Summer in Manchester brings the city to life, with a packed calendar of festivals, events and experiences to discover. From live music and street food to outdoor adventures and family-friendly days out, there’s no shortage of things to do in Manchester this summer. Whether you’re searching for what’s on in Manchester this summer, planning a weekend visit or simply looking for fun things to do in Manchester, there’s something for every pace and budget. Spend sunny afternoons exploring lush parks, dive into the city’s rich culture at its galleries and exhibitions, or make the most of the season with free events, markets and outdoor performances. Manchester’s mix of iconic attractions and lesser-known spots means you’ll never run out of inspiration.

This guide rounds up 50 of the best things to do in Manchester, including plenty of free things to do in Manchester, so you can make the most of the warmer months. Whether you’re here for the festivals, the food, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, consider this your go-to list for experiencing Manchester at its best this summer.

Explore More Things to Do in Manchester This Summer

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Summer

Visiting Manchester in Summer is fantastic. The streets are bustling, the nights are warm, and the city comes alive with events, attractions, markets and performances. Kicking things off in the summer is the Manchester Flower Festival, featuring floral installations, outdoor dining, live music and…

Family-Friendly Events for Kids in Manchester

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1. Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience (Depot Mayfield)

A playful, visually striking experience packed with interactive installations and VR, making it stand out as a high-energy, all-ages attraction that’s perfect for school holidays.

2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (SEA LIFE Manchester)

Blends a globally loved game with a real-world aquarium setting, offering something genuinely unique that appeals to both children and nostalgic adults.

3. The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure (RHS Garden Bridgewater)

Encourages outdoor exploration through storytelling and trails, making it ideal for families wanting a mix of nature, culture and gentle activity.

4. Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals (National Football Museum)

Combines football with hands-on science, giving it broad appeal in a city where sport and identity are deeply connected.

5. Bury Comic Con 2026 (Bury Town Centre)

A free, accessible celebration of pop culture that brings energy and colour to the streets, making it a standout day out for families and fans.

6. The Great Northern Giant Summer Sandpit (Great Northern Warehouse)

A simple but effective summer activation in the city centre, offering free, creative play that’s easy to drop into.

7. Day Out With Thomas (East Lancashire Railway)

A full-day heritage experience that goes beyond a typical attraction, combining nostalgia, storytelling and interactive entertainment.

8. In The Night Garden Live (Lowry)

A live adaptation of a hugely popular children’s show, delivering familiar characters in an engaging theatre format.

9. CBeebies House Party LIVE! (Lowry)

A high-energy stage show featuring recognisable TV personalities, making it a major draw for younger audiences and families.

Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience in Manchester

Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience in Manchester

Manchester is about to get a whole lot more playful with Bubble Planet! This quirky new attraction…

28 Jun 2026 - 27 Aug 2026
The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure

The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Farshore, part of HarperCollins Publishers, are teaming up…

28 Jun 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals

Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals

Kids and grown-ups alike can discover the fascinating connection between football and the human body…

28 Jun 2026 - 01 Nov 2026
Bury Comic Con 2026

Bury Comic Con 2026

Bury BID Comic Con returns on Sunday 28 June 2026, bringing a spectacular celebration of pop culture…

28 Jun 2026 -
The Great Northern Giant Summer Sandpit

The Great Northern Giant Summer Sandpit

Looking to get the children out of the house and to engage in some fun, creative play now that home…

13 Jul 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway

Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway

All Aboard For A Day Of Adventure! Enjoy a full day of fun with the whole family, there's so…

18 Jul 2026 - 04 Oct 2026
In The Night Garden Live

In The Night Garden Live

In the Night Garden Live is coming to Lowry in 2026! Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and…

05 Aug 2026 - 09 Aug 2026
CBeebies House Party LIVE!

CBeebies House Party LIVE!

You’re all invited to the CBeebies House Party LIVE! A family fun-packed stage show with…

29 Aug 2026 - 30 Aug 2026
Wild Things

Wild Things

Little imaginations can run wild at Lowry this summer! Wild Things is a new free exhibition that…

18 Jul 2026 - 01 Nov 2026
Something Rotten!

Something Rotten!

