If you like pina coladas… then this is the event for you! An annual Pina Colada Festival is heading to a quaint market town that’s less than an hour away from Manchester city centre – offering a day trip out full of tropical fun, vibrant music and of course, cocktails and mocktails.
Taking place on Saturday 16th August, the spectacular and vibrant event will once again fill the streets of Northwich with live music performances, family-friendly games and entertainment as well as street performers and dancing. Whether you’re a salsa enthusiast, a reggae lover, or simply want a great day out, the annual event has something for everyone. With multiple zones, visitors can enjoy music and dancing, arts and crafts and even try on carnival butterfly wings to get into the party spirit.
What to expect at the Pina Colada Festival
Live music and stage shows
Head to Apple Market Place and the Witton Quarter for a packed schedule of live performances, complete with an extended catwalk, confetti cannons, and plenty of Caribbean rhythm. From skilled steel pan players, DJs and even ukelele players there’s sure to be something for everyone. Both stages will also see five-piece bands ready to transport festivalgoers to hotter climes with uplifting beats and energetic reggae music. Plus, there will be a free glitter stand at Apple Market Place to get festival ready.
Samba parade
The Samba Parade is set to return to the Pina Colada Festival bigger than ever. The parade will feature 100 performers including stunning butterfly dancers and rainbow-dress entertainers and you can expect plenty of colour, energy, and festive beats.
Urban beach
Pina coladas are a great drink to have whilst chilling by the sea and this festival has brought the tropical beach to Northwich! Located on Witton Street, you can soak up the sun, snap a sunny selfie in the free photo booth, and enjoy the sounds of the festival with live music floating over from the main stage nearby from the urban beach.
Sharlands fun fair
Get ready for non-stop excitement as Sharlands Fun Fair returns to Barons Quay for this year’s Pina Colada Festival. A crowd favourite, the fair brings an unbeatable mix of classic rides, family attractions, and adrenaline-pumping thrills—perfect for all ages.
Free family fun
At the Pina Colada Festival, there will also be plenty of free family activities to get involved in. Kids (and grown-ups too!) can look forward to:
- Pineapple-themed kids crafts
- Glitter face painting
- Mini-golf with a tropical twist
- Street games with fun prizes
- Try on butterfly wings
- Roaming performers & photo opportunities throughout the town
- A free photobooth for those must-have summer snaps
- Surf simulator to test your wave-riding skills
- Free popcorn and candyfloss for sweet festival vibes
- Free flower necklaces for that tropical touch
Where can you get pina coladas in Northwich
You’ll find Piña Coladas (and mocktail alternatives) at local Northwich bars, cafes, and venues only. There are no external alcohol traders—so whether you’re after a classic, a tropical twist, or a groovy non-alcoholic version, head to one of these town centre spots to sip in style:
- ABDA
- Barons
- BEAR
- Bombay Quay
- Dockyard BQ
- Goblin Coffee & Beer
- Hals Charcoal Grill
- Kanya Bistro & Restaurant
- Phase 1 Hair
- Quayside
- Sew Easy
- Sunny BBQ
- The Bird and Hat
- The Bullring NW
- The Coffee House
- The Green Dragon
- The Penny Black
- The Salthouse NW
- The Salty Dog
- The Snug
- The Swinging Witch
- Vinnies
- Wildwood
- Wild Tots
- Witton Chimes
- ZaZa Café Bar
How to get to the Pina Colada Festival from Manchester
The journey from Manchester city centre to Northwich by car is around a 50-minute drive via A5103, M56 and A556 then continue on the A559 to reach the town. You can get to the festival by hopping on the tram from Manchester city centre to Altrincham, then heading to Altrincham railway station to catch a direct train to Northwich, with the journey taking around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
You can find out more information about the Pina Colada Festival here.