It’s official. We made it through a pretty grey and gloomy spring to the official start of summer: June, sweet June. With the promise of warmer weather comes an array of fun events and activities – including sports screenings, fun-filled festivals and so much more. Without further ado, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Manchester this June.
1. Head to a vibrant hot air balloon and music festival
Balloons & Beats Festival is coming to Manchester this June, bringing beautiful hot air balloons and amazing musical performances to Platt Fields Park – plus, kids under three go free! Taking place on June 27 and 28, Balloons & Beats Festival is a one-of-a-kind festival that’s perfect for families, friends and music lovers. Balloons & Beats Festival of course includes hot air balloon displays and evening glows, live music performances, family entertainment, kids characters and craft stalls, fairground rides, BMX and FMX stunt shows, plus delicious food vendors and fully stocked bars and classic Punch & Judy shows.
2. Watch Brazilian music duo Anavitória perform by candlelight for one night only
Anavitória, an award-winning pop-folk duo that have taken the world by storm, will be taking to the stage inside Manchester Cathedral on 21 June as part of the Candlelight Original Sessions series. Under the warm glow of thousands of candles, Anavitória’s soothing harmonies will shine as they swoon with hits like “Trevo (Tu)”, “Fica” and many more. Take your seat inside the 13th-century Manchester Cathedral and soak in the atmosphere of this unforgettable Anavitória concert illuminated by the enchanting flicker of candlelight.
3. Dance the day and night away as Parklife returns to Heaton Park
Parklife really needs no introduction, and the pop, house and dance festival is now synonymous with Manchester. This year will see the likes of 50 Cent, Charli XCX, Jorja Smith, Confidence Man, Chris Stussy, RUDIM3NTAL, Girls Don’t Sync, salute, Marc Rebillet and Interplanetary Criminal. One to put in the global festival calendar, Parklife returns to Heaton Park in Manchester on June 14 and 15 to raise the game once again.
4. Discover Manchester’s literary heritage at this year’s Festival of Libraries
Celebrating Manchester’s literary scene, the Festival of Libraries returns taking over a number of libraries across will take place all over Greater Manchester. Running from June 4 to 8 all over the region, the festival will be full of exhibitions, performances, talks, workshops and art installations that all reflect Greater Manchester’s huge pride in its libraries and their value to their communities. Plus, all of the events are free to attend.
5. Enjoy pad-solutely delicious Thai street food as Zaap Thai opens in Manchester
A new Thai spot with iconic tuk tuk seating, Zaap Thai, is opening in Manchester this June. Think incredible Pad Thai, green and red curries, and Suki Hang (stir fried glass noodles with vegetables and egg, served with Suki dipping sauce). Zaap Thai prides itself on bringing the authentic feel and taste of Bangkok to the region and you can even try parts of Thai cuisine you might never have done before. Sample with the likes of Hoy Tod, a crispy pan fried mussel pancake, and Tom ZAAP Gra Dook Moo, Isaan style hot and spicy soup with spare ribs, on the menu.
6. Enjoy music, art and food at this festival held in a Manchester garden centre
Celebrating all thing music and arts, Green Island Festival is small but mighty, presenting a three-part series of day festivals and afterparties in Manchester, with line-ups that place underground, underrepresented, emerging artists from across the UK and global sounds at the forefront. The 1,500-capacity festival will see Hulme Community Garden Centre’s flora paradise transformed into an arts mecca, housing several stages. The other stages span across cultural institution NIAMOS and Warwick St, which will host a block party. The festival will take place over the summer and early autumn, with the first chapter kicking off on June 7.
7. Pull a card and discover what the future holds at The Tarot Lounge
The Tarot Lounge, a tarot cocktail experience that invites you to the world of clairvoyance, is heading to Manchester this June. Gain a deeper understanding of your life circumstances, whether it’s to figure out relationship dynamics, you need guidance to achieve your life goals or to find inner peace. The Tarot Lounge will take place at underground cocktail bar Ego Death, where three tarot readers will give you all the insights you seek, as you sip on colourful cocktails inspired by the arcanas.
