August is well underway and we’ve had a mix of weather so far.
Despite the storms, schools across Greater Manchester are now out for the summer holidays, and that means the fun is just getting started, so there’s plenty happening this week to celebrate – from festivals, and themed events, to new foodie openings, family fun, and loads more.
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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Afterglow
Chester Zoo
Monday 11 – Sunday 17 August
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Afterglow / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo’s much-loved Afterglow event is back this summer, and organisers say it’ll be ‘bigger and better’ than ever.
Returning to the UK’s biggest charity zoo by popular demand, Afterglow is already known and loved for offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the zoo and its 37,000 animals after hours… and this time around, there will be ‘even more’ surprises to discover.
Animal lovers will get the unique chance to encounter some of the world’s most endangered species during golden hour – which, for many animals, is one of their most active periods.
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Find out more and see if there’s last-minute tickets here.
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Passing Fancies Summer Residency
The Morris, Thomas Street
Friday-Sunday until 1 September
Passing Fancies is in residence at The Morris. Credit: The Manc Group
One of the UK’s top bars (in fact, it ranks seventh in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list) is in Manchester for a very brief moment in time – and is a must-visit while you have the chance.
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Passing Fancies have left their native Birmingham for a while and taken up residency on the top floor of The Morris, a lovely multi-storey bar on Thomas Street.
In here you’ll find playful but elegant cocktails, like a boozy ‘Adult Ribena’, ‘Canals’, which is served with scoops of sorbet, and the ‘Council Pop’.
They’ll be in situ every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 1 September.
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The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years
Manchester Museum
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Monday 11 August – onwards
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years / Credit: Supplied
You can step into the fantastical imaginary world of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years this summer.
This world-premiere exhibition, created in collaboration with robotics studio Air Giants, invites you to experience a playful blend of education, theatre, and dreamscape – and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen at Manchester Museum before.
Once you’ve met the 10-meter long sleepy cat, you’ll then find a series of fun, free, cat-inspired activities at the Museum throughout the summer, including an augmented reality trail.
The Science and Industry Museum has got a spectacular summer holiday programme packed with all sorts of things to be getting up to, making it one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle with your little ones in the city centre this summer.
With events running up until 31 August, whether it’s disco dancing around a giant brain, unveiling the science behind optical illusions, or journeying through a giant ear canal, there’s something for everyone during the museum’s ‘sense-sational’ summer.
Looking for an even more special Operation Ouch! experience this summer?
For those who haven’t been able to pay a visit yet, this Tuesday 12 August couldn’t be a more ideal opportunity to do so, as Dr Xand Van Tulleken himself will be at the museum in to meet visitors as part of his myth-busting mission to answer some of the public’s deepest questions about our senses.
He will not only join mini medics on their voyage through the senses, but will also be on-hand to answer brain teasers from the audience during a series of live Q&As.
Meet Dr Xand at the Science and Industry Museum / Credit: Science Museum Group
Whether it’s banging on a super-sized eardrum, venturing into a massive eyeball, or even taking a whiff of a ‘smell library’, Dr Xand will be there every step of the way.
Loads To Do / Credit: Artem Kniaz | Yan Krukau (via Unsplash & Pexels)
Thousands of free activities have been planned by Manchester City Council ready for local families to take part in this summer.
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A many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for six whole weeks before the new term starts, the Councilhas relaunched its popular Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sporting events and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
Stories – Brought To Life / Credit: The Manc Group
A major new National Portrait Gallery exhibition has arrived in Salford.
The ground-breaking new experience by FRAMELESS Creative has opened at MediaCity, bringing some of the world’s most famous portraits to life like never before.
Stories – Brought to Life will explore the fascinating lives of these figures, who have shaped the UK’s history and culture all the way since the Tudor period, and will combine the highest quality digital projection, Hollywood-style visual effects, and the latest audio technology, along with specially created musical scores and creative narratives to shine a new light on each individual.
Visitors will be able to step inside iconic portraits including Grayson Perry, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen Elizabeth I, and William Shakespeare.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
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With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre for the summer.
