Whether you’re a shade-seeker or the kind who likes to soak up every inch of sunlight while it’s around, you’ll want to finally break out of hibernation this July. From fun festivals to epic activities to try out with friends, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Manchester this July.
1. Take part in plenty of musical activities to celebrate Manchester Day
Manchester Day is a celebration of the city and all things Mancunian and will be taking place on July 26. With 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer and a massive line-up of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city, this year’s Manchester Day aims to get everyone in the groove. A music-filled mini parade will makes its way from St Peter’s Square, along Deansgate, to Manchester Cathedral, plus there will be plenty of fun-filled, free activities for all the family to experience and enjoy.
2. Decide the verdict in this immersive Jury Experience
You’ve probably watched more times than you can count someone shout “Objection!” during a tense courtroom scene on TV. Wielding the power of legal arguments can be pretty thrilling, to say the least. Now, it’s your chance to experience it firsthand at “The Jury Experience“. With incredible actors and an immersive set that pulls you right into the drama, you’ll step into the courtroom with a mission. Because here’s the best part: amidst a web of testimonies and heated debate, it’s up to you and the audience to deliver the final verdict.
3. Discover a range of guitars across the city with the Music for the Senses art trail
Commissioned by the city council from global art producer Wild in Art in association with charity Forever Manchester, the Music for the Senses art trail will see guitar-themed artworks, exhibitions and other installations appear throughout the city’s streets and squares in July and August. The art trail will see up to 50 donated guitars that are no longer playable painted or otherwise adorned by professional artists, turning them into exquisite individual artworks for display, alongside the donated guitar from Liam and Noel Gallagher and those from other musicians. A further 100+ broken guitars will also be used for Guitar Street – an interactive installation on a soon-to-be-revealed city centre street by Manchester artist Liam Hopkins aka Lazarian, whose artwork will lovingly repurpose the donated guitars.
4. Witness the PAW Patrol Live! stage show at Manchester’s AO Arena
Ryder, Chase, Skye and the rest of the squad are scampering out the television screen and embarking on an interactive adventure with PAW Patrol Live!; a live stage show coming to Manchester’s AO Arena on July 20. All the family can sing along, clap, dance and root for the characters as exciting rescue missions are brought to life right in front of your eyes. With a combination of expertly crafted costumes, vibrant sets, captivating special effects, interactive elements and infectiously fun music, you and your child will be transported to the city of Adventure Bay at this live show.
5. Get thrifting at the Classic Car Boot Sale in Salford
Following major success down South with vintage enthusiasts, the Classic Car Boot Sale is making its way up North for the first time ever and it’s chosen Salford for its first foray outside of London. Not-your-average car boot sale, the Classic Car Boot Sale is a huge celebration of classic cars, bikes, vintage fashion and homeware, bringing all things retro to one space. Basically, it’s an absolute haven for thrifters, and organisers have a one-of-a-kind event planned to take place at MediaCityUK on July 12 and 13.
6. Watch Alice in Wonderland at an immersive eat-along screening
As one of the coldest months of the year, indoor activities are high up on the agenda. Taste Film is a great option if you’re looking for something to do with your pals or partner, with or without alcohol. Pairing brilliant food with iconic on-screen moments, Taste Film is truly a feast for all the senses. Giving a whole new meaning to ‘watch what you eat’, the immersive experience combines two of life’s greatest joys: food and film. If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to reach out and grab a bite of whatever’s on screen, then you can do exactly that, with this month’s movie being Alice in Wonderland. Savour a mysterious and magical menu featuring billowing smoke, a field of flowers and, ahem, the queen’s bloomers. The three-course menu gets curiouser and curiouser…
7. Listen to the likes of Elbow, The Charlatans and Hacienda Classical at Sounds of the City
Sounds of the City is the beloved summer series that takes over Castlefield Bowl in Manchester city centre every year. There’s always a cracking line up for this music festival with local artists ecstatic to play, and this year is no exception. Headliners include Elbow, The Charlatans, Rizzle Kicks, Bloc Party, Basement Jaxx and Hacienda Classical, all of which will certainly pack out the heart of the industrial area of Castlefield with adoring Mancs.
8. Go on a journey of emotions as you follow the SmileyWorld Art Trail in Stockport
Get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions as Totally Stockport brings a vibrant new art trail to the heart of Stockport this summer. From July 4, Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery as the SmileyWorld Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun and exciting sculptures, each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons. Following huge success in Battersea, London and North Tyneside, the SmileyWorld Art Trail will be making its North West debut, guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays – and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
9. Watch the Womens’ Euros on the big screen at the National Football Museum after hours
As the Lionesses look to build on their success at this summer’s Women’s Euros, a packed roster is coming to Manchester’s venues – and naturally none more so than the National Football Museum. The museum is set to host a series of family-friendly watch parties after hours for the Women’s Euros this summer, bringing together the masses to celebrate all things women’s football. Families and visitors of all ages are welcome to support and celebrate England (and Wales!) during their July matches as they kick off their campaign.
10. Browse over 40 independent stalls at The Night Market
This July, Mancs will able to wander through a sea of independent stalls inside Fairfield Social Club as The Night Market returns to Manchester. From the hours between 6pm and 11pm on Friday 4th July, the organisers will create the ultimate shopping experience at this unique shopping event. Expect over 40 fantastic artists, crafters and small businesses plus street food and a live DJ spinning their magic to keep you moving and grooving.
11. Listen to ABBA’s greatest hits in a unique way at this Candlelight tribute concert
Think you’ve heard all the ABBA songs – but have you heard them played on strings? Candlelight is celebrating ABBA with a tribute inspired by the popular Swedish band’s greatest hits. Voulez-vous to take a seat inside the extraordinary Halle St Peter’s and be dazzled by renditions of iconic songs? From Dancing Queen to The Winner Takes it All, listen to the best of ABBA played at an intimate concert bathed in the glow of countless candles.
