If there’s one person who deserves a treat this weekend, it’s Dad. If a family day out is on the cards, you’ll be pleased to hear that – as always – we’ve done the leg work for you and rounded up some of the best things to do this Father’s Day in Manchester – from boozy lunches to fun activities that the whole family can get stuck into. Without further ado…
1. Bottomless pints at The Botanist and The Oast House
Both The Botanist and The Oast House will be treating Dad to free bevvies this Father’s Day, serving up bottomless pints of Madri with every lunch, brunch or dinner booking this Sunday. There are no strings attached, all the venues ask is that Dad be… Well… Dad. Book here for The Botanist and here for The Oast House.
2. Let off some steam at Whistle Punks
Dad need to blow off some steam? We’ve got just the thing: Whistlepunks axe throwing. One of the city’s most unique activities, guests get to enjoy 70 minutes of axe-throwing, with targets to aim for, tournaments to take part in and, of course, experts on hand to help you master your craft. Get tickets here.
3. Free beers at Albert’s Schloss
Teaming up with Salford brewery Seven Bro7hers for the occasion, Albert’s Schloss will be dishing out a free can of Father’s Day pilsner to all dads this Sunday, which can be enjoyed alongside the bar and restaurant’s delicious Sunday roast or a special menu of fish and chips. Booking is recommended. Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, M2 5QR.
4. Enjoy a tour of Manchester’s best food and drink
Taking place the day before Father’s Day (18th June), Mancs can experience the city in a whole new way: via their tastebuds. Run by Scranchester Tours, this special tour highlights some of the city’s best culinary hidden gems, allowing guests to try an array of food and drink as they adventure through the city. Get tickets here.
5. Enjoy live music at Escape to Freight Island’s free festival
Joaquin ‘Joe’ Claussell will take centre stage this Sunday at Escape to Freight Island’s free ‘Better Sundays’ festival. Think live music, DJ sets, alfresco BBQ, plenty of street food, and tons of summer tipples. Booking is recommended and you can secure your table here.
6. Taste some of the city’s best cheese on this delicious tour
If Dad’s a big cheese fan, the Manchester Cheese Crawl is the perfect experience to try out together for Father’s Day. Taking guests around the city for two hours of cheese, guests will get to experience some of the city’s finest cheeses, washed down with delicious wines and, of course, more cheese. Get tickets here.
7. Celebrate the city at the Manchester Day celebrations
Manchester Day is back after two years off, making for the perfect free thing to do this Father’s Day. See the parade in all of its glory, try out delicious street food and enjoy live performances as the day goes on. Little Amal will also be making a special appearance for the occasion, so you can guarantee families will be entertained all day long. Find out more here.
8. Treat Dad to a film at the cinema
Doing Father’s Day on a budget? Vue Cinema has teamed up with Fever for a cheap-as-chips offer: just £4.99 per ticket, any time for any film. There are tons of huge blockbusters showing at the moment, too, including the new Top Gun movie, Jurassic World: Dominion, and the brand new Fantastic Beasts instalment. Get tickets here.
9. Go on a summer walk
Manchester’s canal network is probably one of the most underrated parts of the city. In the summer months, the winding canals provide the perfect easy walk to do, with twinkling water, scenery varying from the old architecture to the new, and plenty of geese to dodge – which is all part of the fun if you ask us. Check out our guide to our favourite canal walks here.
10. Grab a beer in the sun at Box on the Docks
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect place to soak up the sun, beer in hand, you’ll want to check out Seven Bro7her‘s new Box on the Docks takeover. Hosting an al fresco beer garden at MediaCityUK’s piazza all summer long, guests can enjoy tons of Seven Bro7her’s beers, alongside gin cocktails from Four Sis4ers, boozy ice creams from A Few Scoops and so much more. Find out more here.
11. Treat him to a meal at one of the city’s newest restaurants
Treat Dad to a fantastic meal right here in Manchester, at one of the city’s many fresh new openings. From stunning BBQ grub at Escape to Freight Island to fresh charcoal-grilled Thai food, there’s tons to discover this month. Check out our guide to the newest spots in town here.
12. Visit The Waltzing Matilda for a bit of pizza
Looking for the perfect family walk this weekend? The Waltzing Matilda is docked up by the canal at High Lane, Stockport this week, serving up fresh Neapolitan pizzas alongside coffees and fresh bakes – straight from their narrowboat. It’s a wonderfully unique little spot, and one Dad is sure to remember for years to come. Keep up with their socials to find out their whereabouts.
13. Free breakfast at Home Sweet
Dad’s get free breakfast at Home Sweet this Sunday, with the only catch being you must be dining with kids. Expect proper hearty American-inspired breakfasts, delicious sweet treats, moreish milkshakes and plenty of vegan options, too. Book here.