While it’s been a somewhat turbulent few weeks, Greater Manchester has certainly sprung back into life once again since some of the national lockdown restrictions were first relaxed, with the hustle and bustle of city life having returned to our streets.
Britain’s so-called ‘Freedom Day’ may have been postponed, but there’s still plenty to be getting up to in our region, so we’ve put together another edition of our ‘what’s on’ guide for the city of Manchester and beyond this week.
Some of the events we’re going to mention here are completely free, others will set you back a few pounds, and most will need to be booked in advance – but all are COVID-secure in order to keep you as safe as possible.
Here’s a few of our top picks.
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Looney Tunes Street Art Trail
Manchester City Centre
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Monday 28 June – 31 July
CityCo & Manchester BID
Have you seen that playful world of Looney Tunes has taken to the streets of Manchester?
Well, your eyes aren’t deceiving you.
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11 of the most-beloved characters from the Looney Tunes series – including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Speedy Gonzales, Tasmanian Devil and more – have all been spray-painted at various locations across the city centre as part of an exploratory street art trail that’s aiming to welcome people back to the city post lockdown.
There’s also a family-friendly walking tour taking place, too, so you can see all the colourful characters popping up around the city.
You can find more information about the trail and artwork locations here.
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DJ Paulette Presents Together
Homeground by HOME
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Monday 28 June – Friday 2 July
Homeground by HOME
Renowned Manchester artist DJ Paulette is currently hosting a jam-packed show called Together on The Bruntwood Stage at HOME MCR’s brand-new, festival-style outdoor events hub, Homeground, and the weekly event is said to “shine like a beacon of hope into our community, social lives and calendar.”
From 5pm – 7pm every weekday evening, The Bruntwood Stage hosts a stellar array of talent old and new from Greater Manchester’s homegrown, rich, diverse, and musical heritage – including the brightest stars from the club, alternative, pop, RnB, soul, and electronic arenas.
You can find more information about the acts on this week’s lineup, and book your tickets here.
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Runway Visitor Park
Manchester Airport
Monday 28 June – onwards
Runway Visitor Park
Manchester Airport’s tourist attraction Runway Visitor Park has officially reopened, with an exciting programme of activities on the cards this summer.
The airstrip-adjacent park is inviting visitors to take weekend tours of vintage aircraft – such as Concorde – board flight simulators, and gawp at classic vehicles as part of an upcoming events schedule, which is underway until September.
The programme features a wide range of highlights for history buffs and families alike, including historic vehicle club open days, an airport memorabilia fair, a military showcase, and so much more.
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Live music performances have also been confirmed for the park’s memorabilia fair in July.
MediaCityUK’s popular outdoor dining concept Box on the Docks (BOTD) is welcoming customers back to its waterside ‘pods’ this week, with the collection of 30 sheds and greenhouses having undergone renovation from local artists.
An exciting range of residents have moved into the neighbourhood for the summer, along with beloved local eateries from across the region such as Grandad’s Sausages, I Knead Pizza, Bada Bing Deli and Batard Bakery.
You can find more information about Box on the Docks 2021 here.
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Tatton Park Pop Up Festival
Knutsford
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Monday 28 June – onwards
Tatton Park Pop Up Festival
There are 52 events for families and festival-goers to get stuck into at the Tatton Park Pop Up Festival this summer.
The outdoor boutique festival in Knutsford will feature 10 weeks of music and entertainment performances between right through until the end of August, with acts during the day suitable for children, while the party continues at night for adults.
Just some of the events include ABBA Mania – the world’s number one touring ABBA tribute – and live performances of science show Brainiac.
For the kids, there’s also Jurassic Earth – a unique, immersive dinosaur experience for all ages, combining animatronics, performances, and the opportunity to walk with a Triceratops, roar with a T-Rex, scream with a Spinosaurus and run with a Raptor.
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You can find more information about the festival here.
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Euro 2020
Manchester City Centre
Monday 28 June – 11 July
The Oast House
Euro 2020 is well under way now, and will be running right through to 11 July.
