Summer is here!
At long last, the gloomy weather is set to fade away – as are the remaining restrictions that have had us (im)patiently waiting for the return of normality. But as that finally approaches (and quickly!), we’re celebrating some of the fantastic things we can get up to next month – from hitting up the dance floor, to finally enjoy live gigs again. Fancy getting your calendar jam-packed again? Check out our guide to some of the best things to do this June in Manchester.
1. Enjoy Alice In Wonderland Inspired Cocktails At This Immersive Gin Experience
The Mad Hatter’s Gin (& Tea) Parties are transporting Mancunians straight to Wonderland in a theatrical cocktail experience you’ll never forget! Sip delicious Beefeater gin potions in a psychedelic secret garden, while you toast to the Hatter and his weird and wonderful friends! Fancy a trip down the rabbit hole? Get your tickets here!
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2. Dance again!
It’s been a long time coming, but clubs and dance floors are finally coming back. Currently set to return on June 21st under the government’s lockdown exit plan, night clubs will be opening their doors for the first time in 15 months – allowing us to dance, meet with friends and finally enjoy absolute freedom. It’s been a long time coming, but it’ll be well worth the wait.
3. Enjoy iconic movie soundtracks by candlelight under the wings of a Concorde
The most unique Candlelight event so far, music fans will be able to experience the beautiful sounds of iconic movie soundtracks played by incredibly talented musicians, all the while immersed in a stunning, candlelit environment under the wings of a Concorde. From Titanic to Harry Potter, there’s a fantastic programme in store – as well as a fully stocked bar to enjoy throughout the event. Get tickets here.
4. Enjoy a waterside tipple next time the sun’s out
Next time the sun is shining, take advantage of Manchester’s intricate canal network – that just so happens to be peppered with waterside bars and restaurants. From slick, modern cocktail bars to cosy, traditional pubs, there’s a little something for everyone – with tons of venues across the region to try this summer. Check out our guide to the best here.
5. See the city in full bloom at the Manchester Flower Show
Taking place between May 29th and June 6th, Manchester city centre is set to be transformed into a floral wonderland – with bright blooms and plants at every turn. Spanning across areas such as Ancoats Cutting Room Square, New Islington Marina, Corn Exchange, Spinningfields, First Street, Manchester Cathedral, the Village and Stevenson Square – passersby will stumble upon incredible beautiful installations – including a blue tribute to the NHS at St. Anne’s Square, a huge installation of wonderful wisteria at Circle Square on Oxford Road, and even a pop-art inspired explosion of colour down New Cathedral Street. Find out more here.
6. Go to a unique ‘Dining In The Dark’ experience
A truly unique dining experience coming to Manchester this June, Dining In The Dark is back for a limited time only – with two special sessions taking place on both June 2nd and June 9th. The delectable event sees guests blindfolded at their tables, before being served three courses of delectable dishes – with the ‘dark’ element of the event amplifying the senses, allowing guests to experience the flavours of their food in a whole new way. The sell-out event has proved a huge hit with fans since its launch last year, so you’ll need to book fast if you want to experience it for yourself. Book here.
7. Celebrate your birthday in lockdown? Get a free birthday bevvy!
Returning after months in lockdown 3.0, Sandinista is offering free bottles of fizz to all those who had a birthday between 5th January – 12th April, as well as six bottles of beer for those who aren’t fans of fizz. The offer is perfect for those who were stuck at home on their big day, and is the perfect excuse to get a little bit tipsy this June. The offer ends on June 21st, and you can find out more here.
8. Sing along to rock classics at Queen By Candlelight
Taking place at the huge Audacious Church venue on Trinity Way, a fantastic cast of West End singers will be taking to the stage to perform some of Queen’s biggest anthems – all within a completely candlelit space, providing a wonderful ambience as guests sing-a-long and dance to the classics. Tickets are available here.
9. Finally enjoy a bit of live music
Live music is back – and while it’ll be seated for the first half of June, come June 21st, bar-goers will be able to enjoy music and entertainment again as intended – with our feet glued to the dance floor. Hit up the brand new Blues Kitchen for a bit of live jazz in the concert hall, pop on over for a party with Albert’s Schloss, or escape from the world at the gorgeous speakeasy, The Fitzgerald. Here’s our guide to our favourite live music venues.
10. Check out the new 202 Kitchen
Opening up their brand new flagship venue on Left Bank, Spinningfields, 202 Kitchen is set to return bigger and better than ever before – with incredible interiors, mouthwateringly good trap box comfort food, summery cocktails, and a wonderful riverside terrace where you can soak up the sun. Find out more about the new venue opening this June here.
