We’re right in the heart of the summer holidays now, and there’s loads going on all over Greater Manchester to keep families occupied.
There are wholesome activities for little Mancs, like fruit-picking on a local farm, and a gigantic pop-up summer fair at the Trafford Centre complete with beach, splash pool, and fairground rides.
You’ll also find loads of free cultural events for all ages, including a huge installation of inflatable famous faces all across Manchester Arndale, and a real rocket that’s currently in situ at the Science and Industry Museum.
Not got kids to entertain but looking for fun things to do with your mates? We’ve got you covered there too, whether it’s kayaking down the Bridgewater Canal or taking on the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide at Heaton Park.
And no matter what you’re doing, you’ll be able to get there on the Bee Network’s trams, buses, and Starling Bikes – visit the Bee Network app or website to plan your journey.
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Trafford Centre Summer Fair
Trafford Centre Summer Fair. Credit: The Manc Group
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre this summer.
The event has attracted thousands of families from across Greater Manchester and beyond in recent years, ready to build sandcastles on the massive manmade beach, or splash around in the splash park with lots of water jets perfect for cooling you off.
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Adrenaline junkies both young and old will also get to enjoy retro fairground rides, including ‘Star Flyer’, ‘Sea Storm’, while the event’s in town, as well as a giant inflatable area, and loads more.
Tickets from £3
Visit a real rocket at the Science and Industry Museum
Visit a real rocket at the Science and Industry Museum. Credit: The Manc Group
You can spend the summer in space at the Science and Industry Museum, which has loads of space-themed free interactive events and activities to get involved with these next six weeks.
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From live space shows and giant rockets, to tinkering activities, Martian discovery trails, and the chance to visit the blockbuster exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos if you haven’t already, budding astronauts are in for a summer to remember.
By far one of the stand-out free events this summer is the arrival of 30-foot-tall rocket ship, Skybolt 2 – hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser.
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you. Zip World up at Heaton Park has launched a brand new attraction this summer that’ll have you whizzing through the woodland on the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide.
There are two slides side-by-side, with one measuring a whopping 262ft, which you zoom down in huge inflatable rings.
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It’s suitable for ages four and up (and trust us adults, you’ll love it too).
Strawberry picking at Kenyon Hall Farm / Credit: The Manc Group
We might be creeping towards the end of strawberry season, but Kenyon Hall Farm has absolutely loads of different pick-your-own activities.
The family-run farm has been growing strawberries and other fruit for almost 50 years, and it’s one of our top recommendations for where to spend some time this summer.
You can frolic around the fields, then enjoy loads of seasonal summer treats in its cafe and farm shop too.
Local trailblazers including Emmeline Pankhurst, Alan Turing, and even Aitch have been turned into enormous inflatables, measuring up to a whopping six metres in length.
The impressive installation comes from celebrated local illustrator Stanley Chow.
Open all summer, free to visit.
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Check out the Manchester Open exhibition at HOME
Manchester Open exhibition at HOME. Credit: The Manc Group
The Manchester Open is back for 2026 – more than 1,500 applicants entered, of which 420 have been selected to showcase their works inside the gallery space at HOME.
With mediums ranging from ceramics, digital, painting, photography, sculpture and more, there’s art made for everyone to enjoy.
The exhibition is completely FREE and you’ve got plenty of time to visit before its final date on Sunday 6 September.
Walk along to Riverbank Coffee
The view from Riverbank CoffeeRiverbank Coffee’s famous sausage rolls
The only way to find this charming outdoor cafe on the River Mersey is on food – but that makes for a perfect summer activity.
Whether it’s a pitstop on a dog walk, a break on a family stroll, or a dedicated trip for one of their legendary sausage rolls, Riverbank Coffee is a gem.
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You’ll also find breakfast barms, pasties, cakes, cookies, coffees, milkshakes, and loads more.
Get lost at The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill
The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill in StockportA corner of vintage fashion
Who knew the North West’s largest vintage lifestyle centre was hiding inside an old cotton mill in Stockport?
Set within the historic Pear Mill, The Vintage Emporium is home to more than 65 independent traders, selling everything from vintage fashion and furniture to retro vinyl, jewellery and one-of-a-kind antiques – plus finds like giant Flake statues, Japanese parasols, and taxidermy.
After browsing, stop by the charming on-site tea room for a toastie, homemade cake and a brew, all served on vintage crockery.