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After a year of postponement due to the pandemic, European football’s flagship tournament is seeing 24 countries battling it out for the trophy, including three UK home nations – England, Scotland and Wales.
Manchester is a city that’s obsessed with football, so understandably, there are plenty of venues going all out for the Euros this year, so if you’re looking for recommendations for some of the best places to catch a match, we’ve knuckled down and done the leg work for you.
You can find 20 of the best spots to watch Euro 2020 in Manchester city centre here.
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Snorkel with Sharks
SEA LIFE Manchester
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Tuesday 29 June & Thursday 1 July
SEA LIFE Manchester
SEA LIFE Manchester has launched a new snorkel cage experience that’s letting people get closer than ever have before to more than 1,000 creatures of the deep at the Trafford Centre-based marine life aquarium.
Snorkel with Sharks is a one-hour surface snorkelling adventure, suitable for swimmers age 10+ and includes a full briefing, introduction to the incredible creatures you can expect to see, and 20 minutes snorkelling in the purpose-built shark cage.
Tickets cost £40 per person, and the session can be booked for two to four people from the same household or bubble.
You can find more information and book your tickets here.
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Totally Roarsome
Mottram Hall
Monday 28 June – Sunday 4 July
Totally Roarsome
Totally Roarsome took the region by storm last summer after it opened to the public following the initial lifting of lockdown restrictions in mid-2020, with visitors flocking from far and wide.
Now at the new location of Mottram Hall, just over the border into Cheshire, Totally Roarsome features everything from dinosaurs, jungle animals and Arctic creatures, to superheroes, pirates and cartoon characters.
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Tickets are priced at £7.95 per ticket (+ £1.50 booking fee, per transaction), and must be booked in advance online from the Totally Roarsome Facebook page.
You can find out more information, and book your tickets here.
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Secret City
EventCity
Wednesday 30 June – Sunday 4 July
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Park N Party – the team that delivered both the sell-out successes of ScareCity, ChristmasCity and a number of other outdoor live events throughout 2020 – has launched a new venture titled SecretCity, and there’s a whole host of immersive drive-in entertainment events happening this week.
There’s screenings of cinema favourites including Rocketman, The Greatest Showman, and Moana, as well as some scary flicks like Insidious Chapter 2, Us more all on show throughout the week.
Tickets must be booked in advance, and you can grab yours from £35 per car here.
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Use Hearing Protection
Science and Industry Museum
Wednesday 30 June – onwards
Science and Industry Museum
A special exhibition documenting the formation and early years of the iconic Factory Records has officially opened at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.
The exhibition also examines the period 1978 to 1982, revealing how the label grew and thrived to give the city an authentic voice and distinctive identity, and visitors will be guided through the pre-Haçienda years to uncover the history of the label and how it earned its status as a catalyst for innovation through rarely or never-before-seen objects.
The first 50 artefacts from the official Factory Records catalogue are on display, including creations from Joy Division, New Order, The Durutti Column, and so much more.
The highly-anticipated return of Manchester International Festival is finally here this week, with a jam-packed lineup showcasing original new work from across the spectrum of visual and performing arts and music by artists from over 20 countries.
A 42-metre sculpture of Big Ben made out of political books in Piccadilly Gardens, a new film featuring Cillian Murphy, and a theatrical performance of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s essay about grief are among the standout works featuring at the festival.
Performances are taking place safely at both indoor and outdoor locations across Greater Manchester, including the first ever work on the construction site of The Factory – the landmark cultural space that will be MIF’s future home.
A “rich online offer” is also providing a window into the festival wherever audiences are, including livestreams and work created especially for the digital realm.
You can find more information about the exciting lineup of events for MIF21 here.
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The Immersive Club: Mamma Mia Experience
Central Manchester
Saturday 3 July
Universal Pictures
Mamma Mia-themed events always seem to go down a treat with Mancunians.
With the option to jet off for a much-needed break still seemingly out of the question for many, it’s a good job the laid-back Greek island lifestyle and Mediterranean sunshine is coming to a secret location in Manchester instead.