After proving to be massively-popular over the past couple of years, with thousands of families travelling from across Greater Manchester and beyond to bask in the sunshine and make the most of all the fun and games, the Trafford Centre has welcomed back its Summer Fair for 2025.
And this year, the beloved event has got itself a new family activity zone, and it sounds set to be bigger and better than ever.
The best bit? Tickets will only set you back just £3 each.
Music for the Senses / Credit: David Oates Photography
An all-new multi-sensory art exhibition has taken over the streets of the city centre this summer.
The new exhibition, which is titled Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city, is a collaboration between global art producer Wild in Art – the creators of the famous Bee in the City project – and Manchester City Council.
Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest is back for 2025.
Prices have been slashed at more than 30 different restaurants, cafes, and kiosks inside the shopping centre, and there’s some huge discounts to be had, so whether you fancy savoury or sweet, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.
You can grab free ice cream with any large drink at Lazy Sundae, get 20% off food at Sides and King Pins, get a massive 25% off at HOP Vietnamese, plus 15% off at The Bagel Factory,
There’s many more offers running too, and you can find out more here.
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NEW OPENING – Zara
Trafford Centre
NEW OPENING – Zara Trafford Centre / Credit: Supplied
It’s official – the best Zara store in the UK has landed here in Manchester, so fashionistas and trend-setters get ready, because this brand-new supersized store has opened over at the Trafford Centre this week.
It’s the first concept store of its kind in the country, complete with exclusive collections that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
From a dedicated shoe room and exclusive activewear department, to 37 assisted checkouts, and so much more, this is a Zara like you’ve never seen it before, and it’s SO worth a visit.
It really wasn’t that long ago that cult-favourite beauty retailer Sephora opened its doors in the Trafford Centre, but now the city centre’s getting in on the action too, as after the first site proved so successful, a brand-new Manchester Arndale store has just opened, and she’s stunning.
Packed with all things skincare and beauty, there exclusive-to-Sephora brands in store, like Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, Rare Beauty, and many more.
NEW OPENING – Oop Stay Art Cafe / Credit: The Manc Group
A brand-new art cafe has opened up in Manchester where you can make your own phone case, paint a masterpiece, or craft an adorable Moru doll.
At Oop Stay Art Cafe in Chinatown, it’s all about switching off from the outside world and getting a little bit crafty, with seriously cute charms, patches and paints to play with.
Whether you’re building a phone case covered in miniature food charms or a claw clip plastered in flowers, you can do it with a matcha or an iced coffee – and leave with an adorable creation and a caffeine buzz.
There’s even a ‘messy room’ where you can whack on a rain coat and fling paint around to your heart’s content.
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SmileyWorld® Art Trail
Stockport
Monday 11 August – onwards
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail has taken over the town.
Visitors should get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail is making its North West debut and taking over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
The trail is created by trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld.
Cheshire Oaks has brought its popular The Great Summer Social event back for another year, and there’s currently loads to get involved with while schools are out.
Not only is there a bunch of retail offers and promotions to make the most of, as well as free family-friendly interactive activities to get involved with too, but there’s also a big wheel, a mini golf course, a big screen showing entertainment events, DJs blasting out tunes, and a wide variety of street food and drink vendors across the Designer Outlet.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be back travelling through Greater Manchester once again this week.
Aspiring witches and wizards for all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery on the East Lancashire Railway this summer as they take a ‘wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour’ of the Wizard Academy.
They’ll get to learn to become a master of mystery and magic during this immersive interactive experience through the Irwell Valley of wonders that’s hauled by a genuine steam – and spell – powered train.
Featured Image – ELR | The Manc Group | Science Museum Group
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 16 – 22 February 2026
Emily Sergeant
Schools are out and half term is here.
So as you can imagine, we’re really not short of exciting activities and events to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester this week – with everything from 360° walk-through projection shows and world-premiere science exhibitions, to the UK’s largest LEGO convention, pie festivals, and much more happening this week.
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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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 16 February – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Manchester Cathedral has been lit up with a ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection show this winter.
Combining 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 now invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling.
LUMINISCENCE pays tribute to Manchester’s rich cultural heritage through specially arranged orchestral renditions of iconic anthems – with the setlist including songs by Oasis, The Verve, Joy Division, and Elbow, just to name a few.