You never know what treasure you’ll discover.
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Have a pint or a play at The Airport Pub
Flights taking off outside the Airport PubYou can sit inside a booth built from an old engine
Have you ever been to a beer garden where jets land just 50ft away from you? No? Get a visit to The Airport Pub on your list.
This has got to be one of the most unique pub gardens in the UK, perched right beside the runway at Manchester Airport.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or you just like a side of very noisy adrenaline with your pub lunch, it’s a Manc icon for a reason.
And there’s a huge play area in the garden to make it a truly family-friendly day out.
Kayak down the Bridgewater Canal
Paddling along the Bridgewater CanalPaddling down the Bridgewater Canal in Greater Manchester
You really don’t have to travel far to spend an idyllic day on the water.
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In fact, you could be paddling a canoe, kayak, or paddle board in just a short tram journey.
This is Grip Adventures, and you’ll find it in Sale right on the beautiful Bridgewater Canal.
The team here will send you on your way along the water, and if you paddle far enough, you could even visit Walton Perk for a coffee or a takeaway Aperol spritz, without even leaving your boat.
If you’re planning a trip around Greater Manchester this summer, visit the Bee Network to plan your journey.
Free Manchester home-buying event returns after attracting more than 750 aspiring buyers last year
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Home Show will return this year, offering free advice and support for people looking to buy their first home.
The event brings together everything from housing providers to mortgage experts, and last year attracted more than 750 aspiring buyers.
You’ll be able to chat to experts, receive free financial and legal advice, and learn all about schemes like Shared Ownership, helping you to take that step closer to the property ladder in the North West.
There will also be the chance to learn more about some of the region’s most exciting new affordable homes developments, including L&Q at Victoria Riverside near the city centre.
This year, the Manchester Home Show will take place at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, between 10.30am and 4pm on Saturday 19 September.
It will bring together advice, affordable homeownership guidance, and access to housing providers under one roof, and builds on the success of the long-running London Home Show (which has welcomed more than 87,000 prospective buyers since 2013).
This year’s industry sponsors are housing associations L&Q and Plumlife Homes, alongside 18 other expert exhibitors including Gecko Homes, Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, Snugg Homes, Your Housing Group, Together Homes and Onward Living.
Attendees will also benefit from access to legal and financial advice with the opportunity to meet mortgage brokers from Metro Finance, Smiths Financial, Just Mortgages and TMP The Mortgage People, along with solicitors from Shared Direction Conveyancing, Owen Paulo Legal Ltd, Alexander JLO Solicitors, and Talbots Law.
The Manchester Home Show is back. Credit: Supplied
Guests can sign up for jargon-free talks throughout the day, covering everything from top tips for first time buyers to the legal steps involved with buying a Shared Ownership property.
Nick Lieb, Chief Operations Officer at Share to Buy, comments: “We’re thrilled to bring the Manchester Home Show back to the North West and continue supporting aspiring homeowners on their journey.
“With many buyers unsure about where to start or what options are available, our aim is to make the home-buying process more accessible by bringing trusted experts, leading housing providers, and practical advice together in one place.
“Whether visitors are first time buyers, renters looking to save, or simply just exploring their options, the Manchester Home Show will provide the guidance they need to move forward with confidence.”
Attendees of the Manchester Home Show can even register their interest in some major affordable property schemes, from the Shared Ownership apartments near Manchester Victoria from L&Q Victoria Riverside, to apartments and townhouses in Salford from Plumlife Homes, and apartments in a restored pub (The Stamford Arms) in Little Bollington from Gecko Homes.
Tickets for the Manchester Home Show are free, but visitors must register in advance to attend, which you can do HERE.
You can also follow @sharetobuy_live on Instagram for further updates, top tips, videos and more.
Three major events announced for finale of Salford’s 100th birthday celebrations
Daisy Jackson
Salford’s 100th birthday celebrations are heading towards a spectacular finale, with three major events set to bring the city’s communities, creativity and history into the spotlight this autumn.
Following a packed programme of celebrations, performances and art commissions since the city’s official birthday in April, Salford City Council has revealed what’s still to come – including a huge outdoor projection featuring more than 1,500 local people, the biggest-ever Wagon Train finale, and a special live performance celebrating the sounds of Salford.
The free events have been co-produced by Salford creative organisations Walk the Plank and From The Other, with public funding from The National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The Salford 100 autumn events follow a year of activity designed to explore Salford’s past, celebrate its present and imagine its future.
