Sensational events and things to do in Manchester this summer

New openings, events and what’s on in Manchester this June, July and August

Written by I Love MCR
Last updated 17 seconds ago
Best of, Events, Featured, Food & Drink

The Great British Summer.

That magical time of year when we pack sun cream, wellies, and an emergency poncho, just in case.

But Manchester’s not messing about in 2025. Come rain, shine, or sideways sleet, this summer’s shaping up to be an absolute scorcher. Not necessarily temperature-wise (we’re not that optimistic), but in vibes and a jam-packed calendar of things to do, see, sip, and scoff.

Whether you’re praying to the weather gods for blue skies over the city’s buzzing beer gardens, or embracing the drizzle from a rooftop cocktail perch (umbrella in one hand, spritz in the other), one thing’s certain: Manchester is ready.

From huge festivals and historic reunions to delicious new dining spots and rooftop revelry, the city is about to come alive in ways only Manchester can.

Whether you’re a seasoned culture vulture, a curious foodie, or just in it for the Insta-stories, get ready to dive into a summer like no other. Raincoat optional. Good times guaranteed.

New openings this summer

Circolo Popolare – St. Michael’s Development

Opening in June 2025, this Sardinian-inspired trattoria by Parisian group Big Mamma offers Instagram-worthy interiors and decadent Italian dishes, including massive gelato cakes and pasta rolled in wheels of cheese.

Chotto Matte – St. Michael’s Development

Set to open in summer 2025, this Nikkei fusion restaurant combines Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, featuring sushi torched at your table, robata grill dishes, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

Pip – Treehouse Hotel

Opened on 19th of March 2025, this restaurant offers low-waste, seasonal cooking led by chef Mary-Ellen McTague, located on the ground floor of the new Treehouse Hotel on Blackfriars Street.

Winsome – Princess Street

Winsome Manchester Events and things to do in Manchester this summer — Shaun Moffat, Tom Fastiggi and Owain Williams

Opened in March 2025, this modern British restaurant by chef Shaun Moffat offers a guest-focused dining experience with northern hospitality at its heart.

STACK – Oxford Road

Opening in May 2025, this dynamic blend of street food, bars, and live entertainment takes over the former Hatch site, featuring an expansive open plaza and large stage for family-friendly events.

Soho House (maybe)

Soho House has been just about to open, for about a year and a half now, so this is definitely maybe… That being said, this will be a huge addition to the city.

Located in the iconic Old Granada Studios building, Soho House Manchester will occupy the top three floors, featuring a Cecconi’s restaurant, a rooftop swimming pool, a music venue, and a Mollie’s bar and diner.

Founded by Nick Jones, Soho House has expanded globally, catering to the creative industries. The Manchester branch will reflect the city’s exciting culture, with local music and programming.

Membership includes access to an extensive gym, rooftop pool, late-night bar, live music space, and flexible event spaces. You can apply for membership on the Soho House website.

Events and things to do this summer

Oasis Live 25 at Heaton Park

Oasis reunites for a series of sold-out shows at Heaton Park in July, featuring special guests Richard Ashcroft and Cast. Good luck getting a ticket!!

Manchester International Festival (MIF) 2025

From 3rd to the 20th of July, MIF returns for its 10th edition, showcasing cutting-edge art, theatre, music, and dance at Aviva Studios.

You can get tickets by clicking here

Firevolt Festival 2025

Rock enthusiasts can enjoy this three-day festival from 8-10 August, featuring bands like South Of Salem, Girlschool, and Tygers Of Pan Tang.

Japan Week 2025

From 4th to the 9th September, Manchester celebrates Japanese culture with a week-long festival of arts, music, fashion, and sports.

Manchester Jazz Festival 2025

Running from 16-25 May, this 30th-anniversary edition features performances across the city, including the popular piano trail.

Football City, Art United.

From 4th July to the 24th August 2025, Aviva Studios will host Football City, Art United, an innovative exhibition that brings together 11 pairs of artists and footballers to explore the intersection of art and football. Curated by World Cup winner Juan Mata, renowned curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, and curator Josh Willdigg, the exhibition features collaborations such as:

Keiken and Ella Toone: An immersive sonic journey exploring Toone’s inner world
Ryan Gander and Eric Cantona: A playful exploration of the effects of fame on players.
Suzanne Lacy and Vivianne Miedema: A short film questioning football’s complex relationship with gender.

Tickets range from £7.50 to £15, with affordable options available.

You can get tickets by clicking here

Manchester Pride 2025

Events and things to do in Manchester this summer — Manchester Pride

Manchester is set to host one of the UK’s most anticipated LGBTQ+ events this summer—the Manchester Pride Festival 2025. From August 15 to 25, the city will come alive with a top mix of performances, parades, and community gatherings, celebrating love, diversity, and equality.

Key events to look forward to include:

Mardi Gras at Depot Mayfield (23rd–24th of August): A brand-new addition to the Pride weekend, Mardi Gras promises a high-energy, high-glam, high-queer extravaganza. Taking place at Depot Mayfield, the event will feature world-class artists, DJs, drag royalty, cabaret, and untamed euphoria in celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. Performers include Olly Alexander, Leigh-Anne, Billy Porter, and Louisa Johnson, among others.
Gay Village Party (22nd–25th of August): The heart and soul of Manchester’s queer community, the Gay Village Party centres on community, love, and queer joy. Expect cabaret, funfair rides, a silent disco, and queer anthems galore. The event runs from Friday to Monday, offering a four-day celebration in the city’s Gay Village.
The Parade (23rd of August): The iconic Manchester Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, August 23, celebrating ‘Love’ as its central theme. The parade will weave its way through Manchester City Centre, showcasing a powerful display of protest and solidarity. The procession is set to begin at midday, with the first floats expected to finish after approximately 90 minutes.
Candlelit Vigil (25th of August): The festival concludes with a poignant Candlelit Vigil in Sackville Gardens, offering a moment of reflection and remembrance. This serene gathering honours the lives lost to HIV/AIDS and celebrates the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community

Manchester Pride 2025 promises to be a celebration of love, unity, and community spirit. Whether you’re attending Mardi Gras, marching in the Parade, or enjoying the festivities in the Gay Village, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ life and culture in the heart of Manchester.

While many events are free to attend, the Gay Village Party and Mardi Gras are ticketed. Purchasing a ticket supports the Manchester Pride Community Fund, which aids LGBTQ+ causes in Greater Manchester. Additionally, Manchester Pride offers one free personal assistant per ticket holder to ensure accessibility.

You can get tickets to Pride by clicking here

For a full list of what’s on, check out our what’s on guide.

This article was last updated 17 seconds ago.
It was first published on 7 June 2024 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]

Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here.

For the love of Manchester...

Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!