8. Celebrate the city’s history at Manchester Histories Festival
The multi award-winning Manchester Histories Festival is returning this June for its tenth edition. The free four-day festival, taking place between June 6 and 9, will be celebrating the city’s histories and will be full of events for everyone. The packed programme includes four new music World Premieres, walk-about performances, family crafts workshops, live music, comedy, and public talks. Over 50 history and heritage stalls will be at the event showcasing eclectic, historic, quirky, diverse, and fun entertainment.
9. Tuck into indulgent pasta dishes in an elegant setting as Circolo Populare comes to Manchester
Famed for their viral restaurants, aesthetic interior design and Italian dishes, Big Mamma Group has now set it sights on Manchester to open its first restaurant in the North, Circolo Populare, on June 6. Boasting five incredibly popular restaurants in London, their unbelievable interiors, some spanning multiple floors, and with quirky features like 20,000 bottles of booze on the walls and unreal Italian cuisine (think pasta cooked in a huge cheese wheel and humongous slices of lemon meringue pie) transport you to the trattorias of Italy without having to hop on a plane.
10. Escape to Neverland with a luminous dance show
Fly to the second star to the right and straight to The Royal College of Northern Music to see Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, and more beloved characters from the classic tale at Ballet of Lights, a two-hour Peter Pan ballet adaptation. Featuring a group of ballet dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes in the roles of the much-loved protagonists of the story, let the lights and impressive choreography transport you to Neverland. And for one evening and one enchanted evening only, never grow up.
11. Have a laugh at comedy festival A Lovely Weekend
A Lovely Weekend, returns to Manchester this June with a line-up of work-in-progress shows from TV faces, viral sensations, and critically acclaimed stand-ups. Spread over three days from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th June, the festival is bringing 19 new shows to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club. Returning for its second year, 2025’s line-up includes Edinburgh Comedy Award winners including John Kearns and Jordan Brookes. Local talent done good Rachel Fairburn and Josh Jones. Then there’s hotly tipped newcomers including Sharon Wanjohi, Ayoade Bamgboye and Molly McGuinness. Plus, cult sensations like Mark Silcox and Frankie Monroe, making for a truly unmissable weekend of comedy.
12. Listen to tributes To Oasis, James & Courteeners at this family-friendly festival
Bolton-based tribute festival, Made in Manchester, is returning this June – featuring incredible tribute bands playing the best of Manchester’s iconic music scene. Celebrating the fantastic Manchester music scene, Made in Manchester brings you some of the best tributes to the iconic music of Manchester, plus some of the best local homegrown talent Greater Manchester has to offer. Think Oasis, James, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and more, without the too real price tag – but still with all the hits.
13. Join Wallace & Gromit in a brand new VR adventure
Manchester Libraries is set to host state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of digital experiences for the public this June, including a brand new immersive Wallace & Gromit adventure. The forward-thinking initiative will be offering an array of incredible free digital experiences between Saturday 7th June to Thursday 12th June at Manchester Central Library and Monday 16th June to Thursday 19th June at Wythenshawe Forum Library. Visitors to the libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds including Wallace & Gromit’s the Grand Getaway, The Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending, Monoliths and Berlin Blitz.
14. Celebrate Manchester cocktail bar Red Light’s second birthday
Red Light is turning 2 — and they’re throwing a party to celebrate! Expect a lively evening of food, drinks, and late-night fun. On Thursday 5th June, come down for a night of incredible food, £8 cocktails, and the usual unforgettable Red Light mischief. Guest chef Danielle Heron of Osma will be serving up delicious small plates to fuel the festivities, they’ll be £8 cocktails all night long and as always, fun, frolics, and dancing ’til the early hours. Booking is recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome.
15. Watch Shrek 2 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 Shrek 2 – you can expect dishes like a beachside picnic, a medieval ‘wrappy meal’ and a charming lemon gingersnap cheesecake.