***** "The Funniest, Splashiest Musical Comedy In At Least 400 Years!" - TIME OUT NY IN A…

28 Jun 2026 - 19 Jul 2026
The Fabric of Us

The Fabric of Us

Featuring playful movement, a large white parachute, and a rich soundscape built from recorded…

24 Jul 2026 -
FamJam at Stockroom

FamJam at Stockroom

OmniMusic’s FamJam brings joyful, inclusive music sessions for disabled people and their loved…

10 Aug 2026 -
Mission: Mad Hatter

Mission: Mad Hatter

"The teapot is warmed, the table is set… but the guests are gone!" Something…

28 Jun 2026 - 31 Dec 2027

Must-See Exhibitions in Manchester This Summer

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10. Human Natures (Manchester Museum)

Taps into timely themes around sustainability and human impact, offering a thought-provoking and relevant visitor experience.

11. Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos (Science and Industry Museum)

Combines education with humour and interactivity, making science accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

12. LOWRY 360 (Lowry)

A completely free immersive gallery experience centred around an iconic artwork, making it both culturally significant and accessible.

13. Spies, Lies and Deception (IWM North)

A major exhibition with global intrigue, offering a deeper, more dramatic museum experience.

14. Horizon of Khufu: Journey to Ancient Egypt

A cutting-edge VR experience that brings ancient history to life, appealing to tech-savvy and culturally curious visitors.

15. The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind

Showcases one of the world’s most recognisable street artists, offering strong visual appeal and cultural relevance.

16. The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O’Connor (Aviva Studios)

A bold, contemporary performance piece that blends dance and music, adding depth to Manchester’s creative scene.

17. Wild Things (Lowry)

A free, family-focused exhibition rooted in beloved children’s stories, making culture more accessible to younger audiences.

18. The Queen Is Dead 40th Anniversary (Salford Lads Club)

A culturally significant celebration tied to Manchester’s music heritage, offering a strong sense of place and nostalgia.

Human Natures

Human Natures

Step into Human Natures, Manchester Museum’s new exhibition exploring how people have shaped…

28 Jun 2026 - 01 Nov 2026
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos

An out-of-this-world premiere exhibition, now open at the Science and Industry Museum. Blast off…

28 Jun 2026 - 03 Jan 2027
LOWRY 360

LOWRY 360

Step inside LOWRY 360, a new FREE immersive gallery experience. This is a unique…

28 Jun 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North

Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North

Imperial War Museums (IWM) invites visitors to venture into the secret world of espionage this…

28 Jun 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
Horizon of Khufu Brings Ancient Egypt to Manchester

Horizon of Khufu Brings Ancient Egypt to Manchester

Horizon of Khufu: Journey to Ancient Egypt, an immersive virtual reality expedition back in time…

28 Jun 2026 -
The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind: Manchester

The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind: Manchester

Dive into Banksy’s mysterious and provocative universe with The Mystery of Banksy – A…

28 Jun 2026 -
Wild Things

Wild Things

Little imaginations can run wild at Lowry this summer! Wild Things is a new free exhibition that…

18 Jul 2026 - 01 Nov 2026

The Best Community Festivals

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19. Salford Celebrations: 100 Years of City Status

A long-running programme of events celebrating local identity and heritage, creating a strong sense of community pride.

20. SCENE. Manchester LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival (City Centre)

SCENE Festival returns to Manchester in August 2026 with a week-long programme of LGBTQ+ film, TV and live events celebrating inclusive storytelling across the city.

21. Sparkle Weekend (Manchester Village)

A long-established and nationally significant celebration of trans and gender diverse communities.

22. Totally Stockport Krazy Races (Stockport Town Centre)

Expect a full day of fun, entertainment, and plenty of "wow, did they really just do that!?" moments as Stockport once again plays host to the wackiest soapbox derby around.

23. Summer Family Fun Day (The Monastery)

A relaxed, community-focused event in a unique heritage setting, ideal for multi-generational audiences.

24. Flashes Festival of Nature (Pennington Flash)

Offers a nature-led day out that celebrates local wildlife, adding a slower-paced, educational option to the summer calendar.

25. Manchester Day 2026 (City Centre)

One of the city’s biggest civic celebrations, bringing together performance, culture and international influences.