11. Enjoy classic The Beatles song by candlelight
Celebrating some of the greatest songs by iconic band The Beatles, one of this month’s Candlelight Tribute events will see a highly talented jazz ensemble honour the beloved Liverpudlian band, under the intricate roof of Manchester Cathedral. The 600-year-old venue will be completely bathed in candlelight, providing an unbeatable atmosphere that’ll have you feeling on Cloud 9. Tickets are on sale now here.
12. Try out Simon Shaw’s brand new Habas restaurant
Joining Shaw’s impressive roster of restaurants – which includes El Gato Negro and Canto – Habas is officially opening this June, bringing a new take on Middle Eastern cuisine to the city. Guests can expect beautiful dishes of Bata harra, spiced lamb, and more, with a vast selection of Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails and a live music lounge to enjoy, too. Find out more here.
13. Let your hair down at Buff Bingo
A very cheeky addition to Manchester’s bottomless brunch scene, Buff Bingo is set to take over On Bar this June 12th, with the Boy Toy butlers and London and Manchester’s best drag queens in tow. Avo on toast with a side of abs? Sorted. Serving up a brunch dish of each guests choice, the event will see 1.5 hours of free-flowing prosecco, alongside interactive entertainment, drag queen performances, bingo, games, DJ, dancing and the Boy Toy buff butlers, of course. Get tickets here.
14. Soak up the sun
While June typically marks the beginning of summer, we haven’t exactly seen many steps towards it yet. But don’t fret, because a heatwave is reportedly heading our way – with over two weeks of glorious sunshine predicted right here in Manchester. Goodbye rain, hello summer.
15. Experience an al fresco wonderland at SecretCity
Consisting of an alfresco beer garden and dining area, a drive-in cinema (that you can enjoy outside of your car, too!) and a fantastic bar that serves up beers, burgers and more – SecretCity is the ultimate outdoor destination to visit this summer, with some incredible blockbusters lined up over the summer months. From classics such as Grease and Dirty Dancing to more modern hits such as Mamma Mia! and The Greatest Showman – there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy this bank holiday and beyond, with tickets on sale here.
16. Chow down on bottomless Chinese grub at WowYauChow
The perfect opportunity to reunite with friends, WowYauChow is offering a fantastic lunch option this summer – with bottomless lunch baskets, gin fizzes and more on offer. Guests are able to choose a selection of dumplings, bao buns, noodles and rice dishes, all the while enjoying endless wine, Tsing Tao and cocktails. If that wasn’t all, the Altrincham-based venue is also home to a gorgeous, colourful outdoor terrace – where you can enjoy bottomless brunch in the sunshine all summer long. Find out more.
17. Sashay through fields of sunflowers
Popping into bloom ready for the summer, Dunham Massey’s sunflower fields will glow golden this June and beyond, thanks to the 4.5 acres which were planted with sunflowers just last year. Now, guests can roam through the pathways and enjoy the pretty flowers, before exploring the wider Dunham Massey estate and nearby Little Heath Farm Shop. Find out more.
18. Check out the brand new Lane7 bowling venue
Opening up for the first time in May, Lane7 is here – bringing immersive games of ten-pin bowling, peanut butter burgers, karaoke booths, and retro gaming. Bringing party vibes to the games, guests will be able to opt for a more fun game of bowling – with light triggers when you strike, DJs, drinks and so much more. It’s the perfect place to lose yourself for a while – with tons of different activities to suit your preference. Find out more here.
19. Eat in style in MediaCityUK’s summer greenhouses
Box on the Docks has returned for summer, bringing MediaCityUK’s gorgeous greenhouses back into action – with a whole new look created by local artists. The boxes allow visitors to enjoy socially distanced food and drinks in their very own greenhouse, with rotating guest restaurants taking over the bar – including Grandad’s Sausages and I Knead Pizza. Seven Bro7hers also have their very own greenhouses, too, where guests can enjoy their unrivalled offering of draft beers to suit all palates. Find out more.
20. Enjoy the sunshine at one of Manchester’s fantastic al fresco brunches
Fancy making the most of the impending heatwave? Manchester has been blessed with endless outdoor terraces ready for the summer – with many of them offering gorgeous brunches to enjoy as the sun shines down on the city. From American style bottomless brunches, to the classic avo on sourdough cafes – check out our guide to some of the best places in town to get an al fresco brunch this month.
21. Hit up the beer gardens
Another fantastic thing to do to celebrate the upcoming summer weather? Hit up the beer gardens. Sure, you were probably gonna do it anyway – but here’s your casual reminder that it’s very much the right thing to do.