The biggest bank holiday of the year is upon us – and there’s so much to do. From plenty of outdoorsy fun to an absolute array of festivals, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Manchester this August Bank Holiday weekend. Read on for a bit of inspiration…
1. Head to The Oast House’s outdoor terrace for this free music festival
Following its success over the past bank holidays, Spinningfields bar The Oast House is bringing its free music festival Manifest back to Manchester this August bank holiday weekend for its final summer instalment with a jam-packed line-up. Taking place on the large outdoor terrace at The Oast House on Sunday 24 August, complete with a dedicated stage, Manifest will run from 1pm in the afternoon until late, with a packed roster of musicians lined up including bands, solo artists and duos taking to the stage throughout the day with interludes from resident DJs. Attendees can expect a party atmosphere all night and sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco and blues.
2. Celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ community at Manchester Pride
The key event in Manchester over the August Bank Holiday, Manchester Pride is back with a bang for 2025. Mancs can expect huge parties and shows over the long weekend, including hilarious drag shows, bustling dancefloors, and of course, the big Gay Village Party itself.
3. Enjoy cocktails behind bars at Alcotraz
Alcotraz is as unique as they come, with guests escorted to their very own prison cell in an orange jumpsuit during the experience. Drink cocktails made with ‘smuggled-in contraband’, hide from the cellblock’s parading warden, and enjoy the theatrics before checking out the prison-themed canteen.
4. Stuff yourself silly with Italian grub at Festa Italiana
Manchester’s favourite Italian food festival is back for another year, taking over Cathedral Gardens with an impressive array of local traders. Free to attend, guests can enjoy authentic Italian food and live demos from famous chefs including Gennaro Contaldo, Giuseppe Dell’Anno, Francesco Mattana, Carmela Hayes and the man himself Maurizio Cecco (Founder of Festa Italiana and Manchester’s heavyweight Salvi’s), with beers from Poretti, ticketed banquets led by talented chefs, an Aperol Spritz bar and more in store.
5. Get a taste of iconic teen comedy Superbad with Taste Film
Get ready McLovers, because Taste Film is heading back to 2007 and taking you along for the ride. Noughties classic, Superbad, will be screened like never before at Manchester’s Anthologist on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August – get ready to relive the cringe and chaos of one wild night with our favourite high-schoolers.
The happiest meal of all (no toys included), laundry liquor, tiramisu, and more shenanigans will all be included – so don’t forget your ID. If not, we know a guy who can sort it. Get ready to embark on a journey where fine food and iconic film moments collide, transforming your night out into an unforgettable adventure.
Grab tickets here.
6. Be beside the seaside at the Trafford Centre’s giant beach
The Trafford Centre has brought back its giant beach and splash park this summer along with its popular fairground – plus, it won’t break the bank. Following the success of last year’s Summer Daze event, the fun is making a comeback for the school holidays and promises “even more excitement”. Open until September 1, Bright Lights, Big Fun will boast a fantastic, family-friendly 600 square metre beach outside The Great Hall and more than 20 thrilling rides.
7. Get silly at the Bongo’s Bingo Bank Holiday Banger
Everyone knows the score when it comes to Bongo’s Bingo, but the Bank Holiday Banger will raise the roof higher than usual over the long weekend in Manchester. Get ready for a pulse-pounding dose of escapism at the UK’s most talked-about night out, filled with chaos, confetti and hands-in-the-air classics. There’s no better place let loose and be immersed in a bingo utopia – yes, a utopia including pink Henry hoovers, dance-offs and rave-rounds at the Albert Hall on Saturday 23rd August. Find tickets here.
8. Chow down on tasty grub at the Bolton Food & Drink Festival
The Bolton Food & Drink Festival will take place over the entire bank holiday weekend, starting on August 22 and ending on the following Monday. Visitors can expect a weekend packed full of food, drink, entertainment and more, with tons of local food traders on the roster, a fantastic market and a live music stage. Celebrity chefs will also be turning up in their droves to perform demos and get you cooking as well as them (long shot, but nice to have), including James Martin, Marco Pierre White, Michaels Caines and so many more. See the schedule and book here.
