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 outdoor summer beer sessions, wholesome night markets and so much more. Without further ado, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Manchester this June.
1. See Manchester in bloom at the Manchester Flower Show
The Manchester Flower Show is back this week, bringing tons of blooms to the city centre. The annual occurrence allows guests to see tons of stunning floral installations, but this time, with a regal Jubilee twist. Expect red, white and blue at every turn, alongside themed cocktail trails, afternoon trails and plenty of photo opportunities. Read more here.
2. Attend a unique party in a medieval cathedral
A new, unique party experience is launching in Manchester, bringing the best of techno and projection mapping to a medieval setting. Taking over Manchester Cathedral for the first party, successful British DJ and record producer John Digweed will perform a three-hour set, alongside epic light shows and an incredible Funktion One sound system this June 3rd. Get tickets here.
3. Get into the Jubilee spirit at Piccadilly Gardens
Need some inspo for the Jubilee? Piccadilly Gardens will be home to a Jubilee party hub, packed with street food, tipples, live music and more. The free-to-attend event will accompany the Manchester Flower Show, which will take over the rest of the city this weekend. Find out more.
4. Potter around Kampus’ brand new night market
Ancoats Pop-Up is returning to Kampus, this time, with an all-new night market which will bring crafts, street food and cocktails to the bustling new neighbourhood. Expect pastel de natas from Just Natas, Japanese street food, live music, and tons of incredible locally-made items that you’ll be able to browse and shop throughout the evening on June 9th. Find out more.
5. Catch a movie as the sunsets at this unique drive-in cinema
In need of a chilled date night? Camelot Theme Park is hosting a summery drive-in cinema this month, with tons of classics in store all month long. Think hits such as True Romance, Grease and Mamma Mia!, alongside newer flicks such as House of Gucci, West Side Story and Encanto. Get tickets here.
6. Celebrate the city with Manchester Day
Manchester Day is back after two years off, with a legendary parade that’s set to take over Manchester’s streets. Expect an appearance from Little Amal, tons of amazing costumes, live music, food and so much more. Find out more here.
7. Go Gaga at this fun bottomless drag brunch
The fun Go Gaga brunch is back this June 18th, with Lady Gaga Impersonator Donna Marie on hand to perform a spectacular performance of some of Gaga’s biggest hits. Enjoy four whole hours of music, dancing and drag performances, alongside delicious brunch delicious and bottomless booze. Book here.
8. Soak up the sun with a beer at Box on the Docks
Seven Bro7hers is behind this year’s Box on the Docks pop-up, creating an al fresco beer piazza that guests can enjoy over the summer months. Expect regular takeovers from local businesses alongside Seven Bro7hers, including ShinDigger, Pomona, The Tasty Greek, Beigal and A Few Scoops. Find out more here.
9. Enjoy a candlelit classical tribute to Taylor Swift
Consider yourself quite the Swifty? Enjoy Taylor Swift’s biggest hits in a way like never before, performed by a talented group of string performers who’ll be recreating tracks such as Shake It Off, Wildest Dreams, and We Are Never Getting Back Together. The venue will be completely bathed in candlelight, providing quite the cathartic experience for fans. Get tickets here for June 22nd.
10. Try out tons of craft beers at Summer Beer Thing
Summer Beer Thing is returning to Kampus this 24th-26th June, bringing some of the best local beers to one place. Expect the likes of Cloudwater and Vocation, alongside tons of different types of craft beers (from hoppy to sour!), wine, cocktails in collaboration with Campari, and plenty of music. Find out more.
11. Celebrate Amy Winehouse’s music at this candlelight concert
Amy Winehouse fans are in for a treat this June 18th, as Fever’s beloved Candlelight series turns its focus onto the iconic British jazz singer. Recreating tracks such as You Know I’m No Good, Rehab and Back To Black, the talented singer and band will perform by only candlelight, creating a stunning atmosphere for guests to enjoy the music. Get tickets.
12. Cuddle with pooches at this month’s Pup-Up Cafe
The Pup-Up Cafe is returning this month, this time, with a ‘Dachshund Edition’. The pooch party will see around 250 tiny sausage dogs together at Revolution on June 5, where they’ll be able to socialise with their fellow pooches, enjoy unlimited, free puppiccinos and get plenty of cuddles from dog owners in attendance. Find out more.
13. Get down to endless Britney tunes at this fun bottomless brunch
Britney fans, it’s time to dance until the world ends. Taking place at the Bread Shed this June 11th, Absolute Britney – the UK’s top Britney Spears impersonator – will be performing some of Britney’s top hits, while guests enjoy delicious brunch dishes and bottomless booze. Get tickets here.
14. Try food from Michelin Star chefs at Kantina
Escape to Freight Island’s popular Kantina festival is returning this June 10-12th, bringing a ton of Michelin Star chefs in for the occasion. Expect the likes of Tom Brown and Brad Carter, alongside ex-Hawksmoor Richard Turner, Mary-Ellen McTague of The Creameries and Pippa Middlehurst of Pippy Eats. Chefs will be serving up incredible fusion grub across the weekend, alongside a cocktail pop-up by Soho House. Find out more.
15. Experience a bingo game like no other with buff butlers and drag queens
Buff Bingo is back, with a game that’s set to be nothing like your Nan’s typical Tuesday night game. Taking place on the 11th June, the four-hour party will see performances from local Queens Anna Phylactic & HRH Lill, alongside a hilarious game of bingo, topless service from the Boy Toy butlers, and tons of prizes to be won. Guests will, of course, get to enjoy brunch dishes and free-flowing drinks, too. Get tickets here.
16. Check out the NQ’s newest bar, Blockbusters
The Northern Quarter’s newest bar is finally here, paying homage to iconic nineties rental store, Blockbuster. Blockbusters NQ will serve up tasty movie-inspired cocktails, with incredible decor, delicious popcorn and a movie-themed soundtrack. Expect nostalgia overload. Blockbusters NQ, 60 Oldham Street, M4 1LE.
17. Visit an adults-only circus with daredevil stunts and more
Taking place this Jubilee weekend, Cirque Du Vulgar is set to provide the perfect escapism, with plenty of risqué routines, daredevil stunts and outrageous comedy acts. It’s an adults-only affair, with a fully-stocked bar and ample adult humour. Get tickets here.
Also published on Medium.