50 Things to do in Manchester this Summer

• RHS Garden Bridgewater

Starting on Saturday 15 February and continuing all year, explore the Guess How Much I Love You™ – A Garden Adventure trail following Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare around the garden. Bounce, hop and stretch like Little Nutbrown Hare, investigate colours, textures and shapes…

• Science and Industry Museum

A sense-sational exhibition! Get ready for a brand-new adventure of super-sized science and brilliant biology with Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You. Journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot and plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses. Get…

Looking to get the children out of the house and to engage in some fun, creative play now that home schooling is out of the way? Well you’re in luck, as the Great Northern Warehouse’s iconic amphitheatre has reopened its newly redesigned playhouse and ever popular giant sandpit this week…

• The Whitworth

Marking the 250th anniversary of his birth, this exhibition will explore the work and technique of legendary British landscape artist JMW Turner. It presents a rare opportunity for audiences to see the  Liber Studiorum  in its entirety for the first time in over 100 years…

Stories – Brought to Life, a new ground-breaking experience presented by FRAMELESS Creative, in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery has announced its exciting first wave of sitters including Grayson Perry, Malala Yousafzai, Nelson Mandela, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen…

• Lowry

Get ready for the excitement as Lowry celebrates a quarter-century of creativity and inspiration here in Salford. Since opening its doors in 2000, Lowry has welcomed 18.5 million visitors and now, it's pulling out all the stops with a spectacular programme of celebratory events, and exhibitions…

• Manchester Museum

Somewhere in the Museum, a giant cat is asleep. Not just any cat. A nine-metre-long, inflatable robotic creature still and dreaming. Shifting gently with light and movement. A being of imagination and care. A cat unlike any other. But this is not just a story about a cat. It’s about what…

• Aviva Studios

The first international solo exhibition of works by Santiago Yahuarcani – artist, Indigenous activist and leader of the Aimeni (White Heron) clan of the Uitoto people.  Working from a remote Amazonia town in northern Peru, Santiago Yahuarcani creates large-scale, narrative rich…

• Manchester Central

Explore the Titanic story as you’ve never seen before. Combining unique immersive experiences with genuine artefacts, this exhibition is not to be missed. At the Exchange Hall at Manchester Central, you will follow the Titanic’s journey from the Harland and Wolff Shipyard in Belfast…

• The John Rylands Research Institute and Library

Launching The John Rylands Library’s redeveloped exhibitions gallery, The Secret Public : LGBTQ Pop 1955 – 1985 examines the profound influence of LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly performers, artists and activists on mainstream pop culture. Co-curated with Professor of Popular Culture, Jon…

• Aviva Studios

What do you get when you pair 11 legendary footballers with 11 artists? Something spectacular in the city this summer. Opening at Aviva Studios this summer, Football City Art United is an interactive, playful group exhibition showcasing artistic collaborations between Manchester United legend Eric…

• Lowry

A major new free family exhibition celebrating the work of one of Britain’s most popular writers and illustrators, Quentin Blake, is to open at Lowry, Salford on Saturday 19th July. Curated by Lowry in collaboration with the artist and his studio, Quentin Blake and Me will feature a wide…

The transformation of the Pankhurst Centre exhibition space is incredible thanks to its new permanent exhibition, At Home with the Pankhurst Family.  

ACTING UP! tells the story of 40 years of HIV activism in the region through archives, testimonies and films. This free exhibition honours the memories of lives lost and continues the fight for a world free of HIV stigma and discrimination. Visit the exhibition in the ground floor of Central Library…

Manchester City Stadium Tour is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic attractions and access to exclusive discounts across the city, make the most of your time in Manchester with the Visit Manchester Pass. With 1, 2 and 3 day passes, find out more and purchase…

What’s better than an afternoon tea? Enjoying a delicious classic afternoon tea on a tour of Manchester, of course. The brand new afternoon tea taxi tour let’s you explore all of the wonderful sights that Manchester has to offer from the comfort of the famous black cab, whilst…

A truly immersive food tour of Manchester. Your local guide will take you on a multi-stop tour across the city offering edible insights into food history and culture long the way. The tour will feature multiple stops (adding up to a huge meal, come hungry!) revealing why the city’s food and…

Manchester has enjoyed a long and rich history as a sought-after global destination for film and television locations, many of which you may have stored in your subconscious from a past cinema trip or series binge.  

Ready for an adventure? Explore 12 special locations around Oldham town centre, each with its own unique story and interactive fun. Families can step back in time and discover Oldham’s history by taking selfies with characters, reading stories, and solving mini puzzles.  Along the way…

Discover the story of the Peterloo Massacre, a pivotal moment in British history that shaped the fight for democracy. In August 1819, around 60,000 peaceful protesters gathered in Manchester, calling for universal suffrage and fairer parliamentary representation amid rising poverty. What followed…

Delight a cheese lover or awaken your inner turophile with this walking tour in Manchester. Visit an array of different venues to sample a handpicked selection of the city's most appetizing cheeses. Meet your guide next to the Richard Cobden Statue that stands in the charming St Ann's Square…

Get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions as Totally Stockport brings a vibrant Wild in Art trail to the heart of Stockport this summer. From 4 July to 13 September 2025, Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre…

YOUR NEW GO-TO FOR OUTDOOR SUMMER SOCIALS. A full summer of events at Courts Club with the following line up in store: - Cali-mex street food from food truck Cantina and refreshing Margs Vans - HOOPS every Saturday. Free every week from 6pm, with Live DJs playing classic hip-hop & block party…