The celebrations officially began on 21 April, Salford’s centenary birthday, with Birthday City — a day of surprises for residents who shared their birthday with the city.
Seven Salfordians were selected for special birthday treats, including a teaching assistant who had worked at the same school for more than 20 years, a nine-year-old boy, and the founder of local suicide prevention charity Jak’s World.
Performances from Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, Manchester Dhol Players and the BBC Philharmonic, alongside dancers and a giant birthday cake, appeared in unexpected locations around the city – including on a commuter train, at workplaces, a school and even a supermarket.
With the final major events now approaching, Salford’s centenary celebrations are set to end the year on a high.
And best of all, all three autumn events are free to attend.
For more information about Salford’s centenary programme Salford 100, and individual commissions, head HERE.
Salford Everywhere: A City Gathering
Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, from 6pm – Peel Park
Salford 100
Salford is set to become the canvas for a spectacular celebration of its people when Salford Everywhere premieres this October.
Created by award-winning visual artist and filmmaker Matthew Rosier, the monumental artwork features more than 1,500 Salfordians, from NHS workers and builders to schoolchildren, supermarket teams, athletes, Royal Mail staff, dementia support groups and food bank volunteers.
On 9 and 10 October, video artworks featuring the local contributors will be projected onto buildings across the city.
The main free gathering will take place at Peel Park from 6pm to 10pm, where a 45-minute film will be projected at huge scale onto the University of Salford’s Maxwell Building, with two screenings each evening.
The film will be accompanied by a live musical score celebrating Salford’s rich musical heritage, featuring local choirs and brass bands. The score has been arranged by Michael Betteridge, with music direction from Salford-based composer and DJ AFRODEUTSCHE.
Meanwhile, Salford Shopping Centre in Pendleton will be illuminated from 7pm to 10pm, with the 1,553 local participants projected at monumental scale.
Rosier said the project captures the ‘humour, togetherness and toughness’ of Salford, after spending a month editing footage of the people who took part.
It promises to be a powerful celebration of the people who make Salford what it is today.
The Wagon Train Centenary Finale
Sunday 25 October, 6pm – Seedley Park, part of Buile Hill Park
After travelling around Salford throughout the summer, the Wagon Train is heading to Seedley Park for its biggest celebration yet.
Created by outdoor arts curators Walk the Plank, the spectacular family event will welcome an audience of around 3,000 people, bringing together performance, music, fire and plenty of Salford spirit.
Expect aerial performances, a glittering glowing Time Capsule and the Wagon Train of Inventions, celebrating Salford innovations from electricity to space exploration.
And yes – the giant birthday cake is making a return.
The event will also celebrate Salford’s entertainment heritage, with dancers taking audiences on a journey through the city’s nightlife, from ballroom to northern soul. Drummers and DJs will provide the soundtrack.
There will be plenty for younger visitors too. Children will work with artists to create Fuel of the Future — willow and tissue-paper lanterns that they can carry as part of the performance.
The evening will culminate with Pride of Salford torch bearers igniting a huge fire drawing designed by young people, followed by a short fireworks finale.
More than 350 Salfordians are expected to take part in the show.
Walk the Plank co-founder Liz Pugh said the finale will bring families and communities together ‘with a bang’, while celebrating homegrown talent and looking towards Salford’s future.
Songs of Salford: Live Preview
Saturday 14 November, 7.30pm – Swinton Grand Palais. Free tickets, limited spaces, details to be released soon
Artists involved in Songs of Salford. Credit: Daniel Johnson
Salford’s centenary celebrations will also get a musical send-off with the first live performance of Songs of Salford.
From The Other and award-winning producer Charlie Deakin-Davies have brought together five Salford artists to create a new record reflecting the city, its people and its communities.
The project features classically trained vocalist and pianist Salo, spoken-word artist The Thirsty Poet (Matt Concannon), battle rapper and youth worker Che3kz, Zimbabwean-born songwriter and poet Meduulla, and singer-songwriter Sam Seth.
The record also brings together communities from Age Friendly Salford, Salford Youth Zone, Monton Community Choir and music engineering students from the University of Salford.
On 14 November, audiences will get the first chance to hear the complete record performed live at the iconic Swinton Grand Palais.
The performance will feature all five artists alongside a 10-piece ensemble from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Songs of Salford record itself will be released in 2027.
Daisy Jackson -
7th August 2026 
