4 min readFamily-Friendly Events for Kids in Manchester
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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…
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…
Manchester's very own Paddington statue has arrived in Spinningfields as part of the Paddington Visits trail, a thrilling addition to neighbourhood and the only one in the city. Dressed in his signature blue duffle coat, red hat and complete with a marmalade sandwich in paw, this statue is one…
Take a trip on Sodor’s number one tank engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt on this spectacular day out with Thomas. It’s all aboard the famous blue steam train for a magical ride on Thomas the Tank Engine at the ELR. The steam team’s number one blue engine – Thomas himself…
A whiff of Candyfloss, and feel the thrill of Circus Funtasia 2025 as it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary right before your eyes! Step into a world where gravity is just a suggestion, and daredevils dance on the edge as they defy the odds. You'll be on the edge of your seat as the…
Have you ever wanted to pet a pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a T-Rex under the chin? Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour dino experience with our professional dinosaur handlers, themed activities and plenty…
It's time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic. Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour wizard…
The multi award-winning Manchester Histories Festival is back for its ninth edition! Celebrate our histories at this FREE four-day festival full of events for everyone. The packed programme includes four new music World Premieres, walk-about performances, family crafts workshops, live music…
Balloons & Beats Festival is set to take the UK by storm in 2025, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that combines breathtaking hot air balloon displays with electrifying live music, thrilling stunt shows, and unforgettable family-friendly entertainment. Taking place across multiple locations…
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…
Mayor Goodway is getting everything shipshape for a big Pirate Day celebration in Adventure Bay. However, when Cap’n Turbot falls into a dark and mysterious cavern, it’s PAW Patrol to the rescue! Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky and Zuma save Cap'n Turbot and discover a secret pirate…
On the first Sunday of every month, 10am – 3pm, Platt Fields Market Garden comes alive with their MUD Market. Expect a bounty of fresh produce, sourdough bread, farm-fresh eggs, fresh-pressed juices, homemade cakes, herbal teas, raw honey, cut flowers, and small-batch ferments. They've…
Must-See Exhibitions in Manchester This Summer
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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…
October 2024 is the 10-year anniversary of Elizabeth Gaskell's House being opened to the public following its restoration. To celebrate this milestone a new exhibition has been created using oral history interviews from some of the people involved. From Janet Allan, who led the campaign, to…
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…
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…
Comic Con Manchester is one of the UK’s largest pop culture conventions, attracting over ten thousand fans annually to our home venue, Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester. The main attraction every year is of course the star guests, and we always endeavour to bring you a variety of…
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…
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…
What happens when artists and footballers transfer ideas? 11 new works created by pairings of artists and footballers come together in an ambitious and playful group exhibition at Aviva Studios for MIF25. Both artists and footballers are known for their flair and their imagination – in the…
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…
Inspired by real events in Black British history, Liberation is a powerful new play that brings politics, power, and personal struggles to the stage. Written by Ntombizodwa Nyoni and directed by Monique Touko, this world premiere marks 80 years since the Fifth Pan-African Congress took place in…
The Best Guided Tours This Summer
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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…
Did you know that the Northern Quarter in Manchester has doubled up for both London & New York in countless films & television shows over the years? From The Crown, Morbius, It's A Sin, Ridley Road, to the recent BBC comedy-drama, Everything I know about Love & Wedding…
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…
Food and Drink Festivals and Experiences
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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…
We are Beer, the organiser behind the famous London, Bristol and Manchester Craft Beer Festivals, is to add to its programme of events with a bespoke session for the beer trade at its Manchester opening day this summer (Friday 5th July 2024, 12.30 to 16.30). Alongside a programme of talks, tastings…
Get ready for the ultimate celebration of FOOD at Wythenshawe Park & Gardens, Manchester! Returning for 2025 after a booming first year, join Wythenshawe Park & Gardens, where a weekend packed with fresh entertainment and culinary delights awaits... Picture this: Relaxing with a chilled…
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…
The award winning ‘Bolton Food & Drink Festival’ will return this August bank holiday. As one of the highlights of Bolton’s annual events calendar, Bolton Food and Drink Festival are looking forward to returning in what will be their 20th year. Bolton Food and Drink…
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 23-25 August in Manchester city centre. Inspired by Manchester’s Italian heritage, as well…
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…
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…
Live Music in Manchester
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Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will make their ONLY European Arena appearance right here in Manchester on 14, 17 and 20 May 2025. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable night packed with iconic hits, raw energy, and a performance like no other. From "Born to Run" to "Dancing…
manchester jazz festival (mjf) is back for 10 days of jam-packed festival fun and musical vibes across the city this May! mjf2025 will take place between 16-25 May 2025 at venues and sites across Manchester, celebrating the latest up and coming talent from across the North, and the best names in…
Kylie has announced her highly anticipated ‘Tension Tour’ for 2025, which will see the global icon perform in cities across the globe and is set to be Kylie’s biggest tour since 2011. Opening in Kylie’s home country, Australia, the world tour will then head into Asia and…
Massive Attack set to take over Co-op Live with a huge show. The Trip Hop pioneers return to Manchester this June for an electrifying night filled with their iconic anthems. This page includes affiliate links.
