It’s really starting to feel like summer across Greater Manchester now as we head into our third week of June.
With the temperatures hotting up and the sunshine season right around the corner, the summer events calendar is starting to get a whole lot busier now, and there’s plenty to be getting up to across the region this week.
So we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
Box on the Docks
MediaCityUK
ADVERTISEMENT
Monday 13 June – onwards
Box on the Docks / Credit: BOTD
Box on the Docks has returned to the banks of Salford Quays for the summer, and there’s be flowing beers, freshly-baked bagels, and boozy ice cream.
Back for its third year in a row, MediaCity’s popular outdoor dining concept, Box on the Docks, is set for another busy summer on the waterside piazza – but for the first time, it has taken on a brand-new format, as this year’s event is in partnership with SEVEN BRO7HERS.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Salford-based brewing company has been put in charge of operate a rotating residency of the region’s emerging and established independent food and drink pop ups.
There’s also been an exciting lineup of live music and events for all ages.
A new national collection that’s dedicated to “the preservation and research of popular culture” has now opened in Manchester city centre.
The British Pop Archive (BPA) has been created by the University of Manchester (UoM) and has opened at the iconic John Rylands Library on Deansgate in the heart of the city centre, with the aim of celebrating British popular music and other aspects of popular culture to recognise its “pivotal influence” on the world stage.
Featuring “iconic items” relating to quintessential British bands, legendary UK television, youth culture, counter-culture, and more that have set trends around the globe, the BPA will be an important academic resource for research and teaching, UoM says.
It’ll also be public resource for exhibitions and public events that’s open to all.
Looking for some new restaurants and bars to try out that have just opened in Manchester city centre this month?
While some big familiar restaurant names have rocked up in Manchester in recent weeks, and will continue to do so throughout June, there’s also plenty of homegrown talent popping up all over the region – including some old favourites moving up in the world.
Corner Slice x Jimmy’s, Pollen, and Neon Tiger / Credit: The Manc Group
Take Pollen, who have just moved into their enormous new site at KAMPUS, or pizza pedlars Corner Slice, who have paired up with Jimmy’s in Ancoats, as well as a very familiar old name in the form of a new Blockbusters cocktail bar, and plenty more newcomers joining the fray.
You can read our round-up to find out where to put on your list this month here.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
Amazônia
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 13 June – onwards
Amazônia / Credit: Science and Industry Museum
A critically-acclaimed photography exhibition has officially opened in Manchester as part of its international tour.
In what is the first UK exhibition of this scale outside of London for over 20 years from the world-renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, the Science and Industry Museum has will welcomed Amazônia – a major photography exhibition that celebrates the indigenous peoples and breathtaking landscapes of the Brazilian rainforest.
ADVERTISEMENT
Salgado worked in the Amazon for seven years with 12 different indigenous communities, and the result is an incredible collection of powerful photographs that present his vision of a forest that is approaching a crucial tipping point in the fight against climate change, the Museum says.
Singing superstar Russell Watson is set to perform an exclusive Greatest Hits gig for charity in Manchester this week.
The ‘People’s Tenor’ will take to the stage at the beautiful Bridgewater Hall this Wednesday, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, and the fundraising event will see the Salford-born classical singer give a rare performance of his hits – including Land of Hope and Glory, O Sole Mio, and Bring Him Home – with all money raised helping the charity continue its incredible mission.
Cloudwater x Levanter / Credit: KAMPUS | Cloudwater Brewery
Manchester’s neighbourhood KAMPUS will play host a solid ten weeks of back-to-back block parties from its canalside garden, with each weekend seeing guest DJs take to the decks to spin tunes from different corners of the world – and this weekend’s event is celebrating the US state of New England.
Free-flowing beer will come courtesy of Manchester brewery Cloudwater, and food will be provided by Ramsbottom favourites Levanter serving up tapas, giant paella, and charcuterie boards aplenty.
This weekend, you can expect Levanter dishes with beers from some of the highest-rated breweries in the world.
The Edge Events is hosting a launch party for the Women in Business Brunch Club this Friday at Namii Kitchen & Cocktails, and it gives the opportunity to bring a network of like-minded women in Manchester business together for an afternoon of cocktails, canapes, live music, networking, and more in a relaxed setting.
There’ll be a red carpet and Bellini on arrival, as well as a goody bag for all attendees to take home with them at the end of the event.
Northern kids of the 80s, 90s, and 00s can truly revisit their youth, as the abandoned Camelot Theme Park in Chorley has gone back to its days of Arthurian legend for the new Summer Knights drive-in cinema and entertainment attraction this summer.
