Staying in Manchester for the summer? Great choice! We’ve rounded up the best of what’s happening right on your doorstep for you to enjoy. So, if you’re looking for an adventure closer to home, then look no further.
Festival season is here!
First Street Festival, 2 June – 3 July
Fancy five-weekends of free activities? Then HOME has you covered! From live music to drag performances, DJs and even yoga – this free festival is sure to keep you entertained this summer, whatever the weather has in store!
Community Festival 2022, 25 June
Our very own Community Festival returns in June with a free, on-campus event open to everyone! Prepare to be inspired and connect with our wider community with interactive demonstrations, music and drama performances and lots more fun to explore.
Bluedot Festival, 21-24 July
Hosted at Jodrell Bank, Bluedot Festival is sure to get you inspired! Spanning music, science and much more there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the whole weekend to popping in for the day, take a look and discover more.
The Summer of Love, 27-28 August
A two-day music, arts and wellness festival like no other. Taking over an abandoned warehouse in the heart of the city, The Summer of Love, includes 11 different stages with a whole host of DJs alongside a pop-up wellness café, food hall and record fair.
Get inspired with activities across the city
British Art Show 9, 24 May – 4 September
Touring the UK across 2022, the British Art Show 9 comes to Manchester this summer! Hosted at four galleries across the city, including The Whitworth and Manchester Art Gallery, the exhibition explores the themes of healing, care and reparative history through contemporary art.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, 6 – 31 July
Manchester’s proud to host games throughout the UEFA Women’s EURO across three venues in Greater Manchester: Old Trafford, Manchester City Academy Stadium and Leigh Sports Village. Be part of the action and find out how to get involved!
People’s History Museum, ongoing
Explore the national museum of democracy, right here in Manchester. Full of interactive exhibitions, it boasts the largest collection of political material in Britain. Discover what makes that Manchester spirit so revolutionary at this free museum.
Celebrate our community
Manchester Day, 19 June
It’s back! Expect a whole host of family-fun celebrating all things Manchester and what makes our city so special, including a colourful parade through the city centre – why not find out more?
Manchester Pride, 27-20 August
Jam-packed with lots of different events, there’s so many ways to get involved with Manchester Pride. Alongside the Gay Village Party, which you’ll need to buy a ticket for, there’s also lots of community focussed, free events for you to explore too. Including the Parade, Superbia Weekend, Human Rights Forum, Family Pride MCR, Youth Pride MCR and the Candlelit Vigil.
Discover the great outdoors
We’ve got our fingers crossed for great weather this summer so you can explore all that Greater Manchester has to offer! From green spaces right around the corner, like Heaton Park or Fletcher Moss, to those a little further afield, like Sale Water Park or Reddish Vale Country Park, escape the city with some fresh air.
Why not take advantage of the long days and travel a little further afield to the Peak District? From walking to cycling to discovering villages and local history, there’s so much to explore! It’s important to remember to plan ahead before you go, check out this article for tips on how to plan your trip to the countryside safely.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our 100 day-trips to take from Manchester.