The Immersive Club will be putting on “the best experience this side of Greece” for fans of the popular musical and 00s film franchise in July, and invites guests to dine in an environment designed like a Greek taverna whilst singing along to the ABBA classics played by an award-winning tribute band.
Each dining event is 90-minutes long, and includes a two-course Greek meal (with all allergies catered for, and vegetarian / gluten-free options available) and all the fun of the unique pop-up experience.
You can find out more information and grab your tickets here.
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Ancoats Pop-Up Market
Ancoats
Saturday 3 July
Ancoats Pop Up
Nestled among the backstreets of Manchester and tucked into the courtyard of an old, red-brick historic mill, Ancoats Pop Up Market is a weekly-run market event which has teamed up with MUD (Manchester Urban Diggers) to supply the neighbourhood with a wealthy selection of fresh, organic and locally-grown fruit and veg, as well as dry goods.
The market also features Manchester-based stallholders serving speciality coffee, locally-brewed rum liquors, locally-sourced bakes and crafts, and more.
Street food and freshly-brewed coffee is also available while you browse.
Indian Summer Fest is bringing Mumbai and Deli’s street food markets to Cheshire this weekend, recreating its very own version at the stately Arley Hall.
Khanawala Street will boast seven totally different food stalls selling everything from kebabs, wraps and Bhangra Burgers, to authentic Indian curries and snacks, so you can expect wafting scents from charcoal-grilled vegetables and meats to fill your nostrils as you take in the bright colours and aromas of this wonderful part of the world.
There’ll also be a cocktail van, gin bar, a Cobra stand selling refreshing Indian beer on hand for adults to enjoy, and so much more.
There’s also a whole host of other entertainment and activities lined up across the weekend too, and the festival has even created its own ‘Kidchella’ – a world-first zone entirely dedicated to keeping the kids occupied and having fun.
Tickets are on sale now priced at £10 for adults or £5 for children, with discounts available for families and early birds.
You can find more information about the festival and grab tickets here.
The OT Art Trail – which has been organised by OT Creative Space and is funded by Arts Council England – sees a number of local artists work together with members of the Manchester community to create six individual large scale murals which have been painted onto walls and building gable ends around the area, including in Seymour Park and Ayres Road.
The new murals have been added to the murals and artwork already seen around Old Trafford.
The several new street art sites are linked together via a downloadable audio tour, which is suitable for people of all ages.
Each mural centres around the theme ‘community togetherness and diversity’.
You can find more information on The OT Art Trail via the OT creative SPACE website here.
Featured Image – iStockPhoto
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 5 – 11 January 2026
Emily Sergeant
Well hello there 2026, it’s nice to see you.
That’s right, we’ve said goodbye to 2025 and it’s now our first full week of a brand-new year. Of course, with a new year comes a whole load of exciting activities and events to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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VOGUE: Inventing the Runway
Aviva Studios
Monday 5 – Saturday 10 January 2026
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway / Credit: The Manc Group
This is the history of the runway, told like never before.
Ready to lose yourself in the world of fashion shows past, present, and future? VOGUE: Inventing the Runway has now opened down at Aviva Studios
This spectacular show uses Vogue’s remarkable archive and fashion network to create an experience that brings together the industry’s leading voices.
From Coco Chanel and Vivienne Westwood, to Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Virgil Abloh, and many many more, you’ll get to be immersed in the journey of fashion on the runway from its origins right through to the modern day.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this winter? Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
A huge gaming event is happening in Manchester at the moment.
With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP at the Science and Industry takes ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming, with everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more.
Power UP is taking place each weekend only throughout this month, with each ticket including unlimited play all day.
Have you seen that Vue Manchester Quayside has had an ‘Ultra Lux’ upgrade?
Vue currently has 93 state-of-the-art cinemas throughout the UK and Ireland, totalling more than 850 screens – and the Quayside cinema is the latest to benefit from upgraded seating.
75 brand-new ‘Ultra Lux’ seats have been installed across seven screens, offering film fans what is, quite literally, the chance to sit in the best seats in the house, as each seat provides the very-best view of the big screen and comes with a host of premium features.