Did someone say £10 pie? The Festival of Pie is back at The Black Friar is Salford, and in case you didn’t know, that means delicious handmade pies are yours for a bargain price all month long.
Pick from the classic meat and potato, or opt for something a little different like garlic, chicken and leek, mushroom keema and onion bhaji, and our personal favourite, the truffle dauphinoise. Plus, you can add sides like mash and peas for just £3.
The deal is available all day Monday and Tuesday, and 12pm-6.30pm Wednesday to Friday, so don’t miss out before it’s too late.
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Looking for somewhere to watch the 2026 Six Nations in Manchester city centre?
It’s that time again, the Six Nations has started and we can practically taste the Guinness already.
That being said, we thought it only right to put together a list of where to watch it and enjoy those pints. With the tournament having now kicked off, we don’t want you scrambling around to find places showing the games, we just want you to sit back and enjoy yourself.
So, without further ado, here is our list of the best places to watch this year’s Six Nations here in Manchester city centre.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this half term? 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.
And, if we’re honest, after one bite of those truffle hash browns, we’re really wondering what’s taken them so long.
This global sensation will be serving up a whole menu of egg sandwiches – from fan favourites like the Fairfax to classics like a bacon egg and cheese, as well as their viral french toast sticks with maple custard.
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LOWRY 360
The Lowry
Monday 16 February – onwards
LOWRY 360 / Credit: The Manc Group
L.S. Lowry’s iconic masterpiece ‘Going to the Match’ is being brought to life right before your eyes in this brand-new exhibition now open at The Lowry.
LOWRY 360 is an immersive experience forming part of the legendary The Lowry theatre’s 25th anniversary programme, and it means that, for the first time ever, you can see one of Manchester’s most famous paintings by, arguably, the city’s most famous artist come to life through sight and sound.
Better yet, after you’ve immersed yourself in this incredible experience, then you can then see the actual painting in the full gallery – Modern Life: The LS Lowry Exhibition.
Need somewhere to take the little Mancs for a bite to eat this half term?
Bella Italia, IKEA, and Yard & Coop are just some of the places offering kids the chance to eat for £1 or free this half term.
With schools across Greater Manchester now out, and with many families understandably wanting to keep costs low where possible, plenty of supermarkets, independent and chain restaurants, and pub groups across the UK are offering kids the chance to eat a hearty meal out for as little as £1.
Some are even offering up children’s meals completely free of charge, meaning you really don’t have to break the bank.
The Super Duper Family Festival / Credit: Supplied
Get ready, as Manchester city centre will transform into a giant playground this week as The Super Duper Family Festival brings four free days of fun.
Families can make the most of a series of pop-up play zones at a variety of outdoor spaces and popular venues across the city centre this week, all of which will be free to use and ready to explore – with more areas than ever before this year providing unique experiences for all ages.
You can expect everything from gaming and crafts, to pop-up performances, hands-on workshops, fun children’s activities, and so much more.
The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be back travelling through Greater Manchester once again this week.
This is your chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’, where little Mancs can come together for a magical day of sharing spells and getting stuck into lots of magic-themed fun. Aspiring witches and wizards of all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery, as they take a ‘wacky and wonderful’ whistle stop tour through the ‘Irwell Valley of wonders’.
You’ll get to learn powerful incantations and perfect their wand-waving skills, all while using their imagination and learning how to soar through the skies on a broomstick.
You can now get a taste of Mexico, Japan, Nashville, Naples, and Greece, all under one roof and without even boarding a flight, as Manchester Airport has now opened up a brand new foodie hub in Terminal 2.
Great Northern Market is a new food hall with six kitchens, plus a kiosk from our beloved Gooey.
Whether it’s a souvlaki and an airport pint, or breakfast butties and a smoothie, your pre-flight scran has just taken off to a new league.
The biggest LEGO event in the UK is returning to Manchester this weekend
After proving to be such a massive sell-out success last year, Bricktastic – the ‘ultimate’ LEGO convention – will be returning to Manchester Central this weekend with even more incredible LEGO models, activities, and fun for all the family.
