It may have been a bit of a soggy start to the school holidays, but the sun has finally been showing its face a little more this past week, and Greater Manchester‘s events calendar is jam-packed with events for everyone to be getting involved with.
Think festivals, family-friendly activities, foodie feasts, immersive experiences, and so much more.
If you’re stuck for choice, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Here’s our top picks.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
Dinosaurs in the Park
Heaton Park
ADVERTISEMENT
Monday 31 July – onwards
Dinosaurs in the Park / Credit: Dinosaurs in the Park
Dozens of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs have taken over the grounds of Heaton Park for the summer.
Manchester has become “a palaeontologist’s playground” as around 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs have descended on the popular park to give dino fans of all ages the chance to get up close and personal with well-known favourites such as the Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Velociraptor, as well as the lesser-known Dilophosaurus, Kentrosaurus, and Hypacrosaurus.
ADVERTISEMENT
Visitors can expect dinosaurs around every corner, and “an educational and enjoyable day out for the whole family“.
Summer Daze is back and better than ever at the Trafford Centre this summer.
Running all summer long right the way through until early September, Summer Daze is home to a massive 600sqm beach for sunbathing and sancastles, and not one but two “thrilling splash parks” with loads of water jets outside the shopping centre.
Not only that, but there’s also a retro funfair with over 20 fairground rides, and you can also take part in crafting workshops and face painting, and catch costume characters, live music, and entertainment.
A brand-new exhibition is currently having its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and it’s giving families the chance to “dive headfirst into the digestive system” and “travel like a poo”.
The new blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch!, is based on and will see the award-winning CBBC children’s TV series brought to life.
Visitors can expect interactive experiences, amazing objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, and appearances from world-renowned doctors who will be on hand to guide audiences through this “lively, interactive, and playful adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies”.
The Great Frogtastic Invention Trail / Credit: Totally Stockport
Stockport’s beloved giant colourful frog sculptures have returned.
ADVERTISEMENT
Following the undeniable success of previous art trails in both 2019 and 2021, the Stockport Frogs are back for a brand-new adventure this summer, with 19 multi-coloured amphibians having hopped onto podiums across the town centre.
This year’s trail is themed all around ‘Frogtastic Inventions’, and will see frog-spotters of all ages get to make their way around the town centre on what’s set to be an “educational, engaging and vibrant” outdoor adventure.
Backyard Cinema is back in Manchester for the summer, and has created a Miami Beach rooftop experience that’s transporting people back to the 1980s.
The immersive cinema experience – which debuted in the city centre last autumn – has taken over the roof of Depot Mayfield once again – but this time round, the industrial space has been transformed into Miami Beach, using 30 tonnes of sand and signature palm tree cocktails to create the UK’s largest pop-up beach.
The summer-long series will include cinematic parties and screenings of major summer blockbusters, plus sing-alongs and loads more, all with sand between your toes and ultra-comfy seats.
Julia and Axel – 30 Years of Favourite Stories / Credit: The Lowry / MediaCityUK
The incredible work of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is being celebrated in a new exhibition at The Lowry this summer.
The free family-friendly exhibition features several of Julia Donaldson’s personal writing notebooks that contain her first ideas and creative thinking behind her picture book stories, and these are shown alongside Axel Scheffler’s artwork to show the process of his illustrations.
ADVERTISEMENT
Little Mancs can be creative themselves at the exhibition, as they are guided to write their own stories, draw pictures, dress up, and play fun games inspired by the books.
Trafford Centre’s new disco-themed roller rink has officially opened for the summer.
Having popped-up in The Orient food court in front of the Main Stage area, the shopping centre’s new StarWash Roller Disco is described as being a “dazzling disco-themed roller rink” that’s an immersive experience where skaters can “get down both on and off the rink”.
Skaters are “transported” to a world of “vibrant lights, pulsating beats, and a kaleidoscope of colours”, all while a DJ blasts out a soundtrack of feel-good tunes and disco classics.
Pirate Treasure Hunt / Credit: SEA LIFE Manchester
SEA LIFE Manchester is inviting families on a swashbuckling adventure while schools are out this summer, and is encouraging everyone to “don your sea legs and navigate the high seas” with treasure hunt through the aquarium.
You’ll be tasked with helping the captain find all the lost booty hidden around the aquarium and filling in the pirate map as you go, all while learning about our the treasures of the ocean.
Running right through to 10 September, with tickets now available and starting from £18.50 per person, it of course wouldn’t be a trip to the SEA LIFE Manchester without getting up close and personal to the sharks, turtles, Japanese spider crabs, rays, and clownfish too.
A pop-up beach club has appeared right in the heart of Manchester city centre, and it’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Capri Beach Club – which has appeared at Exchange Square outside Selfridges – has been kitted out with cabanas, boardwalks, swing chairs, and even real sand, and it promises to recreate the ambience of a real Capri beach club.
There’s a DJ playing chilled-out beats from the 80s up to the latest chart-toppers, plus resident saxophonist Elliot Slater, who has graced the stages at some of the biggest clubs in Ibiza.
