Manchester is known for its rich musical culture and still rivals most cities with its live scene. Whether it’s the big guns at the arena or outdoor sports venues, or the newest thing in the back room of a backstreet pub, we’ve got the low-down on the gigs happening in Manchester this June.
Large-scale gigs in Manchester (8,000 – 21,000 capacity)
Elton John, Manchester AO Arena – 31st May – 3rd June
The man, the myth, the legend, Elton John, is saying his final farewell across the UK this summer, and Manchester marks the first city after London to be graced with his presence. Between 31st May – 3rd June, the Rocketman himself will be Crocodile Rocking, Tiny Dancing and impressively Still Standing on the AO Arena stage in Manchester, giving it his all and wowing fans one last time. It’s truly the last chance to see Elton before he steps away from music, unless of course you have a Glasto ticket (but who does?), so if you can’t bare to miss out, chance your arm for remaining tickets here.
Arctic Monkeys, Emirates Old Trafford – 2nd & 3rd June
Indie rockers Arctic Monkeys are a rare breed that are adored by all ages, and are still as illusive as ever. On their first tour since 2019, the Sheffield boys will be visiting Old Trafford Cricket Ground, a 50,000 capacity venue that has seen Manchester legends such as Liam Gallagher, Courteeners and Blossoms play in the past few years. The tour promotes Arctic Monkeys’ newest album The Car, but we’re also hoping to hear classics like I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor and Fluorescent Adolescent, although we known Alex Turner likes to subvert expectations when it comes to the setlist! Don’t miss out on this epic summer gig in Manchester – find your tickets here.
The Courteeners, Heaton Park – 9th June
The Courteeners need no introduction in Manchester, and as the band continues to share the love for our city they once again play Heaton Park this month. Having played a few times before, Liam and the boys know how to work a Manchester crowd, and there isn’t too much too it really – play the bangers, everyone’s happy. Expect tunes like Not Nineteen Forever and Are You In Love With A Notion?, as they usually play the classics alongside any new material, along with a cracking atmosphere and a whole lot of Manc swagger. See if you can scout out any remaining tickets here.
Parklife, Heaton Park – 10th & 11th June
Another Heaton Park event that needs no introduction is Parklife, the quintessential Manchester festival. Truly kicking off festival season, Parklife welcomes its biggest lineup yet including the likes of The 1975, Fred Again and The Prodigy, with so much more going on over the weekend. Of course, most will have snatched up their tickets way in advance of the big weekend, but if you’re looking for a last minute glimmer of hope, you can find remaining tickets here.
SZA, AO Arena – 13th June
Climbing the ranks of pop and RnB music over the past few years, SZA is taking over the world, firstly with a gig at Manchester’s AO Arena, supported by the UK’s very own RAYE. On 13th June, SZA brings her SOS tour to Manchester, followed only by Glasgow and London, ensuring a non-stop night of positive energy and amazing music. Having collaborated with the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Doja Cat in the recent past, SZA shows her prowess when she’s solo and we can expect new songs such as Kill Bill and Smoking On My Ex Pack to be incredible live. Find your tickets here.
Mid-size gigs in Manchester (1800 – 3500 capacity)
UB40 45th Anniversary, Manchester Apollo – 1st June
Ska legends UB40 are celebrating their 45th anniversary with a very special couple of dates this summer, hitting Manchester’s beautiful Apollo on 1st June. The band will be playing some of their biggest hits including Red Red Wine and Kingston Town, celebrating the past 45 years of their career as well as some newness sprinkled in from their upcoming album UB45 – an album title we’re very chuffed with. Take it back to the 80s with these living legends and find your tickets here.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Manchester Albert Hall – 15th June
New Zealand psychedelic rock band Unknown Mortal Orchestra might seem just that, unknown, but to the select few, they’re one of the best. Having been around since 2013, their gig at Manchester Albert Hall this month is sure to include hits such as So Good at Being in Trouble and Hunnybee, with new material including Weekend Run and That Life sure to also make an appearance. UMO are pure good vibes and the gig at Albert Hall is not to be missed! Get your tickets here.
Circa Waves, Victoria Warehouse – 17th June
Indie boys Circa Waves have been going strong since the mid-2010s and they just seem to get better and better. Touring their new album Never Going Under, the Liverpool boys will be close to home when they play Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse this month, and you can expect a bouncing, old school type crowd. Although the boys will be giving air to new songs, we very much hope to hear feel-good indie classics such as T-shirt Weather and Stuck in My Teeth to get the crowd going. Grab your tickets here.
Goo Goo Dolls, Manchester Academy – 23rd June
Famous for one song in 1998, Goo Goo Dolls are much more than their biggest hit, Iris. The New York rockers released their 13th studio album Chaos In Bloom last year, and will be showcasing the best of their ongoing material with songs such as Save Me From Myself and War. Goo Goo Dolls are in fact Grammy Award-nominated and multi-Platinum-selling, so don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to see them in Manchester – get your tickets here.
Small & intimate gigs in Manchester (60 – 1500 capacity)
Swim Deep, Manchester Academy 3 – 6th June
Swim Deep are back! Playing the intimate Manchester Academy 3, the band will be boasting new material from their latest album King City (Jennylee’s Version), no doubt sprinkled with past hits such as She Changes The Weather and Happy As Larrie to keep the crowd involved. Gigs at Manchester venues as small as Academy 3 are always a hoot and filled with dedicated Swim Deep fans, the vibes are sure to be immaculate. Get your tickets here.