ADVERTISEMENT
Some of the film highlights in the genre-diverse lineup include this week include House of Gucci, and Grease.
There’s also a fully-licensed bar and a number of street food vendors on site to choose from to make it a truly magical night.
The Lock-Inn Comedy Club is back at the popular Castlefield hangout, Lock 91, this Friday, and it’s promising a night of “hilarious comedy and drunken debauchery”.
Unlikely to be for the easily offended, but very likely to be one of the hottest tickets in town, the stellar lineup of international comedy includes Nathan Virica, MC Tony William Bolton, headliner Jordan Ducharme, and a bunch of other special guests.
Tickets will set you back £5 in advance or £7 on the door, and you can grab yours here.
A huge three-day weekender has been planned for the launch of the ABC Buildings in Manchester city centre to showcase the 1960s mid-century building in a new light.
A packed programme of free events will take over spaces at the creative hub on Quay Street, including in its new rooftop glass dome, and there’ll be everything from a silent disco to street food, rooftop yoga to a kids’ rave, plus Reform Radio DJs, a vintage flea market, football screenings, stand-up comedy, and a Northern Soul takeover.
The ABC Buildings Launch Weekend is taking place between Friday 17- Sunday 19 June, and you can find more information here.
___
British Favourites Cookery Class
Zouk Tea Bar
Saturday 18 June
British Favourites / Credit: Zouk Tea Bar
Manchester’s legendary Indian restaurant Zouk Tea Bar is famous for its high-quality dishes, and proudly shows off its chefs through its Manchester restaurant’s semi-open kitchen – but now, you can learn all the tricks of the trade for yourself this weekend.
The award-winning curry house is breaking down the fourth wall and inviting diners into the kitchen for a British Favourites Cookery Class to learn tips and tricks from the curry masters themselves.
Starting at 10am and finishing at 1:30pm this Saturday 18 June, you’ll be initiated into the world of Indian cooking, learning how best to prepare your spice mixes and simmer down dishes for the perfect consistency.
You can find out more and book your spot on the class here.
___
Manchester Rum Festival 2022
Manchester City Centre
Saturday 18 June
Manchester Rum Festival 2022 / Credit: Manchester Rum Festival
Manchester Rum Festival is returning to the city this weekend, and bringing fifteen brand new rum brands with it for their festival debut.
In what is set to be the biggest festival to date, organisers will bring together a mix of local Greater Manchester brands and those from further afield for an afternoon full of cocktails, tasting sessions and samples.
Local rum distilleries Tameside and Decorrum will make their festival debuts alongside Tanduay – an exciting rum brand from the Philippines – and other new brands set to take part this year include Beach House and Arcane, both from the sunny climes of Mauritius, Ron Aguere from the Canaries, Ron Colon from El Salvador and Santiago de Cuba.
A big festival full of fun for all four-legged friends is coming to Cheshire this weekend, as DogFest takes over Tatton Park.
Created by dog-lovers, for dog-lovers, and after making a name for itself as the nation’s favourite dog-friendly festival, with thousands of pups descending on popular parks across the UK each year ever since, DogFest is 2022 will give you and your pup the chance to “try your paw” at a whole host of activities – including dog diving, agility courses, or entering the Fun Dog Show for your chance to win ‘Best in Show’.
You can also see some sensational dog displays, get advice from a variety of animal experts, learn training tips at the Dog School, and so much more.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-loved free event that is Manchester Day is back for 2022 on Sunday 19 June, with thousands of people set to flood the city’s streets for what promises to be a bigger and better parade than ever before.
Created by Manchester People, and produced by award-winning local arts organisation Walk the Plank, festival-goers will get the chance to immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of colour, sound and culture, as youth and community groups from across the city join the famous parade – which has become the highlight of the day.
As always, music and dance will also spill over into the city centre squares for an afternoon of family entertainment, food and drink.
You can find out more information about Manchester Day 2022 here.
___
Power UP
Science and Industry Museum
Saturday 18 June – onwards
Power UP / Credit: Science Museum Group
A huge gaming event is set to return to Manchester this weekend.
With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP will be back at the Science and Industry Museum for the first time in three years, taking 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 will be taking place every weekend and school holiday from 18 June all the way through to December 2023, and every ticket includes unlimited play all day.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 17 – 23 August 2026
Emily Sergeant
Wow, August is really proving to be an eventful month so far, isn’t it?