As you lounge back on luxury seating, you can work your way through the summer cocktail list that includes Aperol spritzes, margaritas, bellinis, and espresso martinis, and then grab a bite to eat from the range of street food vendors.
The beloved Oscar-winning Disney animated favourite, Encanto, is set to “come to life” at The Bridgewater Hall this week.
You can watch the entire feature-length film with a full orchestra performing the score.
Featuring a much-loved soundtrack of songs, Encanto tells the tale of the Madrigals – an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Colombia. But when Mirabel, who is the only ordinary Madrigal, discovers the magic surrounding their home is in danger, she may be her family’s last hope.
Shrek The Musical is arriving in Manchester this week.
After taking Broadway and the West End by storm, the smash-hit production – which is based on the beloved Oscar-winning film of the same name about a cynical yet kind-hearted ogre – is currently touring the UK, and is all set to take to the stage and entertain the masses at Manchester Opera House.
Shrek the Musical is described as being a “fun-filled and hilarious musical comedy” with a cast of vibrant characters and a ‘shrektacular’ score.
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this summer.
Running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday right through the summer until September, ELR’s Red Rose Diners are described as being “the ultimate first class foodie experience”, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.
The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.
East Lancashire Railway’s much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back by popular demand this weekend.
The Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be “a train ride like no other”.
Taking families on an immersive trip through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside, the journey begins at Bury Train Station, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, get to meet Sir Topham Hatt, and say hello to Thomas on the platform, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station.
Featured Image – Trafford Centre | The Manc Group | ELR
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 1 – 7 June 2026
Emily Sergeant
Another new month is here, and summer is closer than ever.
It might not officially be summer until a few weeks time, but especially after all the sun we’ve had recently, it’s hard not to see the arrival of June as the turning of the season. And that means there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week – with all sorts on the lineup.
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.
___
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails
North West
Monday 1 June – onwards
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails / Credit: James Dobson | Annapurna Mellor
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and immersive trail.
The partnership is set to bring together the places the National Trust cares for and Pokémon’s spirit of play and discovery.
Exclusively designed for the National Trust, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are going to be running throughout summer at 14 National Trust places nationwide, combining ‘imaginative play’ with ‘gentle physical activity’ inspired by Mega Evolution Pokémon.
Find out where to get involved and book tickets here.
___
Forest Tubing
Zip World Manchester
Monday 1 June – onwards
Forest Tubing / Credit: Supplied
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you, as Zip World Manchester has launched its new Forest Tubing experience, and it’s bringing the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide is coming to Heaton Park.
The new family‑friendly outdoor adventure gives visitors the chance to soar along two slides, winding through woodland at one of the largest parks in the North West.
Suitable for children aged four and above, visitors can book an hour-long session – with unlimited rides during that time slot – and either ride solo, or share the experience with fellow adventurers.
The annual Future is Ours festival is back, and it’s set to be a celebration of youth creativity centred around the importance of creativity as a transformative tool for supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Delivered by mental health charity, 42nd Street through their dedicated creative space The Horsfall, The Future Is Ours is a unique arts festival amplifying and celebrating young people’s creativity, voice, actions, and ideas.
Putting young artists at the forefront of the work, allowing them to say and create what they want in the way they want.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer, and it’s coming to an end this week
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
Salford is celebrating 100 years of being its own city this year, and a raft of exciting new events have been announced to mark the occasion, featuring everything from art commissions to community events from the likes of Walk the Plank and From The Other – with many free to attend.
Salford City Council has put together the cultural programme across Salford’s eight neighbourhoods, supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Everything has been created to explore the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future of Salford – including special events for the bank holiday.
Find out everything happening for this special centenary year here.
___
GRUB On The Docks
MediaCity
Tuesday 2 June – onwards
GRUB On The Docks / Credit: Supplied
GRUB On The Docks has returned for the summer.
MediaCity’s waterfront site has been transformed into a vibrant open-air destination built for warm weather and big moments across the season, as GRUB On The Docks returns later this week.
Running across the summer months, you can expect some of Greater Manchester’s best street food traders to be serving up global flavours and summer-ready drinks, alongside live music, DJs, and just an all round laid-back atmosphere turning daytime hangouts into evening sessions.
Cat Cafe Manchester has officially opened the doors to its new home.
You may remember that the beloved venue in the Northern Quarter – which first opened all the way back in 2016 – sadly had to close in 2021 following unavoidable economic struggles brought about by the pandemic.
But now they’re back, the fluffy felines are back inside Barton Arcade, off Deansgate, and they’re cuter than ever… you can absolutely take our word for it.
From Maine Coons Ottie and Heathcliff, and fluffy sisters Yumi and Yoki, to Uno the adventurous Bengal, beautiful Gracie the Ragdoll, and Emerson the proud British Shorthair, it’s clear to see that all 12 residents have been making themselves at home.
Find out more about this exciting new opening and book your visit here.
Is this now the go-to spot for watching sport this summer? We think so.
