Festivals in Manchester

Manchester is a city alive with vibrant festivals and events throughout the year. From festive winter wonderlands to lively summer carnivals, there's always something happening in this dynamic city. Explore our guide to Manchester’s festivals and discover the charm of one of the UK's most exciting cultural hubs. Whether you're visiting and you're looking at what festivals and events are on in the city near you, or you're looking for festivals on in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, there's always something to suit every taste. Explore Manchester's range of festivals and events throughout the year, from Music Festivals and Concerts to Arts and Culture Festivals, and plan your visit to Manchester now. 

Music Festivals and Concerts

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Manchester is a city synonymous with music, and its festivals reflect this vibrant legacy. The Parklife Festival is a standout event in the city’s summer calendar, drawing music lovers from all over the world. Held in Heaton Park, this multi-day festival features multiple genres, with stages showcasing international acts and up-and-coming talent. Alongside Parklife, the Manchester Jazz Festival brings a different musical energy to the city each spring. Celebrating the best in contemporary jazz, the festival features performances by world-class musicians, from cutting-edge new talent to established jazz legends. 

The Manchester Folk Festival is another major music event, drawing folk music enthusiasts with its traditional yet contemporary offerings. Artists from around the world perform on indoor and outdoor stages. Sounds of the City is another exciting music festival in Manchester that brings the sounds of live music to multiple venues across the city. Featuring a variety of genres including rock, indie, and alternative. Music fans can enjoy the indie and alternative vibes of Manchester Psych Fest, featuring cutting-edge bands and art installations or RADAR Festival, an indoor, contemporary and modern celebration of progressive music. The Neighbourhood Festival brings the best new talent to stages across the city, offering a thrilling one-day celebration of live music. Manchester is iconic for its music scene, with festivals and events all year round to suit every taste. 

Food and Drink Festivals

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Manchester’s food scene is as diverse as its festivals, offering a year-round celebration of flavours, from craft beers to international cuisine. The Manchester Beer and Cider Festival is a must-attend for craft beer lovers, with over 500 varieties of beer and cider available. With food trucks, live entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new flavours and meet fellow beer enthusiasts.

Another key food event is Festa Italiana, which celebrates Italian food, culture, and traditions. Held annually in the heart of Manchester, this festival bring the best of Italy with its wide selection of authentic dishes, from pizza and pasta to regional delicacies. Festa Italiana is a celebration of everything Italian, featuring live Italian music, cultural performances, and cooking demonstrations.

In the autumn, Manchester's iconic Oktoberfest brings a Bavarian twist to Manchester’s food and drink scene. This festival is all about celebrating German beer culture, with Munich-style tents offering a variety of traditional beers, hearty German food like bratwurst and pretzels, and lively music.

Family-Friendly Festivals

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Manchester is a city that caters to all ages, with many family-friendly events throughout the year. The Manchester Day Parade is a colourful spectacle celebrating the city's spirit, with giant puppets, dancers, and community groups. Families can also enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Chinese New Year celebrations, offering entertainment for all.

As winter approaches, Manchester's Christmas markets once again provides a magical experience for children and adults alike, with a huge variety of stalls, food, and events! 

Halloween in the City is an annual family-friendly celebration of all things spooky, with the favourite inflatable monsters adorning building's across the city, as well as a roaming procession of puppets and plenty of opportunities for the family to get involved.

This February half-term, Manchester’s public spaces, squares and venues transformed into exciting Play Zones, with games, dancing, activities, crafts, performances and more to enjoy in the first Super Duper Family Festival.

Pride Festival in Manchester

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Manchester’s Pride Festival is one of the largest and most celebrated LGBTQ+ events in the UK. Held annually, the festival brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate equality, diversity, and inclusion. The highlight of the festival is the Manchester Pride Parade, a vibrant and colorful procession that takes over the city’s streets, with participants donning incredible costumes and waving rainbow flags. Throughout the weekend, you’ll find a range of performances, live music, and events at various venues across the city, including The Village Party in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village. With a focus on promoting visibility and supporting LGBTQ+ rights, Manchester Pride is a celebration of love, acceptance, and unity.

Art and Culture Events in Manchester

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Manchester’s art and culture scene is world-renowned, and its festivals highlight this rich tradition. The biennial Manchester International Festival is a global event, showcasing innovative performances and exhibitions. It's a a dynamic showcase of world-class performances, art installations, and cutting-edge creativity that transforms the city into a cultural playground. The Manchester Histories Festival invites attendees to reflect on the city’s past through engaging storytelling and activities. For those seeking cutting-edge creativity, the Manchester Fringe Festival offers a platform for emerging artists, with theatre, comedy, and performance art taking center stage.

Plan Your Visit

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Make the most of your visit and learn more about places to staythings to do and restaurants to explore.

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