Things to do in Manchester and the North

Unmissable things to do in Manchester and the North

Discover acclaimed music and stand-out exhibitions, groundbreaking theatre, family, cinema and literary events in Manchester and the North.

We are so grateful to National Lottery players, The National Lottery, DCMS and Arts Council England for supporting our freelance writers during this crisis.

Theatre 12–18 July 2021, from £10

Little LTF – Liverpool Theatre Festival of New Works at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church

The perfect teaser event for Liverpool Theatre Festival in September – Little LTF offers audiences the chance to experience an eclectic programme of brand-new performance.

Families Until 20 June 2021, FREE

University of Manchester Community Festival 2021

Free digital festival with interactive, behind-the-scenes access to world-changing discovery in the fields of arts, science, languages and medicine.

Exhibitions 2–10 July 2021, FREE

I Love You Too – part of Manchester International Festival 2021

Kemang Wa Lehulere collaborates with 11 Manchester writers and over 100 residents of the city to create a surprising collection of love letters – a new book for Central Library.

Literature 7–18 July 2021, FREE

Notes On Grief – part of Manchester International Festival 2021

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s powerful reflection on family, love and loss journeys from page to stage in Rae McKen’s new production.

Exhibitions 10–11 July 2021, FREE

Arcadia – part of Manchester International Festival 2021

Be the first to experience new work at MIF’s future year-round home with a special installation bringing the natural world into the heart of the city – created especially for the site by director Deborah Warner.

Activity 26–30 July 2021, FREE

A Week with PINS from Brighter Sound

Brighter Sound are offering the chance for early career musicians aged 16-21 to spend a week creating, learning and collaborating with PINS.

Cocoa Butter Club play at Refract: 21 Festival.

Festivals 22–31 July 2021,

REFRACT:21 at Waterside

Trafford’s flagship arts festival returns to Waterside for ten days of experiential performance and cultural delight.

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Classical Music Until 22 July 2021, from £18.50

The Hallé Summer Season 2021 at The Bridgewater Hall

The Hallé returns to The Bridgewater Hall in glorious style this summer, with six thrilling concerts for audiences to experience in person.

Exhibitions 10 July–19 September 2021, FREE

Yorkshire Sculpture International 2021

The second edition of Yorkshire Sculpture International – the UK’s largest dedicated sculpture festival – opens this summer.

Exhibitions Until 3 January 2022, from £6

Use Hearing Protection: The Early Years of Factory Records at the Science and Industry Museum

Use Hearing Protection tells the story of Factory Records’ formative years from 1978-1982, when the label made waves with its innovative work in music, technology and design.

Exhibitions Until 31 August 2021,

Top Secret: From ciphers to cyber security at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester

TOP SECRET: the Science and Industry Museum digs into the history of British national security over the last 100 years.

Theatre 30 June–24 July 2021, from £15

Talent at Sheffield Crucible

Over four decades after it was first commissioned by Sheffield Theatre’s, Wood’s comedy masterpiece will return to the Crucible stage with an all-star cast.