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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.

Find out more
An open capsule on a beach at night. The image has a pink hue.
Factory International

Seasonal Guides

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If at First Main Image
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Mother and daughter play with smell interactive_Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You
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The Jungle Book at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Open Air Theatre in Manchester and the North

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Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994
Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.
Festival-goers at Green Island
Festivals

Here’s our guide to the best summer festivals with experiences taking place in a field or on the streets near you.
Summer Holidays: the best things to do with kids
Summer Holidays: the best things to do with kids

Check out our definitive and regularly updated guide of things to do with the family over the summer holidays.

Destinations

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

Exhibitions in the North

Galleries around the North are gearing up for a new season of exhibitions - from iconic art prizes to smaller, artist-led gems.

Wisp Press Image
Music in the North

From corrupted shoegaze to experimental electronica, post-hardcore to Indian classical, these are the shows that should be on your radar.

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...

Cinema in the North

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

Theatre in Manchester and the North
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.