12. Attend the official Oasis afterparties at New Century Hall
After the Oasis gigs on Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 July, official afterparties will take place at New Century Hall, allowing both those lucky enough to have been to the gigs, and the majority who missed out, to come together in celebration of the event. An iconic occasion deserves an iconic afterparty line-up, so coming to entertain the Manchester crowds at the New Century Oasis afterparties are the likes of Happy Mondays mover and shaker Bez, Inspiral Carpets’ Clint Boon, Mani from The Stone Roses, Tin Tin (New Order Tour DJ), Col White (Vinyl Revival) and Ricco (Creamfields) all DJing from 11pm – so attendees are in for an absolute Manc treat!
13. Explore this huge Hong Kong food festival with over 50 stalls
A street food festival offering a taste of Hong Kong is returning to one of Greater Manchester’s award-winning markets, bringing with it plenty of delights from the region. The Hong Kong food festival will be taking over Kay Gardens next to Bury Market, and will feature over 50 stalls serving traditional Hong Kong cuisine and handicrafts. It will not only celebrate Manchester’s Hong Kong community, but also introduce people to the region’s food, which includes homegrown Cantonese cooking as well as Japanese, Korean and South Asian dishes.
14. Be transported to 1920s New Orleans at The Jazz Room
Experience the essence of jazz at The Jazz Room, a 60-minute show that captures the soul of New Orleans. Set in a 1920s-style street bar, the event features a curated setlist of jazz classics that take audiences on a historic and musical journey, from songs that set the scene to jazz hits that topped the charts. To really get in the mood, enjoy a drink while listening to legendary tunes like Sing Sing Sing and All Of Me.
15. See a giant animal stampede made of puppets storm through Manchester
Manchester is set to welcome an extraordinary spectacle this month as a gigantic herd of life-sized puppet animals makes its way through the city in the form of The Herds. Following the success of The Walk in 2021, which featured the enormous puppet Little Amal, the creative team behind that project has returned with The Herds – a visually stunning migration of puppet beasts journeying from Africa to the Arctic Circle, with Manchester as a key stop on their route. The Herds features a breathtaking collection of giant puppets representing animals native to the heart of Africa, including elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions, wolves, and wildebeest. These puppets are crafted entirely from recycled materials, adding an eco-conscious layer to the artistry.
16. Head to this citywide festival to celebrate a bumper summer of live music in Manchester
The stage is set for a massive music-filled take-over of Manchester city centre this summer as MCR Live ’25 celebrates the mammoth summer of live music coming to the city. An incredible 1.3 million music tourists are expected to visit Manchester this summer during an unmissable three months of live music from some of the biggest artists on the planet. To help celebrate what promises to be a sensational summer of sound MCR Live ’25 will see music-themed markets, pop-up shops, a festival bar and impromptu performances, as well as fabulous guitar-themed artworks and exhibitions take over the city’s streets, squares, shop windows and other venues.
17. Browse Gymshark’s new permanent store in the Trafford Centre
Fitness community and clothing brand, Gymshark, has announced plans to open its first standalone store in the North at the Trafford Centre in Manchester. Having opened a space in Selfridges in the Trafford Centre last year, Gymshark now plans to open a 7,500 square foot store on Upper Peel Avenue this summer. The permanent store in Manchester, which opens on July 12, will become home to all of Gymshark’s activewear, featuring a vast range of sizes, colours and styles to suit all, as well as contain exclusives for Gymshark Trafford Centre.
18. Check out brand new grassroots weekender event, Stranger Ways Festival
Say hello to Manchester’s new music weekender: Stranger Ways Festival. The grassroots event at The Yard Mcr will take place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July, with a mission to celebrate the region’s emerging and breakthrough talent. Timed to ride the wave of Oasis-mania as the legendary band makes its homecoming at Heaton Park, Stranger Ways is the alternative celebration for fans of Manchester’s vibrant indie scene. Festival-goers can expect 10 bands per day alongside DJs, craft culture, independent food and drink, and serious community vibes, all under The Yard’s brand-new covered canopy stage.
19. Have a laugh at Creatures Comedy Festival in the Northern Quarter
After a roaringly successful debut last year, Creatures Comedy Festival is back for its second year and it’s going to be bigger, bolder and badder than ever. Not only has the seven-night-a-week comedy club upgraded to a larger venue but this year the festival is partnering with Lost Cat to begin the ultimate comedy takeover in the Northern Quarter. From July 15-26, the festival will once again kick off the summer, showcasing over 30 shows from household names to rising stars with the hottest comedy talent from the North taking over the festival on Sunday July 20th. There’s something for everyone at this festival, from musical comedy to improv to classic laugh-out-loud stand-up – plus the event will be showcasing comedians’ preview shows before they hit Edinburgh Fringe the very next week!
20. Marvel at movie sets and meet your pop culture heroes at Comic Con Manchester
Comic Con Manchester, one of the UK’s largest pop culture conventions, returns to Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC) on July 26-27. The main attraction every year is of course the star guests, and you can expect plenty of exciting names from film, TV, streaming, gaming, anime and sports entertainment. In previous years, Comic Con Manchester has welcomed the likes of Tyler Hoechlin, Zachary Quinto, Seth Green, Zachary Levi and Elizabeth Berkeley. As well as having the chance to meet your heroes, you can watch the fabulous cosplayers strut their stuff on stage, get an item signed, have a photo taken with some of our unique props and set builds, attend panel talks and test yours skills in the retro and modern gaming areas.