Capturing a kind of mix between the simple combo of wide open space, booze, (and hopefully sun) on the Stevenson Square we all know and love, with a bit of the Boxpark fanfare that will make it perfect come World Cup, we’re big fans of The Green – which has now opened over at St John’s.
The drinks will be flowing here all summer long, and best of all, there’s an absolutely massive screen at the end of the lawn for all your live sport needs and more – not to mention plenty of seating, parasols, and all-round good vibes.
That’s right – the top 30 beer gardens in the UK have been named this week, and alongside beachside boozers and riverside pubs, you’ll find… Sinclair’s, proudly taking up a place in the top 10 with its old-school attitudes and proper pints.
Did you know that Printworks is currently hosting a UK-wide art competition for students?
Do you know an aspiring artist? Students aged 16 and over are invited to bring the ocean to life in a brand-new creative arts competition launched by one of the UK’s leading entertainment destinations, Manchester’s Printworks.
The venue has now opened entries for UK students from sixth forms, colleges, universities, and art colleges across the country to take part in an exciting new art competition.
The winning design is set to be showcased on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Fancy saving up to 50% off at some of Manchester’s top restaurants?
A bit of a daft question really, we know… of course you do.
Well thankfully, EatClub – the free app that’s easy to download, and you can start using right away – has now arrived in Manchester, and there are discounts such as up to 35% off Habbibi, Lina Stores, and Salvi’s to take advantage of, plus many more to explore.
Simply download the app, book your walk-in slot, and enjoy. You don’t have to tell the restaurant either – just pay using your EatClub card, and it’ll sort the discount for you.
We Invented The Weekend festival is back for 2026 this weekend.
Across Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, Salford Quays and MediaCity will be buzzing with over 200 free activities in the UK’s most ambitious, creative, original and fun-filled festival celebrating the most precious of commodities – our free time.
From live music and action-packed sports, to family fun, theatre, DJ sets, exclusive tours, art workshops, markets, thought-provoking talks, street food, boat trips, wellbeing sessions, and of course, open water swimming, there really is something for everyone.
Everything you need to know about this year’s festival lineup is here.
___
IRONMAN 70.3
Bolton
Sunday 7 June
IRONMAN 70.3 / Credit: Bolton Council | David J H Sun (Wikimedia Commons)
IRONMAN 70.3 is returning to Bolton this Sunday.
Bolton has been the proud home of the UK’s IRONMAN race since 2009, and the world-renowned triathlon is all set to take over the Greater Manchester town once again – with participants and spectators in thousands all preparing to flock to all four corners of the borough to the catch the action.
Bolton Council says a series of temporary road closures are needed to ‘ensure the safety’ of competitors and spectators.
All the information and road closures you need to know about ahead of race weekend can be found here.
___
Featured Image – Supplied | The Manc Group
What's On
One of the biggest and best new beer gardens in Manchester drops just in time for the World Cup
Danny Jones
You heard us right: what could very well be Manchester’s favourite new beer garden has just landed over in St John’s, and all can envision is non-stop sun, suds and sporting action all summer long.
This, my friends, is ‘The Green’.
Capturing a kind of mix between the simple combo of wide open space, booze and hopefully sun on the Stevenson Square we all know and love, with a bit of the Boxpark fanfare that will make it perfect come World Cup, we’re big fans of what they’ve put together here.
It’s also worth noting that this place is significantly bigger than you’ll find in most corners of central Manchester, complete with plenty of room to perch, from the rows of deckchairs to even tiered step seating that runs along the edge.
There’s new artificial turf laid down, complete with fresh wooden borders, lamp lighting, big benches perfect for squeezing plenty of mates on each side, as well as a decent number of small parasols. There are even QR codes to save time ordering at the bar.
Speaking of, the bar is already full up and running with a very solid lineup of summery drinks, for beers and fruity ciders to Aperol and plenty more. You are paying the expected St John’s prices, but when the rays hit just right, the footy’s on and you’re with your mates, you won’t hear us complaining.
Not just batch stuff being proud from the tap either – they’ve got cocktails, creative twists on frozen margs and lots of other stuff still in the pipeline.
But understandably, the instant start of the show is that large screen, which has already got us dreaming of the World Cup and tournament season year in year out, for that matter. And when we say large, we really mean it…
Just picture the scenes…
The lawn itself is plenty long, and the massive monitor is high up enough on the old studio wall that not a single soul will be missing a second of that action.
Be it the footy, Wimbledon, F1, rugby – whatever the discipline happens to be, we can’t wait to find any excuse to watch it all here (weather permitting). Only a short distance from Deansgate, Spinningfields, Castlefield and more, we feel like this spot is about to blow up.
You’ll also be glad to know that while you can’t take food and drink from other venues around the beer garden itself, they’ve got a food lineup all of their own coming very soon, centring around Manchester locals and regional indies. That’s what we like to hear.
It’s just what that Grape Street area needed, and regardless of whatever potential seasonal shifts it might need to make, we hope it stays here for a very long time. Good vibes all-round.
Emily Sergeant -
28th July 2023 