Some of these exciting premium features include extra-wide armrests, a personal table for snacks and drinks, your very-own beverage cooler, and even a back and legs that recline independently.
The Great British Rail Sale / Credit: Northern | Transpennine Express
The Great British Rail Sale is returning for 2026 this week, and train ticket prices will be slashed by up to 50% or more.
Millions of discounted train tickets for half term activities, weekend getaways, and even commuting will be up for grabs next week, as the week-long rail sale – which runs from 6 to 12 January 2026 – will give passengers the chance to save well over 50% on many advance and off-peak tickets.
The reduced fares can be used to travel on thousands of popular routes between 13 January and 25 March 2026.
Fancy making the most of all the January dining deals on offer over these next couple of weeks?
The time has come again for Manchester’s restaurants and bars to slash their prices in a bid to entice customers to keep eating and drinking out all throughout January, and that means hundreds of places are offering up half-price scran, added freebies, or two-for-one offers this month.
There’s loads of offers beyond Manchester city centre too, as suburban gems are getting in on the action in 2026.
So whether you’re looking for a date night for less, an affordable family dinner, or a cheap eat after work with your mates, we’ve got you covered.
Read our massive round-up of January dining deals here.
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Queen By Candlelight
Manchester Opera House
Friday 9 January
Queen by Candlelight / Credit: Supplied
This is you chance to experience Queen as you’ve never heard them before.
This legendary concert – which has played across the world, and including here in Manchester already back in 2021 – will be taking to the Manchester Opera House stage, and featuring some of the most iconic songs of all time – including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’, and many more.
Be prepared for an incredible night of Queen anthems, performed by a live cast of West End singers and accompanied by an incredible live rock band.
The first Stockport Vinyl Record Fair of 2026 is happening this weekend.
Taking place inside the Greater Manchester town’s Guildhall several times a year, the Stockport Vinyl Record Fair is a celebration of all things vinyl, and is known for being a fantastic event for music fans, but more-specifically, music fans.
You’ll want to get yourself down to Stockport Guildhall this Sunday from 10am – 4pm if you want to see tonnes of traders with vinyl records and CDs in abundance.
Could a trip to the theatre could be on the cards this year?
Greater Manchester has firmly earned itself a spot as a place for world-renowned touring theatre productions to make a stop off at.
This beloved industry has now well and truly bounced-back post pandemic – with the region’s three main theatres, Palace Theatre Manchester, Opera House Manchester, and The Lowry, all having welcomed some absolute show-stopping productions in 2025.
Our region’s theatre events calendar is already jam-packed with award-winning musicals, family-friendly plays, inventive dance productions, and so much more in 2026, so we’ve rounded up some of the best shows to see and grab tickets for this year.
If there’s one thing Manchester is known for across the world, it’s music.
Our region is not only a historic musical hub in and of itself, having been the birthplace of so many legendary famous names, but it’s also a major UK stopping point on many global artists’ tour schedules too, thanks to the city’s various sizes of stage and venues.
This means there’s a jam-packed schedule of gigs happening all throughout 2026 – with something for everyone, no matter your taste in music.
Read our picks for 10 of the best gigs happening in Manchester this year here.
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What else is there to look forward to in Greater Manchester in 2026?
Oh, so much. So so much.
The next 12 months are shaping up to be another monumental year for Manchester, with absolutely loads of huge developments, events, and reopenings on the horizon. Expect major global events like the BRITs and The MOBO Awards, huge openings like The Medlock Hotel at the expanded Etihad Stadium, and the relaunch of venues like Manchester’s popular Cat Cafe, and The Spinners Rest (formerly known as The Shamrock).
We’ve rounded up some of the best things to look forward to throughout the year here.
Featured Image – The Manc Group | Supplied | Unsplash
What's On
The biggest theatre shows coming to Manchester in 2026
Danny Jones
The last 12 months were great for the arts in our city, and we have every faith that 2026 will be just a good if not better, especially when you look at some of the theatre shows coming to Manchester city centre this year.