26. Rochdale Feel Good Festival

A well-established event combining live music with community atmosphere in a central outdoor setting.

27. Manchester Village Pride (Canal Street)

A major bank holiday event with strong cultural significance and wide appeal.

Salford Celebrations: Making 100 years of the City status

Salford Celebrations: Making 100 years of the City status

​​​​​Salford is launching its Salford 100 celebrations on 21 April, marking a century since the city…

28 Jun 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
SCENE. Manchester LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival

SCENE. Manchester LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival

SCENE, Manchester's LGBTQ+ Film and TV festival, a Manchester Village Pride Festival Official…

20 Aug 2026 - 27 Aug 2026
Totally Stockport Krazy Races

Totally Stockport Krazy Races

After a two-year break, we are thrilled to announce that Krazy Races will return to Stockport in…

09 Aug 2026 -
Sparkle Weekend

Sparkle Weekend

From Friday 26th – Sunday 28th June 2026, Sparkle Weekend returns to Manchester's Gay…

28 Jun 2026 -
Stock Party

Stock Party

Stock Party returns to Stockport on Saturday 4 July 2026 for its third year, promising its biggest…

04 Jul 2026 -
Summer Family Fun Day 2026

Summer Family Fun Day 2026

Summer Family Fun Day at The Monastery Manchester Families are invited to enjoy a relaxed and joyful…

12 Jul 2026 -
Flashes Festival of Nature 2026

Flashes Festival of Nature 2026

Pennington Flash forms part of The Flashes of Wigan and Leigh, the first National Nature Reserve in…

19 Jul 2026 -
Manchester Day 2026

Manchester Day 2026

Manchester's biggest day of the year gets a Catalan twist for 2026! Manchester Day returns…

26 Jul 2026 -
Rochdale Feel Good Festival 2026

Rochdale Feel Good Festival 2026

Rochdale Feel Good Festival returns on Saturday 8 August 2026 with a stellar line-up in Rochdale…

08 Aug 2026 -
Manchester Village Pride 2026

Manchester Village Pride 2026

Following the creation of the Manchester Village Pride CIC, it has been confirmed that the…

28 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
The Green, St John's

The Green, St John's

The Green is a new outdoor square in St. John’s. A place to meet, relax and enjoy the city a…

28 Jun 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
BOOMCHIKABOOM! Summer Carnival

BOOMCHIKABOOM! Summer Carnival

Get ready to dance all morning at the ultimate summer carnival party with BOOMCHIKABOOM! Join…

26 Jul 2026 -
Stockport Pride

Stockport Pride

Stockport Pride is back, bringing a vibrant mix of drag performances, live music, and entertainment…

26 Jul 2026 -
20 Stories World Cup Match Screenings

20 Stories World Cup Match Screenings

20 Stories will be screening all England World Cup matches live from the rooftop, with full sound…

28 Jun 2026 - 19 Jul 2026
Stalybridge Street Fest

Stalybridge Street Fest

Come along to the much loved community event in Stalybridge. The monthly events guarantee to bring a…

28 Jun 2026 - 13 Nov 2026
World Cup 2026 at Mollies

World Cup 2026 at Mollies

Six weeks. 19 fixtures. Big screens, bucket beer and more food than you bargained for. Mollie's…

28 Jun 2026 - 19 Jul 2026
Manchester Cocktail Week with Spinningfields and St John's

Manchester Cocktail Week with Spinningfields and St John's

Manchester Cocktail Week is set to take over the city from July 3-12 after announcing major new…

03 Jul 2026 - 12 Jul 2026
Haigh Live 2026: Grassroots Edition

Haigh Live 2026: Grassroots Edition

Get ready for an unforgettable day of live music, fresh talent, and vibrant atmosphere at Haigh…

11 Jul 2026 -
The Stockport Vintage Spectacular

The Stockport Vintage Spectacular

So Retro Events is bringing its Vintage Spectacular back to Stockport…

12 Jul 2026 - 01 Nov 2026

Food and Drink Festivals and Experiences

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28. Festa Italiana Manchester

Celebrates Manchester’s Italian heritage with a lively, city-centre festival that blends culture, food and community.

29. Bolton Food and Drink Festival

A large-scale, destination event that attracts visitors from across the region with its extensive food offering.

