Looking for stuff to do in Manchester this month? We’ve got you covered with our round-up of the best events happening this July!
Festivals
From 4-13 July, Sounds of the City is taking over Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl for a series of headline concerts, featuring The National, The Saw Doctors, Tom Grennan, Jungle and Hacienda Classical.
Check out MUBI Fest at Aviva Studios 12-13 July for a weekend of contemporary culture, with great cinema at the heart of it.
For fans of comedy, Creatures Comedy Festival will take place 19-28 July, showcasing over 30 comedy acts before they hit the world’s largest arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe. From internationally renowned comics to favourite local acts, there’s something for everyone.
Arts and culture
Weird as Folk: Tall Tales from the North West opens at The Portico Library on 4 July, inviting you to wander through the mysteries of their Folklore collection and reimagine what folklore means to you.
Literature fans won’t want to miss Inside The Library: Collecting the Conjuror, The Books of John Dee on 9 July in Chetham’s Library. On 10 July, The Portico Library are hosting an evening to celebrate Manchester writers, with an array of award-winning writers reading from their latest works. On campus, Blackwell’s Bookshop will be hosting the Manchester launch of Ania Card’s ‘Above us the Sea’ and Amy Twigg’s ‘Spoilt Creatures’ on 17 July.
A new immersive art experience, Sweet Dreams, opens on 11 July at Aviva Studios, from award-winning artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast. Interested in Egyptology? Bolton Museum will host its first Egypt Summer Study Day All About Mummification on 13 July.
Gigs and nights out
The multi-talented Janelle Monáe returns to Manchester for a three-night residency at The Hall, Aviva Studios, from 2-4 July. For more music, the Co-op Live have a packed month of gigs, from Megan Thee Stallion (5 July), Stevie Nicks (9 July), Kings of Leon (10 July), to Travis Scott (13 July).
Fancy a night of musical throwbacks? Head to Hits on the Pitch 13 July, Cheshire’s ultimate ‘blast from the past’ music festival with icons such as D:Ream, Damage, The Fizz, and Toyah taking to the stage.
Sport and wellbeing
Euro 2024 continues this month and there are plenty of places across Manchester to watch the games and enjoy the atmosphere. Diecast, Gorilla and 532 in the SU are some of our top recommendations.
Those interested in wellness should check out Wellnergy Festival on 6 July. Held in Wythenshawe Park, it brings together enthusiasts, experts and festival-goers for a day of fun workshops, energetic music, inspiring talks, great food and more.
UFC comes to Manchester this month, with UFC 304 held at the Co-op Live on 27 July as two UK champions defend their belts.
Community
4 July is voting day, so make sure to set aside some time to head to your local polling station. Here’s everything you need to know about the general election, and for more info, check out the Students’ Union website.
Manchester Day takes place across the city centre 27 July with free, fun-filled activities for all the family. If you’re a student parent, carer, or guardian, you’re also invited to our arts and crafts themed family fun day in University Place on 26 July.
Throughout July, the International Society have got a wide range of exciting trips and activities taking place for you to get involved in, including a day trip to Durham (6 July), Blackpool (7 July), Llandudno and Conwy Castle (13 July) followed by Anglesey (14 July), then trips to Windermere (20 July), Cambridge (21 July), Liverpool (27 July) and finally York (28 July).