9. Make a splash by giving paddleboarding a try
Before the weather takes a turn for the worst (not that we’ve had the driest of summers), why not get yourself on the water and give paddleboarding a go? See the city of Manchester and the beautiful landscapes nearby in a whole new way by drifting along the water with a spot of paddleboarding. Greater Manchester has plenty of tranquil spots for stand-up paddleboarding, so go on, grab your wetsuit, make a splash and challenge yourself in a fun, new way.
10. Embark on a guided wine tour around the city
Manchester Wine Tours offer visitors a guided tour around the city centre, where they’ll visit some of the best places to drink and buy wine in Manchester along the way. You will be guided in small groups on a leisurely three-hour jaunt where they’ll be able to sample a few glasses en route, as well top notch nibbles. This is a great opportunity to try something new, learn the characteristics of different varieties and even discover a new favourite.
11. Enjoy a mooch around the Makers Market
We’re all pretty familiar with the Makers Market, but this August bank holiday you’ll find it located in a few familiar places, including on the plaza outside Quayside, MediaCity for three days in a row. The Makers Market brings together independent artisans, makers and businesses to create brilliant, local community monthly markets – where you’ll find a selection of the finest local makers, bakers, crafters and so much more.
The Quayside MediCity Makers Market will take place on Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August, with Heaton Mersey also on Saturday 23rd.
12. Flex your 2010s knowledge with the New Girl special quiz at Fairfield Social Club
Join Fairfield Social Club for a special quiz dedicated to the truest Americans out there, the gang from New Girl! Through various adequately quirky quizzical multimedia rounds, your knowledge of the loft, the Pepperwood Chronicles, Prank Sinatra and the various tales of Jessica Day will be well and truly tested.
Make sure you know your Furguson from your Bearclaw, your Prince from your Taylor Swift and your Reagan’s from your Russell’s – get some scran from the FSC Garden Kitchen, grab a cocktail and join in to win a whole month of cinema tickets and other goodies! Book here.
13. Take all the family to Sounds ‘Round Town in Irlam
Irlam & Cadishead Festival will return once again this August for its 75th anniversary of bringing the community together. The free festival will be hosted from Friday 22 August until Monday 25 August with market stalls, live music, sports, street theatre, free activities, a firework display, and more.
Sounds ‘Round Town will be joining the party on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August with an interactive marching band parade led by Stealing Sheep, a show stopping set from a yet-to-be-revealed guest DJ aboard their SRT Bike, a bespoke music programme by From the Other, and a birthday cake show from Walk the Plank to celebrate 75 years of the festival, along with a firework finale to mark the occasion on the Monday at 9pm.
14. Visit the newly reopened Manchester Central Library
Manchester Central Library is set to open after three weeks of closure for maintenance, so why not go along and enjoy its refreshed facilities? Whether you’re a bookworm, a history buff or just after something a bit different, there’s plenty to look at and experience at the Central Library. What’s more, if you have any work to do, this is a great spot to settle in, and meet up with friends after for a catch up in town.
15. Get wild at Electric Shuffle’s Jungle Vibes Brunch
Electric Shuffle Manchester, the cocktail and shuffleboard bar, is celebrating the upcoming long weekend with a one-off Jungle Vibes bottomless brunch that promises to bring a touch of the tropics to Manchester. Bringing sunshine and untamed energy to the bank holiday weekend, Electric Shuffle is hosting a full weekend of brunch, feel-good summer soundtracks and wild party atmosphere.
The two-hour session kicks off with a refreshing Jungle Spritz cocktail on arrival, followed by a bottle of prosecco (or four beers) per person and unlimited sourdough pizza. There’ll be 60 minutes of shuffleboard fun and an hour to soak up the vibrant jungle revelry at the bar. The resident DJ will turn up the heat with poolside classics, island beats, and dancefloor fillers. Come dressed in tropical prints and holiday fits for a chance to bag some extra treats.
