1. Manchester International Festival 2023 returns with a brand-new venue
 

The biennial Manchester International Festival returns this week, and for the first time will include events at new venue Aviva Studios, home of Factory International.

MIF23 will see an exciting programme of exhibitions and performances from 29 June to 16 July, including The Find, a quest across the city centre to find collectable coins by artist Ryan Gander; an opening event at Mayfield Park with Each Tiny Drop, and headline exhibition Yayoi Kusama: You, Me and the Balloons.

Festival Square also returns outside the brand-new venue, with a line-up of over 190 artists, with local food and drink, plus free entertainment throughout the two weeks of the festival.
 

2. Celebrate the best of human resilience this IRONMAN UK weekend
 

One of the UK's most famous Triathlons comes to Bolton this week. On Friday 30 June, the region will see three days of super athletes from around the globe and IRONKIDS take on one of the most challenging sporting events in the world. There are opportunities to support the athletes all around the course, with spectator hotspots at Smithills Dean Road and Egerton village to keep you refreshed and energised, until the incredible red-carpet finish at Victoria Square.
 

3. Wish Baby a Happy 75th Birthday!
 

The Science and Industry Museum are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first electronic computer. Named Baby, a full-scale replica of the machine is available to see at the museum, with demonstrations on how the 17-foot-long computer operated. Take your family to inspire a whole new generation of scientists and innovators. Free tickets are available to book here.
 

4. Indulge your inner foodie at Stockport’s Foodie Friday

Bring family and friends to Stockport’s historic marketplace on Friday 30 June, for an evening filled with flavour! With their biggest line-up yet, at the popular Foodie Friday event you can experience an incredible selection of street-food and craft ales – all this while listening to a line-up of talented musicians and browsing the Market Hall to discover your new favourite traders.
 

5. Experience Chester Zoo with a late-night opening

Chester Zoo are opening their doors for the whole family with their Into The Night event on Saturday 1 July. Spend the evening looking for your child’s (or your own) favourite animal, helping them identify which ones inspired their most adored characters and learning more about their night routines – especially if they are night owls! This fun, educational evening will be complete with exciting live entertainment, special guests and, of course, delicious food and drink. Prices start at £10.
 

New Opening: Monkey Trio
 

“Manchester’s first Japanese pub” is now open in Circle Square, Oxford Road. At this new Sake and cocktail bar, you can now try a sake flight with the guidance from the expert staff at Monkey Trio. But if that’s not to your taste, there is Asahi beer on tap, and you can add matcha to your pint to experience a delicious matcha beer. The bar also provides savoury snacks such as Japanese fried chicken and crunchy fried chilli peppers. Open from 16:00.

Instagram: @monkey.trio