30. Magic of Thailand Festival (Platt Fields Park)

Offers an immersive cultural experience through food, performances and market stalls.

31. The Green (St. John’s)

A new outdoor social space, The Green at St. John’s, is opening in Manchester city centre on 28 May, combining park-style relaxation with a licensed bar, big-screen entertainment and a packed summer programme of events.

32. Manchester Rum Festival

A niche but growing event that showcases global flavours and appeals to a more specialist audience.

33. Bottomless Brunch at Zouk

A reliable weekend experience that blends dining with social atmosphere, making it popular for groups.

34. Campfield Market (St John’s)

A regular artisan market that adds consistency to the summer offering, supporting local producers and makers.

Festa Italiana Manchester

Festa Italiana Manchester

Festa Italiana Manchester is the country’s most exciting and vibrant festival of Italian food…

22 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
GRUB ON THE DOCKS RETURNS TO MEDIACITY

GRUB ON THE DOCKS RETURNS TO MEDIACITY

GRUB, Manchester’s leading independent street food and events collective, is returning to…

28 Jun 2026 - 30 Aug 2026
Bolton Food and Drink Festival

Bolton Food and Drink Festival

Bolton Food and Drink Festival returns this August bank holiday, and it’s set to be the most…

22 Aug 2026 - 25 Aug 2026
Magic of Thailand Festival in Manchester

Magic of Thailand Festival in Manchester

A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Platt Fields Park is…

22 Aug 2026 - 23 Aug 2026
Beers in the Garden

Beers in the Garden

This family friendly festival celebrates great beer, cider & wine, award…

17 Jul 2026 - 19 Jul 2026
Manchester Rum Festival

Manchester Rum Festival

Guests are invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Manchester’s first and only dedicated…

04 Jul 2026 -
Bottomless Brunch at Zouk

Bottomless Brunch at Zouk

Zouk's popular Bottomless Brunch returns with a selection of new dishes and fabulous sharing…

04 Jul 2026 - 26 Dec 2026
Campfield Market

Campfield Market

Campfield Market at St John’s Manchester’s biggest weekly artisan market has arrived…

04 Jul 2026 - 26 Dec 2026
Meat Up Festival

Meat Up Festival

This is not just a food festival. It is field to flame, all in one place. Watch chefs cook over…

01 Aug 2026 - 02 Aug 2026
Saturday Snack Down

Saturday Snack Down

The Saturday Snack Down event is the type of experience that Stockport Market aims to…

18 Jul 2026 - 17 Oct 2026
The Green, St John's

The Green, St John's

The Green is a new outdoor square in St. John’s. A place to meet, relax and enjoy the city a…

28 Jun 2026 - 31 Aug 2026

Live Music in Manchester

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35. Haigh Live 2026: Grassroots Edition

It will be a one-day music event set in Haigh Woodland Park’s Walled Gardens, celebrating emerging and local artists across a mix of genres in a vibrant, open-air setting.

36. Brit Fest 2026

It will return to Ashley Hall Showground in Altrincham from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th July 2026, bringing a weekend of live music and community spirit, with headline performances and a strong line-up of iconic and emerging artists.

37. Summer Music Sundays (RHS Garden Bridgewater)

A more relaxed, outdoor music experience that contrasts with large-scale festivals.

38. Sounds of the City (Castlefield Bowl)

A well-established concert series in a distinctive city-centre setting.

39. Live Music at Mulligans

Showcases grassroots talent, offering a more intimate and authentic live music experience.

40. Live from Wythenshawe Park

A major outdoor concert series combining big-name acts with a spacious park setting.

41. Manchester Psych Fest

A multi-venue event highlighting alternative music and Manchester’s independent scene.

42. Proms in the Park Wigan

A traditional outdoor concert experience with wide appeal and a strong community feel.