From all-time favourites to never-before-seen in our region, there’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into this year as countless talents get ready to tread the Northern boards.
Let’s not waste any more time, shall we?
10 big theatre productions coming to Manchester | 2026
1. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
We’re going to start off with one that started over the Christmas period and a timeless tale by C.S. Lewis. That’s right, in case you hadn’t heard already, the most famous book in The Chronicles of Narnia has been remagined for the theatre and is as stunning as it sounds.
Currently on at The Lowry in Salford Quays until 11 January, you can see the much-loved winter fairyland fantasy brought to life like never before. Find out what we made of right here.
Childhood memories brought to life like never before. 🤩
In a rather fitting take on one of the most iconic moments in music history, the stage adaptation of the real experiences behind Live Aid and the performances that made it such a legendary event is still helping people relive the time and raise money for charity.
Helping mark the 40th anniversary since July 1985, when the world united in song, it’s also worth noting that 10% of the sale of all tickets will be donated directly to the ongoing Band Aid Charitable Trust. Read more down below.
Oh yes, another beloved bit of 1980s pop culture; those who’ve seen the throwback kung-fu classic will know how perfect this family-friendly film will know just how well this story will suit the stage, and anyone who hasn’t is in for a real treat…
The well-choreographed, kinetic, fight-based romp already had plenty of rhythm, so we can’t wait to see how it translates with a full-blown soundtrack. Find out more and get ready to grab your tickets HERE.
4. CATS
From one legendary franchise to another, the one and only CATS will also be returning to Manchester city centre in the summer, landing at our very own Palace Theatre.
This one needs no introduction, really; with an open-air residency at none other than London’s Regent Park, it really is in a world of its own. You can see dates, times and ticket options right HERE.
Credit: Press shot (supplied)
5. Dirty Dancing
Sticking with the 80s nostalgia, another firm favourite and major Hollywood movie was Dirty Dancing. From the timeless theme song, ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’, to the late Patrick Swayze’s smooth movies and lines like “Nobody puts ‘Baby’ in a corner”, you already know all the beats.
That being said, the musical version has gone on to find a passionate, multi-generational fandom of its own. Also coming to the Palace – you find all the details below.
We’re very lucky here in Manchester to be treated to some of the biggest theatrical IPs on the planet, and the smash-hit West End production of the 1977 Broadway staple Annie might just be one of the quintessential examples.
A timeless ‘dramedy’ about an orphan being taken in by a rich family, most people know the plot and, indeed, the songs even if they don’t realise what it’s from. Grab your tickets now.
Oh hell yes. Following the year that WAS Oasis, their reunion hasn’t just sparked Britpop making a comeback in general, but even the return of 90s fashion and the aesthetic as a whole.
With that in mind, when we heard about a brand new play about the rivalry between the Burnage brothers and the Blur boys from down south, it was always going to be on our radar. Find out all the info down below.
Speaking of throwbacks, how about some more noughties nostalgia? The musical version of cult favourite US teen comedy, Mean Girls, is finally coming to Manc audiences.
Making its Northern debut in February 2026 at the recently refreshed Manchester Opera House, we can expect this one to go down well with multiple generations. You can book your seats HERE.
Now true theatregoers and/or bookworms will know how much of a cult following this novel turned play has, and even if you’ve never heard of it before, it’s well worth crossing off your list.
A mix of whodunnit tropes and the familiar coming-of-age synopsis, we’d say you can guess plenty of what’s to come, but we assure you there’s plenty of surprises in store…
And for a slightly more ‘adult’ finish to proceedings, those after something a bit more cheeky can book themselves on to see the first-ever Manchester edition of ‘The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody‘.
Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like: a somewhat naughty and comedic spin on Star Wars, involving the sexier side of the force, if you will. Award-winning and also promising plenty of laughs, it’s turning Depot Mayfield into a sexy space theatre from late spring until August. Look below to find out more.
The award-winning '@empirestrips Back', a #StarWars burlesque parody show, is coming to Manchester. 😅
Emily Sergeant -
25th June 2021 