Off the back of his sold out 2024 North American tour and highly acclaimed New Years shows in Los Angeles, Morrissey announces a return home to Manchester for his first ever show at the new Co-op Live. This will be Morrissey’s sole arena appearance in the UK in 2025. PLUS SPECIAL GUEST…
Robbie Williams today announces his highly anticipated tour for 2025, which will see the global icon perform in cities across the UK, Ireland and Europe next summer. Robbie Williams holds several records for live performances … He still holds the Guinness World Record for his 2006 world tour…
Lionel Richie, a Grammy Awards®, Oscar®, and Golden Globe® winning icon, has sold over 125 million records worldwide. As one of the most celebrated figures in music history, his illustrious career spans over four decades, producing unforgettable anthems like ‘Hello…
Manchester's biggest music festival returns to Heaton Park on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of June 2025 with Charlie XCX, 50 Cent, Peggy Gou and Jorja Smith on the line up. Parklife is the largest metropolitan music festival in the uk and takes place at heaton park in Manchester. The…
The tour marks 50 years since Steve Harris formed the band in late 1975 and, to celebrate this, Maiden fans are promised a very special set list, spanning the nine studio albums from ‘Iron Maiden’ to ‘Fear Of The Dark’, with their most spectacular and elaborate show ever!
Sounds of the City is back in July 2025, taking over Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl for a series of headline concerts, featuring Elbow, The Charlatans, Shed Seven, Rizzle Kicks, Bloc Party, Basement Jaxx and Hacienda Classical. Sounds Of The City has established itself as a…
Ludovico Einaudi is an Italian pianist and film score composer playing new age and neoclassical music. Trained at the Conservatorio Verdi in Milan, Einaudi began his career as a classical composer, later incorporating other styles and genres such as pop, rock, folk, and world music.
Oasis announce their first UK and Ireland shows in 16 years. Oasis have ended years of feverish speculation with the confirmation of a long awaited run of UK and Ireland shows forming the domestic leg of their OASIS LIVE 25 world tour. Oasis will hit Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin…
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.
Global megastar Billie Eilish is set to bring her Hit Me Hard And Soft Tour to Manchester for a huge 4 nights in 2025! Dates: 19th July 2025 20th July 2025 22nd July 2025 23rd July 2025
RHS Garden Bridgewater is thrilled to announce the return of its popular Summer Music Sundays, promising a delightful blend of music, nature, and relaxation for visitors of all ages. Summer Music Sundays take place from 2-4pm, with free admission for RHS members and normal garden admission for…
Unmissable Theatre Shows in Manchester
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Australian superstar Jason Donovan* returns to the UK in Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show, as part of a new world tour. The legendary performer reprises his iconic role as the captivating Frank-n-Furter across the UK, following a…
The National Theatre’s Olivier-Award winning smash hit is coming to Salford for four weeks only, following a record-breaking run in the West End. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game?…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Sporting Events in Manchester
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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…
When IRONMAN was conceived by John and Judy Collins in 1978, it combined three of Hawaii's most challenging endurance events, a feat that seemed impossible. From these humble beginnings, the popularity of IRONMAN has grown, with dreamers from around the world putting their physical abilities and…
Soccer Aid for UNICEF returns to Manchester this summer, bringing together the biggest names in sport and entertainment to battle it out on the pitch at Old Trafford. The atmosphere will be electric as Old Trafford welcomes back former Red Devils Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, who will…
For the first time ever, the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 will be hosted across eight venues and cities around the country with 16 teams competing to be crowned world champions. Six teams have qualified directly by finishing in the top four at the Rugby World Cup 2021 – New Zealand…
England will face South Africa in a Vitality Men’s International T20 on Friday 12 September. Tickets on general sale now.
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…
Your Manchester Flower Festival Itinerary
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The Manchester Flower Festival is set to bloom from Friday, 23 May to Monday, 26 May 2025…
Top 5 Unmissable Things to Do in Manchester This Summer
- 6 minute read
Summer in Manchester is always an exciting time, and 2025 is shaping up to be unforgettable. With…
Spotlight on Stockport with Little Miss Traveller
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Little Miss Traveller is shining the spotlight on Stockport as part of the 'Days out in…
Get Creative at The Manchester Flower Festival - Your Workshop Guide
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Explore a blooming variety of creative workshops across the city — from free drop-in…
Sustainable Dining at Winsome
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Located at 74 Princess Street, Winsome is one of Manchester’s most exciting culinary venues…
