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 music festivals to epic activities to try out with friends, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Manchester this July.
1. See Björk live at bluedot
bluedot is officially returning after a pandemic-related hiatus, with big names such as Björk and Groove Armada in store. Taking place between 21-24th July, guests will be able to enjoy a unique combination of music, science and ‘cosmic culture’, with tons of talks, art installations, mini-documentaries and live music to enjoy. Get tickets here.
2. Celebrate Oasis with this epic candlelight concert tribute
Playing Oasis as you’ve never heard them before, Fever’s upcoming Candlelight Concert pays homage to the Gallaghers, with stunning recreations of their most popular tracks including Cigarettes and Alcohol, Supersonic and Wonderwall. Manchester Cathedral will be completely bathed in candlelight, providing a beautiful backdrop for the talented classical performance. Get tickets here.
3. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz or too at the dedicated terrace at The Oast House
The Oast House is set to receive an Italian makeover this July, with Aperol taking over the huge beer garden with dedicated Aperol Spritz bars, comfy seating, Italian scooters and splashes of bright, summery orange tones – in true Aperol style. The pop-up will arrive on 13th July til 24th July, providing the perfect spot to soak up the sun. The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY.
4. Dance until the world ends at the fun Absolute Britney brunch
The popular Absolute Britney bottomless brunch is back this July, with four whole hours of great music and live performances to enjoy. Taking place at Impossible Manchester, guests will be able to indulge in 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, alongside tasty burgers and live performances by Absolute Britney and drag queen Miss Blair. Get tickets here.
5. Sink a few pints at the Manchester Craft Beer Festival
Beer lovers, rejoice, because the Manchester Craft Beer Festival is back – with tons of fantastic breweries in tow. Expect popular names such as Beatnikz Republic, Brew York, North Brewing Co and Vocation, among many others who’ll be filling up the venue with tons of craft beers to try as you potter around. Get tickets here.
6. Shop artisan gifts at the Kampus night market
Ancoats Pop-Up is returning to Kampus this month with another night market, bringing tons of lovely artisan makers and bakers to one spot. Expect beautiful local art, delicious food, a rum cocktail bar and plenty of lovely little gifts to take home this July 14th. Find out more here.
7. Get in the British spirit at an epic bottomless drag afternoon tea
A new bottomless event is coming to town, and it’s bringing some of the UK’s finest drag talent along with it. Getting into the regal spirit, guests will be able to chow down on delicious treats as part of the afternoon tea, alongside one whole hour of free-flowing fizz. The two-hour event will see tons of drag cabaret performances, alongside plenty of comedy and great food. Get tickets here.
8. Soak up the sun at Box on the Docks
Box on the Docks is back, this time, with Seven Bro7hers at the helm. Hosting a wonderful beer piazza all summer long, guests can soak up the sun in the heart of MediaCityUK, while enjoying fresh pints from Seven Bro7hers, delicious gin cocktails from Four Sis4ers, boozy ice creams and a revolving offering of street food. Find out more here.
9. Experience Adele in a whole new way at this stunning candlelit concert
Adele fans can enjoy the singer’s award-winning music in a whole new light at Fever’s upcoming Candlelight Concert, which will see a string ensemble perform beautiful renditions of popular songs such as Rolling in The Deep, Someone Like You and new hit Easy On Me. Halle St Peter’s will be completely bathed in candlelight for the occasion, too, creating a truly beautiful ambience for guests to enjoy. Get tickets here.
10. Transport back to the 80s at Paradise Skate World
Paradise Skate World is Manchester’s newest venue, bringing 80s-style roller skating back in business. The venue has been transformed into an intergalactic escape, with not only an epic skate-through rink, but a space station-themed bar serving tons of cocktails and plenty of photo opps. Paradise Skate World, Unit 5, Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN.
11. Indulge in chocolate at 20 Stories for World Chocolate Day
Celebrating World Chocolate Day in style, 20 Stories will serve up a four-course menu infused with chocolate, with plenty of delectable and unique dishes to try out on the night (alongside stunning views of Manchester, of course!). Find out more here.
12. Stretch it out with a bit of Rooftop Yoga at King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse has teamed up with FORM MCR for a series of special wellness events, where guests will be able to take part in a rooftop yoga session, followed by a healthy brunch on the luxury hotel’s rooftop terrace. Find out more here.
13. Spend a family day out at Macclesfield Festival
Macclesfield Festival promises to be the perfect day out for families this July, with tons of live music, kids activities, circus performances, tons of tribute acts, food, drink and so much more. There’s a whole zone just for the kids, alongside dance tents and the main stage. Get tickets here.
14. Visit Manchester’s incredible new piano and cabaret bar
Sonata has finally arrived, providing Mancs with the perfect slice of Manhattan. Found on King Street, the new bar will bring piano and cabaret performances to town, alongside delicious cocktails and speakeasy vibes throughout. Find out more here.
15. Challenge your mates at Manchester’s newest games bar, Boom Battle Bar
Boom Battle Bar is finally here, rivalling Manchester’s array of fun games bars that are dotted throughout the city. Bringing an array of activities under the same roof, guests can battle it out with friends with activities such as axe throwing, beer pong, AR darts and more, while enjoying perfectly crafted cocktails. Find out more here.
16. Fill up on tacos at El Capo’s new bottomless brunch
El Capo’s new bottomless brunch is here – and it really doesn’t disappoint. We’re talking tasty tacos accompanied by free-flowing booze – including frozen margaritas, mimosas and bottles of Sol. The ultimate summer feast. Find out more here.
17. Be one of the first to stroll down Manchester’s very own ‘High Line’
Manchester’s very own High Line is finally set to open this July, providing Mancs with a brand new space to unwind and refresh. Boasting hundreds of plants, the new National Trust site transforms Castlefield Viaduct into something completely new, adding a slice of beauty to the Manchester sky. Read all about it here.
Also published on Medium.