Free things to do at MIF25

Creative Tourist

The wait is over – Manchester International Festival is back this summer. After two years of preparing yet another programme of exhilarating events, there are world-famous names and young talent from all corners of the world, right on our doorstep.

They say the best things in life are free and, as always, MIF has an array of free events to choose from. Everybody can get involved and take in the festival’s unique atmosphere.

Festival Square is back on the banks of River Irwell, hosting music and spoken word performances, family friendly events throughout the day and DJ-sets late into the night, all without having to reach for your wallet.

Elsewhere you’ll find giant animal puppets, Indigenous ceremonies and live art-making. Take a look at the events below to find out more and plan your perfect (free) MIF25 day out.

Our top picks

MIF25: An Inheritance at Manchester Art Gallery

An Inheritance at Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester, Until 2 November 2025, Free entry - Visit now

Manchester’s young people create a time capsule to capture the essence of their world today: the resulting exhibition is on display now and will be again in 100 years’ time.

An open capsule on a beach at night. The image has a pink hue.
Factory International
Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Cinema in the North

A host of Halloween horrors, experimental shorts, plus pioneering black British cinema make our October Cinema Guide.

Hofesh Shechter - Theatre of Dreams at Lowry
Theatre in the North

Theatre this month bursts with contrasts - from bold new writing and Black History Month highlights to contemporary arts and reimagined classics.

Poet Helen Mort.
Literature Events in the North

One to add to your TBR pile, our latest round-up is a bumper edition and features some amazing events in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and beyond...

Music in the North

From New York’s experimental underground to the most exciting sounds coming from local scenes, we're lining up a noisy autumn of gigs.

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries in the North are far from spooky this October - instead you'll find tactile sculptures, plant magic and curatorial experiments.