16. Head to this Transylvanian folk festival with traditional music, dancing and crafts
A huge Hungarian celebration of Székler people is coming to Manchester this June, shedding a spotlight on the little known culture of the Hungarians that reside in Transylvania. Taking place at Cathedral Gardens – which is also home to the beloved Italian food festival, Festa Italiana – Góbéfest will combine food, drink, live folk music and dancing, bringing the very best of the Székler culture back to the city. The event promises to be a “unique celebration, offering a dazzling extravaganza of music, dance, cuisine and multicultural activities, captivating the whole family with the authentic and diverse sounds, tastes and flavours of Transylvania and the Carpathian Basin.”
17. Browse rows of vintage stalls at Stockport Market Hall
So Retro Events and The Vintage Village are joining forces to bring you a vintage extravaganza at Stockport Market Hall on Sunday 15th June. From 10am to 4pm, the hall will be packed to the rafters with vintage stalls selling clothing, accessories, jewellery, homeware, ceramics, artwork, antiques & collectibles, vinyl records and more. Fair goers will also have access to a free vintage styling zone where they can try on loads of outfits and accessories from different decades courtesy of Stumberlina Vintage. You’ll also have the opportunity to have your hair authentically styled by The Vintage Beauty Parlour as well as hop on a vintage bus for a free ride around Stockport Town Centre.
18. Be transported to 1920s New Orleans at We call it Jazz
Experience the essence of jazz at “We call it Jazz”, 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”.
19. Tuck into delicious Sri Lankan cuisine at these intimate supper clubs
This June, The Little Sri Lankan will be hosting a number of supper clubs including at Miru Mill and Churchgate Mill in Stockport, The Goods In in Prestwich and Grounded MCR in Levenshulme, serving up four courses for £45. On the night, you can experience the heart and soul of Sri Lankan cuisine in a cosy and welcoming setting all whilst sharing delicious food with new friends. The Little Sri Lankan’s intimate supper clubs are more than just a meal; they are a unique opportunity to connect with others and create lasting memories.
20. Boogie the night away at La Discothèque’s biggest ever event
This June, the global party La Discothèque – the flamboyant, flamingo-filled club institution inspired by the electricity of Paradise Garage and Studio 54’s penchant for glitter and glam – is throwing its biggest event ever on Friday 6th June. Taking over one of the UK’s biggest arenas for one night only, the AO Arena in Manchester will be transformed into a glittering disco paradise, custom-designed to bring the spirit of the dancefloor to every corner. Headlining the live spectacular is the La Discothèque Orchestra, a 22-piece ensemble delivering disco’s greatest hits, joined by Barbara Tucker and Anita Ward, plus The Former Ladies of The Supremes, Norman Jay’s Good Times Band, House Gospel Choir, The Feel Good Choir (Donna Summer tribute), Disco Voix ft. Jenna G (live PA) and a very special guest to be confirmed
21. Watch artists battle it out on stage at this colourful and competitive event at Stretford Mall
Art Battle Manchester, the city’s most energetic art event, is coming to Stretford town centre on June 20 to host an art battle like no other. The event will bring live artists to Stretford Mall for one of the last opportunities to explore the Mall after hours and experience the building like never before. The event will see artists battle the clock (and each other) for a night filled with live art, delicious street food, local drinks and plenty of entertainment. The Mall will be transformed into an artistic battle zone for ten talented painters, who will have half an hour to create a masterpiece in front of a live audience who will vote for their favourite.
22. Visit Salford Lads Club for an evening with Dr John Cooper Clarke
Salford Lads Club is set to host a one-off evening with the legendary Dr John Cooper Clarke on June 11. The iconic poet, author, and cultural icon will take centre stage for an intimate in-conversation event with BBC broadcaster, Nihal Arthanayake, sharing stories from his extraordinary career which has spanned over five decades. This special fundraising event will support Salford Lads Club, helping to maintain its historic building and fund vital projects for young members. Visitors to Salford Lads Club on the night will have the opportunity to explore its rich history, including its renowned Wall of Names and the famous Smiths Room, now featuring three digital panels to showcase the ever-growing collection of fan photos and messages.