Sure, last week we may have had a solar eclipse and another heatwave to contend with, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t loads happening across Greater Manchester this week. If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, no worries, as 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.
___
Summer Scran Fest
Manchester Arndale
Monday 17 – 31 August
Summer Scran Fest / Credit: The Manc Group | Supplied
Looking for the best foodie deals in Manchester city centre this summer? We’ve got you covered. Summer Scran Fest is back at Manchester Arndale, bringing a month-long celebration of tasty food, refreshing drinks, and unbeatable offers.
Running right through until the end of the month, there’ll be discounts across 30+ restaurants, cafes, kiosks and leisure venues, all under one roof – from big-name chains, to local indies.
Manchester City Stadium Tours / Credit: The Manc Group
If you’re looking for something to do this summer, did you know you can currently get 15% off Manchester City’s tours of the Etihad Stadium?
You’ll get to walk in the players’ footsteps down the tunnel, sit in Enzo’s seat, get pitchside, see the Domestic Double Winners’ trophies, and loads more. Plus, from 17 August, you’ll be able to see City’s brand-new dressing room too.
Manchester is bringing 14 weeks of free activities for children to parks across the city this summer.
Thanks to additional Council funding that was allocated earlier this year, Manchester’s biggest-ever Parktastic programme has now launched – expanding from the summer holidays alone to include after-school sessions before schools break up, activities throughout the holidays, and even sessions continuing into September.
Back by popular demand and aimed at children ages six-12, Parktastic offers sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play.
Sessions are free, no booking is required, healthy snacks are provided, and children can simply turn up and join in.
Get ready to spend the summer in space, as the Science and Industry Museum has announced its summer events programme and it’s full of free interactive events and activities to get involved with these next six weeks.
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.
Find out more and book tickets for your visit here.
___
Forest Tubing
Zip World Manchester
Monday 17 August – 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 huge new MCR Made exhibition by incredible local artist Stanley Chow has now taken over Manchester Arndale.
Running through until the autumn, shoppers and locals will be able to admire 13 portraits of Manc icons, which measure up to six-metres in length – whether it’s Oasis legends or Suffragettes, football heroes or creative pioneers.
The gigantic inflatable portraits are suspended right across the iconic shopping centre for an art trail that celebrates the figures who have shaped the city.
there’s loads happening across Greater Manchester these next few weeks. If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, no worries, as 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 17 August – 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.
___
Pride Fringe
Manchester City Centre
Thursday 20 August – 1 September
Pride Fringe / Credit: Supplied | Jason Lock Photography
Of course, we all know Manchester Village Pride will be returning for 2026 over the August bank holiday weekend, but aside from the official festivities around the Village, an extensive new Pride Fringe event is also taking place for the first time this year.
You can expect an exciting mix of LGBTQIA+ arts, culture, live entertainment, family events, food, drink and shopping experiences.
On top of that, the city’s hotels will also be joining in the celebrations – with dedicated Pride packages, parties, free gifts, and discounts this month.
You can find out everything happening these new few weeks here.
___
Red Rose Diners
East Lancashire Railway
Friday 21 August – onwards
Red Rose Diners / Credit: ELR
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is currently hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this summer.
Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the year, East Lancashire Railway’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.
On a budget and need somewhere to take the kids to eat for £1 or even FREE over the summer holidays?
In case the ongoing heatwave didn’t remind you, summer is in full swing and so are the school summer holidays.
If you’re after ways to enjoy some quality family time without having to break the bank, we’ve found lots of places where kids can eat for £1 or free – 15 of them, to be exact.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty Italian, a bit of brekkie, or even a big Greek feast, just because you’re on a budget shouldn’t mean you have to limit your and your family’s taste buds.
It’s strawberry season, and Kenyon Hall Farm has officially opened up its strawberry fields (plus plenty of other pick-your-own produce) for the season for you to frolic amongst, with loads of summer treats in its cafe and award-winning farm shop too.
Strawberries have been growing at Kenyon Hall Farm for nearly 50 years now, and it’s proven as popular ever since.
Did you know that Go Ape now runs adult-only sessions?
We nipped over to Go Ape at Rivington as we heard you can now act like a big silly kid there without having to share anything with actual children.
It’s one of the region’s top attractions for good reason, giving you a chance to clamber and fly through the treetops on a sky-high obstacle course, and now every Thursday and Friday evening, you can escape your work inbox and switch it out for a maze of ziplines, ladders, swings, and more.
Less than an hour from Manchester, you’ll find what is essentially a gigantic floating bouncy castle which makes for an incredibly silly afternoon out.