Jungle Vibes brunch sessions are running on:
- Saturday 23rd August at 12 pm – 2 pm and 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- Sunday 24th August at 12 pm – 2 pm, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, and 5 pm – 7 pm, for those who want to make the most of a Monday off.
16. Groove on down to the Very Good Plus Record Fair at New Century
Prepare for some grooving in the sunshine this August Bank Holiday, as New Century are bringing a record fair to NOMA that’s sure to hit all the right notes. On the Saturday 23rd August from 11am until 6pm, Manchester’s music lovers are invited to snoop around iconic music venue New Century for the Very Good Plus Record Fair.
Dig around and find some of the best vinyl in the region, browse grass root retailers, old school traders, and all your favourite labels. Then head downstairs to the dBs Institute and sample some of the best sound systems in the city and even take part in a DJ workshop.
Step outside into Sadlers Yard to take a spin on the open decks, or kick back to the sounds of Ded Luvly on the Pulp Coffee sound system. Browse merch stalls and enjoy free family friendly activities including screen-printing workshops, record sleeve making, and sleeve design colouring sessions to keep the little ones busy. With food and drink flowing all day and DJs spinning into the evening, this is one jam that just won’t stop.
17. Pay a visit to the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is the ultimate immersive experience with over 60 mind-bending exhibits, including optical illusions, gravity-defying rooms and mesmerising holograms. It’s a unique day out where science, perception, and play collide – entertaining for adults, exciting for kids, and packed with laugh-out-loud photo moments that are made to be shared.
As a thank you for their incredible work throughout the year, teachers can visit for free all summer by simply showing a valid ID at the door – whether they’re visiting solo for a well-earned recharge, with friends, or with the whole family in tow. It’s the perfect way to spend the August Bank Holiday.
18. Indulge in a gorgeous Whispering Angel bottomless brunch at The Cut & Craft
The Cut & Craft will be hosting its famed bank holiday bottomless brunch with a special twist this August. On Sunday 24th August, guests can enjoy 90 minutes of non-stop Whispering Angel Rosé, Moët & Chandon Champagne – or both!
There’s an option to book a bar table with bottomless drinks or book a restaurant table with a brunch dish included per person. Brunch menu includes the likes of Flat Iron Steak & Chips, Halloumi, Steak or Prawn Fajitas, and Grilled Peach Salad all included in your ticket price. Expect live sets from Glitterbox DJ Maven Mandella, entertainment, and good vibes all day long, plus there will also be a Whispering Angel fountain for guests to enjoy free flowing!
19. Kick back with a view at King Street Townhouse’s South Terrace
The beautiful King Street Townhouse South Terrace has been open all week from 2pm-9pm daily, but they’re having a little extra celebration for Bank Holiday Sunday (2pm-10pm) with live music throughout the afternoon until 6pm. It’s going to be quite the atmosphere – sun trap views above the city, cocktails, their seasonal menu, and that perfect Manchester skyline backdrop.
20. Strike lucky for free at the brand new Wynwood Lanes
Wynwood Lanes, the brand new Miami-inspired bowling venue taking over the iconic Dog Bowl, is opening this Friday 22nd August. Inspired by the vibrant Wynwood district in Miami, the site features upgraded bowling lanes, a new food menu from Kong’s NQ, a Miami-style cocktail list and bottomless brunch.
To celebrate opening weekend, Wynwood Lanes will be giving away 100 free bowling sessions on Bank Holiday Monday for groups of up to six people – grab access to bowling booking slots here – and secure your lane before they’re gone! And that’s not all – this bank holiday, Kong’s NQ will be serving up half price Arepas all day long from their brand new Miami menu.