• MediaCity

MediaCity’s popular outdoor dining concept Kargo on the Docks is set to return to the waterside this May, bringing a whole new line-up of independent street food traders to the heart of MediaCity. A collective of several re-imagined shipping containers, the foodie destination situated in…

Come get your bake on! The Big Manchester Bake is opening October 2024 in New Bailey! An incredible, immersive award-winning baking experience, with the fully kitted out baking marquee, cake themed bar and cocktails, and hospitality suite. You've got 90 minutes to bake, decorate and see one…

• Heaton Park

MANCHESTER, GET READY! After a record-breaking year in 2024, Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival is back and bigger than ever! Mark your calendars for August 2nd & 3rd, 2025, as Heaton Park transforms into the ultimate foodie paradise. Picture This: You, a refreshing drink in hand…

A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Platt Fields Park is brought to you by Magic of Thailand, previously known as Manchester Thai Festival. Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along your families and friends to feel a touch of Thai culture, where you…

Bolton Food and Drink Festival returns this August bank holiday, and it’s set to be the most spectacular yet. From Friday 22 to Monday 25 August 2025, the UK’s biggest food and drink festival will take over the town centre in a flavour-packed celebration of its 20th anniversary. In…

Festa Italiana Manchester is the country’s most exciting and vibrant festival of Italian food, drink and culture. It is a free, weekend-long celebration of all things Italian taking place from 22-24 August in Manchester city centre. Inspired by Manchester’s Italian heritage, as well as…

School’s out and summer is here which means kids eat free during the school holidays at The Ivy! To celebrate the summer holidays, your little ones can enjoy a complimentary meal from our Children’s Menu or Children’s Breakfast Menu, available Monday to…

Kids under 10 eat free during school holidays, available on selected items, excluding bank holidays. Kargo MKT is Salford’s newest and biggest food hall! With 19 independent kitchens serving up dishes from around the world, there’s something for everyone. Situated in Quayside shopping…

• Canal Street

Manchester Pride returns from Friday 15 – Monday 25 August 2025, bringing ten days of unmissable LGBTQ+ celebrations to the heart of the city! This year, Manchester Pride is shaking things up with the introduction of Mardi Gras, a brand-new event at Depot Mayfield and Freight Island that pays…

• Castlefield Bowl

Sounds of the City is back in July 2026, taking over Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl for a series of headline concerts, featuring The K's. Sounds Of The City has established itself as a staple part of the Manchester music scene with some of the most acclaimed live artists taking to the…

Indie from the North Shields singer-songwriter and guitarist. After starting his career as an actor, Fender released a number of singles independently before being named one of the BBC's Sound of 2018. This page includes affiliate links.

The beloved Irish band - who just took home the trophy for “Best Band In The World” at the BandLab NME Awards – are touring! Fontaines D.C. are a band in a state of constant evolution and this time the result is an album of shifting moods, startling insight, maturity, and considerable emotional…

Mardi Gras is here to serve! A brand-new addition to your Manchester Pride Bank Holiday Weekend, this high-energy, high-glam, high-queer extravaganza takes over Depot Mayfield for two days of world-class artists, DJs, drag royalty, cabaret, and more in celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. This is Pride…

Psych Fest is returning back to Manchester this year!  The multi-venue festival will take place at Albert Hall, o2 Ritz, Projekts MCR Skatepark, Man Met Student Union, The Bread Shed, Gorilla, YES, Deaf Institute, Circle Square, Lass O'Gowrie, and Bundobust Brewery. There will be a…

Cheshire's number one premium boutique festival is back, bigger and better than before, for summer 2025. Expect a star-studded lineup, including Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems ft Ellie Sax & Friends, Peter Hook & The Light, Bez, Inspiral Carpets, and Tunde From The Lighthouse Family. A…

DIVORCED ★ BEHEADED ★ LIVE! The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Salford following its previous sold out run! Winner of over 35 international awards including the Tony Award for ‘Best Original…

• Palace Theatre

Enter a world of splendour, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Winner of 10 Tony awards including Best Musical, Best Director, and Best Choreography Baz…

• Manchester Opera House

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe…

CHICAGO, the "sexiest musical ever" (Metro) is back in Salford in 2025. “Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts”.  So begins the international multi-award-winning…

• Manchester Opera House

Winner of  BEST NEW PLAY  at the  WhatsOnStage Awards , this edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller is written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts  Uncanny  and  The Battersea Poltergeist  and has featured a host of acclaimed star performances…

• Lowry

MAKE THIS SUMMER AN ABSOLUTE SCREAM! Following two hugely successful UK tours, and sold-out concerts at The London Palladium last year, everyone’s favourite kooky family are back on stage this summer in The Addams Family , the spectacular musical comedy from Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice…

• Emirates Old Trafford

This summer's blockbuster sporting and entertainment event for all the family. The Hundred is an action-packed, unmissable cricket competition that fuses world-class cricket with blockbuster entertainment. Combining a short, fast format of cricket, with each game lasting less than three hours…

Experience the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 at Salford Community Stadium Get ready for a spectacular celebration of women’s rugby as Salford Community Stadium hosts four major fixtures during the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup! Unmissable Double Headers Salford is one of…

• Emirates Old Trafford

England will face South Africa in a Vitality Men’s International T20 on Friday 12 September. Tickets on general sale now.