At Wild Shore Delamere you can take on slides, monkey bars, ninja jumps, tyre runs, and plenty of other opportunities to slip and spectacularly fall into the lake. And if you don’t fancy wiping out in front of a lake full of children, there’s also paddleboarding, wakeboarding, open-water swimming, and even a lakeside sauna.
If you’d prefer to say on land, how about a shopping trip?
You already know Cheshire Oaks is the ultimate shopping destination, but have you seen its summer transformation yet?
The huge designer outlet has areas like a summer chill-out zone, its rooftop bar Under The Oaks, fairground rides, and absolutely loads more, plus kids eat free deals at restaurants across the village. That’s in addition to the big-name stores packed with summer essentials, the huge kids’ play area, and photo opps like murals and a massive floral installation.
NEW OPENING – La Chouquette / Credit: The Manc Group
La Chouquette is one of Greater Manchester’s top bakeries.
A proper little taste of France in the middle of Didsbury, it’s always got queues down the street for its incredible croissants and bread loaves, and now it’s time for a new chapter – a major expansion at last.
Catrina and Flo have spent the last couple of months expanding the bakery into the unit next door, and the new space is magnifique.
Manchester has bid farewell to the iconic Salvi’s as we knew it, and welcomed in a brand-new concept.
At Amò, you can sit on the sunny terrace with a spritz, grab a £10 lunch deal, or cool off with their viral frozen caffe crema. The team have kept as much of the good stuff from Salvi’s as possible, but in a newer, fresher space.
And they’re keeping it in the family too, as they’ve handed the reins over to daughter Sienna on Deansgate Mews.
We’re deep in the school holidays now, and if you’re running out of things to do, don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. To make life even easier, all the activities are accessible by the Bee Network AND they’re tried and tested by us, so we can guarantee you’ll love them.
A massive board game festival, with more than 700 games to choose from, is returning to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
It’s happening again – the Manchester Board Game Festival is back in town for the weekend, with more games than you could ever imagine.
Manchester-based table tops events company, Dungeons & Flagons, proudly own one of the UK’s largest board game libraries, boasting an incredible collection of more than 700 board games – and luckily for us, they’re running yet another festival this August.
Across the three-day festival there will also be a selection of bookable sessions including RPGs, tournaments, seminars, playtests and interactive experiences, in addition to live entertainment, giant games and lots of other fun-filled activities.
In the Demo Zone, publishers including Hachette Board Games UK and Mindclash Games will share new titles, while the Playtest Tables allow attendees to trial upcoming games and provide feedback.
There will be an interactive performance of “Into The Autumn Realm,” hosted by Edinburgh Fringe favourite Ed Jollyboat, alongside a range of charity fundraising activities such as a pub quiz, bingo and tombola, with some amazing prizes.
While the Geek Fayre marketplace will be home to a whole host of independent stalls selling board games, dice, artwork, accessories and all kinds of gifts to treat yourself or that gamer in your life.
A massive board game festival, with more than 700 games to choose from, is returning to Manchester
The festival aims to unite hundreds of game-lovers, whether you make it a day trip with friends or you come solo, Dungeons & Flagons pride themselves on their inclusive and accessible atmosphere, designed to accommodate players of all abilities with approachable volunteers on site, Library Bees teaching games, demonstrations and plenty of beginner-friendly sessions helping newcomers feel right at home.
What’s more, this August, Dungeons & Flagons are introducing Solo Gamers Meet Ups, which are sessions split into light, medium and heavy strategy groups, purposefully designed to connect solo attendees and allow players to get stuck straight into a game. So fear not – if your mates aren’t as into it as you, there will be plenty of other gamers to play with.
James Oxley, organiser of Manchester Board Game Festival, shared “The summer festival is always one of my favourites. We tend to welcome lots of people travelling from further afield during the holidays, so it’s always great to see plenty of new faces alongside our regular community. The Manchester Conference Centre is a brilliant venue for the summer too, with its aircon & outdoor courtyard giving us the chance to bring along our giant games and make the most of the sunshine. We want people to feel welcome and leave having discovered something new.”
No matter whether you’re brand new to board gaming or you’re a seasoned professional, head on down to Manchester Conference Centre at Pendulum Hotel and join in on this weekend of fun.
Festival Dates and Times:
Friday 28 Aug: 3am – Midnight
Saturday 29 Aug: 10am – Midnight
Sunday 30 Aug: 10am – 8pm
Both weekend or day tickets are available to buy HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
10th June 2022 