21. Catch the start of the Women’s Rugby World Cup
This week the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off, which will see the Greater Manchester region of Salford host some of the tournament’s group matches. But the rugby action doesn’t stop there, as Manchester will be hosting a fan zone for the Women’s Rugby World Cup offering plenty of atmosphere and fun for locals and visitors alike.
The fan zone will be located at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester offering fans even more ways to get involved and experience the tournament atmosphere – expect a wide range of family-friendly, sport-themed activations. Rugby fans are welcome to bring a picnic to the fan zone, however there will be plenty of food choices at the nearby MCR Live Hub, which has popped up for the summer.
At the Hub, you can grab a drink at the bar, sample some of the best street food in the North West, catch surprise acts and DJ takeovers on the outdoor stage, or bring the family along during the day for relaxed, music-inspired fun. There will also be an official fan zone at the Salford Community Stadium on matchdays.
The Piccadilly Gardens fan zone will be open:
- Saturday 23rd August – 11am – 4pm
- Sunday 24th August – 11am – 4pm
22. Enjoy grassroots music at MCR1 Live Festival
This August Bank Holiday weekend, a brand-new live music event is coming to the heart of Manchester. Following the success of Den Fest and Mews Fest over the past five years, MCR1 Live Festival will take place at Lion’s Den at Great Northern Warehouse from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August 2025.
The three-day festival is presented by Lion’s Den and Manchester One Media and will feature a full line-up of live performances across the weekend, and entry is free for all attendees. Among the first acts confirmed is Jack Carroll, who will be performing on Saturday 23rd August.
23. Get competitive at the UK B-Boy Championhips
Beats, battles and blow-ups are coming to Manchester as the UK B-Boy Championships 2025 explode onto the Manchester stage. On Sunday 24th August, the World Breaking Finals will be lighting up Aviva Studios with the top breakers and global break MC’s and DJs, serving up dynamic power moves, blazing footwork and killer beats you won’t want to miss.
From electric head-to-head B-Boy and B-Girl battles to fierce 6v6 crew throwdowns, you can be there to witness the breaking elite compete for the coveted World Titles. The UK B-Boy Championships is the most iconic and prestigious breaking event in the calendar, with this year’s lineup nothing short of spectacular. Get set for epic battles featuring top-tier talent like Japanese Olympian Hiro, Ukraine’s one and only Stefani, and the homegrown British star Kid Karam.
Find out more and get tickets here.
24. Visit the limited edition Pupnic benches with your furry friend at Heaton Park
To celebrate the launch of its new Chews range, Wagg is unveiling six special ‘Pupnic’ benches in dog-friendly parks throughout Great British green spaces, across multiple weekends, and Heaton Park in Manchester is one of them. The dog-sized benches, made from sustainable materials, sit around 30cm high and are expertly sized to accommodate both big and small breeds; ensuring no dog is left out of the one-of-a-kind experience. Because after all – why should humans have all the fun?
On Monday 25th August, the ‘Pupnic’ benches will be popping up in Manchester’s Heaton Park, giving dog owners the chance to treat their pups to a unique, dog-sized, Wagg-fuelled picnic experience. Dogs can look forward to taste-testing samples of the new Wagg Chews range, with flavours like Banana & Peanut Butter Bars, Steak Skewer Twists and Fish Finger Sticks.
25. Enjoy unlimited wings and beers at BrewDog
Fancy unlimited wings and beer? This August Bank Holiday weekend, BrewDog, Britain’s biggest independent craft brewer, is rolling out all-you-can-eat wings (or pizza) and all-you-can-drink beer, following the hugely popular Wings Wednesday offer across its bars.
From Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August, enjoy bottomless headliner beers (Punk IPA, Lost Lager, Hazy Jane, Wingman and Black Heart) and epic wings or pizza for 90 minutes across BrewDog bars in England and Wales – all for just £29.95! Catch the offer this bank holiday at Manchester’s various BrewDog locations – whichever is mot convenient for you!