Summer Music Sundays at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Summer Music Sundays at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Join RHS Garden Bridgewater for an afternoon of music and summer celebrations. Picture yourself…

12 Jul 2026 -
Sounds of the City

Sounds of the City

Sounds of the City is back in July 2026, taking over Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl for a…

02 Jul 2026 - 12 Jul 2026
Live Music at Mulligans

Live Music at Mulligans

An absolute hive of live music across three floors, every weekend at Mulligans. Featuring the best…

06 Aug 2026 - 23 Dec 2026
Live from Wythenshawe Park 2026

Live from Wythenshawe Park 2026

Live From Wythenshawe Park 2026 is a summer concert series set in Wythenshawe Park…

21 Aug 2026 - 30 Aug 2026
Manchester Psych Fest

Manchester Psych Fest

Psych Fest is a multi-venue festival returning back to Manchester this year! This is one of the last…

05 Sep 2026 -
Proms in the Park Wigan

Proms in the Park Wigan

Join the Tyldesley Brass Band for a fantastic evening of fanfare, flag waving and fireworks in the…

05 Sep 2026 -
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, are an iconic American rock band led…

04 Jul 2026 -

Unmissable Theatre Shows in Manchester

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43. Even These Things (Royal Exchange Theatre)

A powerful, locally rooted production reflecting Manchester’s history and identity.

44. Annie (Palace Theatre)

A well-known classic that offers broad appeal and familiar storytelling.

45. Miss Saigon (Palace Theatre)

A large-scale, internationally renowned production with strong audience demand.

46. High School Musical (Lowry)

A nostalgic, family-friendly show marking a cultural milestone for a younger generation.

Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon

Following phenomenal demand, this epic production will return to Palace Theatre Manchester for one…

04 Aug 2026 - 08 Aug 2026
High School Musical

High School Musical

Based on the hit Disney Channel Original Movie- join Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High…

21 Aug 2026 - 13 Sep 2026
The Spy Who Came in from The Cold

The Spy Who Came in from The Cold

THE SPY NOVEL THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING. NOW LIVE ON STAGE. For the first time ever, a novel by John…

22 Jul 2026 - 25 Jul 2026
Lord of the Dance: 30th Anniversary

Lord of the Dance: 30th Anniversary

Lord of the Dance, the global phenomenon that redefined Irish dance, is set to return to the United…

30 Jun 2026 - 05 Jul 2026

Sporting Events in Manchester

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47. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Emirates Old Trafford)

A major international tournament bringing global attention and elite-level sport to the city.

48. Netball Super League Grand Final (Co-op Live)

A landmark event in a brand-new venue, highlighting the growth of netball and women’s sport.

49. Ramp on the Roof (Depot Mayfield)

Ramp On The Roof is a four-day skate and street culture event taking over Depot Mayfield this summer, featuring Europe’s largest vert ramp, live entertainment, and activities for all.

50. UK B-Boy Championships – World Breaking Finals 2026 (Aviva Studios)

The world’s top breakers will gather at Aviva Studios for a high-energy, 30th anniversary championship celebrating global hip-hop culture with elite battles, live music and standout performances.

UK B-Boy Championships – World Breaking Finals 2026

UK B-Boy Championships – World Breaking Finals 2026

Get ready as the ultimate showdown in the world of breaking returns to Manchester’s Aviva…

16 Aug 2026 -
Ramp On The Roof

Ramp On The Roof

Ramp On The Roof is set to bring one of the biggest skate events the UK has ever seen to the heart…

30 Jul 2026 - 02 Aug 2026
Roses T20

Roses T20

Tickets are now on general sale for one of the most eagerly awaited dates in the Vitality Blast…

10 Jul 2026 -
England Men v India Men Vitality International T20

England Men v India Men Vitality International T20

England Men will take on India Men in an exciting and thrilling International T20! Tickets on sale…

04 Jul 2026 -

To find out more about what's on, visit Whats On in Manchester | The Official Events Guide.

Planning a Trip? Explore Manchester’s Hotels

Couple in dressing gowns drinking coffee on Hotel Balcony overlooking Manchester

Where to Stay in Manchester City Centre

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility in the heart of Manchester by choosing from the array of hotels and serviced apartments in the bustling city center. Enjoy the convenience of centrally located hotels, where luxurious rooms and modern amenities cater to your every need. For those…

Getting Around Manchester Made Simple

Metrolink tram in St Peter's Square

Getting Around

Explore Manchester easily with our travel guide on getting around. Find practical tips, transportation options, and maps for a seamless city exploration. Whether by tram, bus, or foot, our guide ensures you make the most of your visit, navigating Manchester with convenience.

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