camera Collective and enjoy the rare opportunity to explore restricted areas and view the original model of the complex. The event will consider the site’s future and its relationship with the wider New Town area, including the innovative Runcorn Busway.

Meeting point – Halton Lea Library, Second Ave, Palacefields, Runcorn, WA7 2PF

Get your FREE tickets here!

Global Beatles Day

Thursday 25^th June | 12pm – 2pm | FREE

To celebrate the Beyond the Tracks music trail that has two stops commemorating half of the record signings The Beatles ever did, enjoy music from The Beatles played at Widnes Town Centre from tribute buskers.

Pride in Halton at Runcorn Linnets Football Club

Saturday 27^th June | 12:30pm – 9pm | FREE

Celebrate love, community and inclusivity this Pride Month at the annual Pride in Halton event at Runcorn Linnets Football Club. This vibrant event promises a full day of entertainment, beginning with an uplifting Pride March before flowing into a fantastic celebration fills with loads of activities for everyone to get involved in. Enjoy live performances from award-winning drag artist Sheela Vim and the sensational ABBA Attack tribute, alongside live music, special guests, an open mic and karaoke sessions where everyone is welcome to shine.  There will also be a variety of food vendors, fun activities, local businesses and information stalls, creating a supportive space for the LGBTQ+ community.

What else is happening across Halton in June?

Alongside Culture 26’s exciting programme, there’s plenty mor to discover across Halton in June. Browse unique finds and enjoy street food at Widnes Market, soak up the sunshine and spot wildlife in the borough’s beautiful green spaces, or catch live entertainment at The Brindley and in local pubs. For something a little different, enjoy a coffee paired with yoga and mindfulness at Space Runcorn, learn about the area’s chemistry at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, or run wild around Norton Priory Museum & Gardens. With summer just beginning, it’s the perfect time to get out, explore and experience something new across the borough.

Unlock Runcorn Cruises along the Canal

Tuesday 2^nd June, Friday 5^th June & Sunday 21^st June | Prices + Times Vary

After last month’s successful cruises along the canal. Unlock Runcorn’s cruises along the historic Bridgewater Canal, is one of the best ways to enjoy a relaxing and indulgent day in Halton. On the first Tuesday of June, boats will once again cruise between Top Locks and Norton Priory, offering beautiful summer sights for visitors to experience while discovering local heritage from the water. For those feeling a bit peckish, enjoy homemade scones and cakes with a Cream Tea Cruise on Friday 5^th June. Whereas at the end of the month, treat your dad to the perfect gift this Father’s Day, experience cruising down the Bridgewater canal with a ploughman’s lunch and glass of beer and a glass of prosecco on departure.

Book your Unlock Runcorn Boat Trip here

Artwork at Widnes Market

Looking for more information about Culture 26; Made in Halton?

Check out our stall at Widnes Market, open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Mornings, to purchase A-Z artwork, explore beautiful gallery featuring artwork from Millie Chesters and Jim Eatwell, and ask questions about what Culture 26; Made in Halton is all about!

Frequently Asked Questions about Halton

What is Halton known for?

Halton is known for its industrial heritage, particularly its role in the UK’s chemical industry, as well as its historic landmarks, cultural festivals and natural green spaces. Today, it combines heritage attractions with a growing creative and cultural offer.

What heritage attractions are in Halton?

Halton is home to Norton Priory, one of the largest excavated monastic sites in Europe, featuring archaeological remains, museum galleries and historic gardens. The borough also includes historic villages and towns such as Runcorn, Widnes, Daresbury and Hale, industrial landmarks like Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre, the UK’s first and only chemical industry museum and sites connected to British royalty and literature.

What is Halton’s connection to Lewis Carroll?

Daresbury, a village in Halton, is the birthplace of Lewis Carroll, author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The local landscape and characters are widely believed to have influenced elements of his stories, including the Cheshire Cat.

Does Halton have royal history?

Yes. Henry Bolingbroke, later King Henry IV of England, lived at Halton Castle during his time as Baron of Halton. His residence there, and the castle’s history, place Halton firmly within an important chapter of medieval English history.

What major events take place in Halton?

Halton hosts the internationally recognised Creamfields Festival held in Daresbury; it is one of the world’s leading electronic music festivals. The borough also supports regular cultural events, art programmes and community-led festivals throughout the year.

How do I get to Halton?

Halton is only 10 miles away from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and is served by the West Coast Main Line and major National Motorway networks.

Runcorn Railway Station: Has direct services to London Euston, Birmingham, Liverpool and Chester.

Widnes Railway Station: Has regular services to Manchester, Warrington and Liverpool Lime Street.

Can visitors explore Halton on foot or by bike?

Yes. Halton has loads of walking and cycling routes to explore, including the Trans Pennine Trail, which passes through the borough. Visitors can also access canalside paths, nature reserves and heritage trails across the area.

Is parking available in Halton?

Free parking and EV charging points are available in locations across the borough, making Halton accessible for visitors travelling by car.

Where can I find things to do in Halton?

Visitors can explore local guides including:

• Taste of Halton: Discover the best places to eat and drink.
• RE:Wild: Explore the borough’s most beautiful green spaces and nature escapes.
• History & Culture: Learn more about Halton’s rich heritage.
• Culture 26: Learn more about Culture 26.
• Beyond The Tracks: Discover stories from Halton’s unexpected musical heritage

To stay up to date with the latest information follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @visithalton.