Fans can expect to see more than 300 exhibitors from around the world showcasing original LEGO creations, also known as MOCs (Models of Own Creation), all under one roof at Manchester Central.
Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Friends, or Harry Potter, you’ll find your favourite LEGO themes and more at the event next.
The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair is back in Manchester this weekend for its fourth year running, helping you create the most memorable day yet.
If you’re planning on popping the question on Valentine’s Day, this is an ideal first event to attend together as all the local independent suppliers you could need will be under one roof – including florists, planners, photographers, caterers, bridal wear, entertainment, and more.
Taking place at New Century Hall this Sunday, there’s two sessions running throughout the day, 12-2pm and 2-4pm, and tickets are just £5 with free fizz on arrival.
Featured Image – Supplied | The Manc Group | Shirlane Forrest
What's On
RAYE at Co-op Live – tickets, times, setlist and more for Manchester shows
Thomas Melia
If you’re asking, “Baby, where the hell is my RAYE gig guide?” – fear no more: here’s everything you need to know for her Manchester shows.
This part pop, part soul, part R’n’B champion needs no explanation with seven BRIT awards, two Ivor Novello awards and a Grammy in her collection so far, it’s safe to say RAYE has made a name for herself.
Hailing from Tooting, South London, Rachel Keen, recognised by her artist moniker RAYE, has amassed 8.5 billion streams on Spotify, with almost 15 songs receiving over 100 million streams.
Her discography is one of the most distinctive, with an endless list of hits like ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’, ‘Escapism.’, ‘Prada’, ‘Worth It.’, ‘You Don’t Know Me’ all under her belt.
Now, RAYE is gearing up to play the biggest tour of her career so far, and she’s chosen to pay Manchester a visit, not once, but twice, as she performs at the 23,500 seater Co-op Live.
Gig guide | RAYE at Co-op Live, Manchester – all you need to know
RAYE is heading to Co-op Live Manchester on 17 & 18 February / Photo Credit: Callum Walker Hutchinson via Press Shot (supplied)
Anyone after witnessing RAYE and letting out all their ‘Oscar Winning Tears’ in front of this South London singer has two opportunities to do so with tickets for her two Manchester shows still available.
Thinking February 17 is the date you’d like to see RAYE in Manchester at Co-op Live, and maybe even take your friend? (Bonus points if their name is ‘Suzanne’) – tickets HERE.
February 18 sounding more like your style? Take the ‘Love of Your Life’ to watch this phenomenal artist dominate Co-op Live at her second Manchester date HERE.
Or, grab your ‘Black Mascara’ while “Sipping on Chardonnay 2016” as there’s even a couple of premium seating options courtesy of Seat Unique HERE.
RAYE setlist for 2026 tour
Credit: Sebastian Kapfhammer/Callum Walker Hutchinson via Press Shots (supplied)
If you’re reading this setlist and wondering why you don’t know some tracks, that’s because they’re from RAYE’s highly-anticipated sophomore release THIS ALBUM MAY CONTAIN NEW MUSIC.
But don’t worry, as there’s still plenty of songs from My 21st Century Blues and her decade-spanning career, too.
I Will Overcome
WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
The Thrill Is Gone.
Skin & Bones
Suzanne
Beware the South London Lover Boy
Flip a Switch. / Decline
Five Star Hotels.
The Winter Woman
Hard Out Here
Genesis, pt. ii
Fly Me to the Moon
Worth It.
Nightingale Lane
Ice Cream Man.
I Know You’re Hurting
Oscar Winning Tears.
Click Clack Symphony
Secrets
You Don’t Know Me
Black Mascara.
Prada
Joy (with Amma and Absolutely)
Escapism.
Stage times for RAYE and her support acts at Co-op Live, Manchester
Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning we can ′Buss It Down’, with this multi-talented artist and still be tucked up in bed before the early hours.
Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6:30pm, with a kick-off time expected to be 7:30pm, with support being a family affair as RAYE’s sisters Amma and Absolutely take to the stage.
How to get to Co-op Live
Tram
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event.
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU, and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide on event day, though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes on the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
Emily Sergeant -
7th August 2025 
