What’s On in Manchester in August 2026

Updated July 2026

Wondering what’s on in Manchester in August 2026? August is usually a little quieter in the city centre, with some venues taking time to close, reset or carry out repairs before the busy autumn and Christmas season kicks in.

That said, there’s still plenty happening, especially for families during the summer holidays. Think museum days, free events, theatre, live music, food, festivals and easy last-minute things to do when everyone’s starting to get a bit “I’m bored”.

Planning a budget-friendly day out? Have a look at our guide to museums and galleries in Manchester for free and rainy-day-friendly ideas, or our roundup of free places to visit in Greater Manchester over the summer holidays. Don’t forget our guide to the best parks in Manchester for easy outdoor ideas too!

This guide will be updated throughout August, so bookmark it and check back for new events.

Disclosure: This post may contain adverts and affiliate links. Please always check details directly with venues before setting off, especially dates, times, prices, age guidance and whether booking is required.

🎟️ Event Spotlight (Top of Page) 🐝

Want your event to be seen first? Yes, you do!
Book a highlighted spot at the top of this August events guide, plus a listing below.

📩 Get in touch for rates + availability.
Please send your event info, ticket link and a press image.

Sponsored features are clearly marked as AD/Sponsored.

What’s Happening in Manchester in August

1st August

Manchester City vs Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 12:30pm. Pre-season friendly match.
Manchester United vs Atlético Madrid at Old Trafford. Kick off at 2pm. Pre-season friendly match.
SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £28.50.
Rocky Horror Show at the Palace Theatre. Event slots at 4:30pm and 8:30pm. Tickets from £39.52.
Fun Home (starring Nigel Harman) at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Arena Games at AO Arena.
80’s Day Party at Freight Island. Event from 3pm – 10pm. Tickets from £7.
Bingo Jamz Manchester at Freight Island. Event from 7pm – 10pm. Tickets from £20.90.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
MegaCon Live at Manchester Central (GMex!). Event from 9am – 6pm. Tickets from £24 – Kids under 10 years go FREE.
Ramp on the Roof at Depot Mayfield. Event from 11am – 5pm. Tickets £16.77 (adults) and £11.27 (under 16’s) – more ticket options available.
Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival. Event from 10am – 8pm Tickets from £11.95 (adults), £7.95 (5-16 years) – under 5’s FREE. Weekend tickets available.
Little HOME Free Family Festival at HOME Manchester. Various events run from 10am. FREE- FAMILY.
Manchester Mega Mela at Platt Fields Park Manchester. Event from 12pm – 9pm.
Radar Festival at Victoria Warehouse. Event from Tickets from £66.50 for day ticket – whole weekend ticket Fri/Sat/Sun £188.60.

2nd August

SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 4pm and 8pm. Tickets from £28.50.
Sabri Sisters Live at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £36.
Hit & Run with Alix Perez – Spring/Summer Series at Freight Island (Plant Room). Event from 12pm – 10pm. FREE – Family.
Vinyl Painting at Kargo.MKT. Event from 11am – 12:30pm. Tickets from £15.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
MegaCon Live at Manchester Central (GMex!). Event from 10am – 5pm. Tickets from £18 – Kids under 10 years go FREE.
Ramp on the Roof at Depot Mayfield. Event from 11am – 8pm. Tickets £16.77 (adults) and £11.27 (under 16’s) – more ticket options available.
Country Day Party at Gorilla Manchester. Event from 3pm – 8pm. Tickets from £10.
Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival. Event from 10am – 8pm Tickets from £11.95 (adults), £7.95 (5-16 years) – under 5’s FREE. Weekend tickets available.
Little HOME Free Family Festival at HOME Manchester. Various events run from 10am. FREE- FAMILY.
Manchester Mega Mela at Platt Fields Park Manchester. Event from 12pm – 9pm.
A Summer Afternoon in Platt Fields Park (Shakespearean Garden). Event from 11am – 5pm. Tickets are £5.
Radar Festival at Victoria Warehouse. Event from Tickets from £66.50 for day ticket – whole weekend ticket Fri/Sat/Sun £188.60.

3rd August

Over 30’s Day Disco at Gorilla Manchester. Event from 3pm – 8pm. Tickets from £9.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
National Play Day at Whitworth Park Manchester. Event from 11am – 3pm.

4th August

SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £28.50.
Miss Saigon at the Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £31.20.
Disco with Bluey at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.

5th August

SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £28.50.
In The Night Garden at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 10am and 12pm. Tickets from £22.50. FAMILY.
Summer Dance Days (ages 9-12 years) at The Lowry (Studio 3). Event from 10am to 3:30pm. Tickets are from £25 (Salford Residents) and standard, from £30.
Miss Saigon at the Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £20.80) and 7:30pm (tickets from £31.20).
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Cosmic Carnival Show (live performances) at the Trafford Centre. Event at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Play Day at Manchester Central Library. Event from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. FREE – FAMILY.
National Play Day at Collyhurst Park Manchester. Event from 1pm – 2:30pm. FREE – FAMILY.
National Play Day at Crowcroft Park Manchester. Event from 11am – 2pm. FREE – FAMILY.
National Play Day at Boggart Hole Clough Manchester. Event from 11am – 2pm. FREE – FAMILY.
National Play Day at Fog Lane Park Manchester. Event from 2pm – 4pm. FREE – FAMILY.
One Manchester Community Fun Day at Birchfields Park. Event from 11am – 2pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Z-Arts National Play Day at Hulme Park. Event from 11am – 1pm. FREE – FAMILY.
National Play Day – with UK Sports Coaching at Plant Hill Park. Event from 12pm – 2pm. FREE – FAMILY.
National Play Day at Debdale Park. Event from 11am – 2pm. FAMILY – FREE.
National Play Day at Alexandra Park. Event from 10am – 12pm. FAMILY – FREE.
National Play Day at Chorlton Park. Event from 1pm – 5pm. FAMILY – FREE.
National Play Day at Platt Fields Park. Event from 11am – 1pm. FAMILY – FREE.
Bikeright Play Day at Wythenshawe Park. Event from 11am – 2pm. FAMILY – FREE.
Play Day at the Place at Platt Lane. Event from 12pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Play Day at Burnage/ Wythenshawe, Withington, Barlow Moor, Brooklands, Northernden, Arcadia, North City, Newton Heath, Beswick, New Moston, Miles Platting, Avenue, Abraham Moss libraries. Events from 12pm. FREE – FAMILY.

6th August

Emergency Services Day at Trafford Centre (car parks 10 & 11 outside the Great Hall). Event from 10am – 4pm. FREE – FAMILY.
SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £28.50.
In The Night Garden at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 10am and 12pm. Tickets from £22.50. FAMILY.
Summer Dance Days (ages 13-16 years) at The Lowry (Studio 3). Event from 10am to 3:30pm. Tickets are from £25 (Salford Residents) and standard, from £30.
Miss Saigon at the Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm (Signed Performance). Tickets from £20.80.
Hotel Milano – Cocktail Club at Freight Island (Inside). Event from 4pm – 11pm.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Cosmic Carnival Show (live performances) at the Trafford Centre. Event at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Summer Holiday Fun For Children (aimed at Primary school age) at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 10:30am – 11:30am. FREE – FAMILY – no booking required.
Manchester Samgram at Heaton Park.

Want first dibs on new listings and personal picks? Join our newsletter or follow us on Facebook for regular updates and inspiration!

7th August

SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 6pm and 8:30pm. Tickets from £28.50.
Miss Saigon at the Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £26. Audio Described.
In The Night Garden at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 10am/ 12pm and 3pm. Tickets from £22.50. FAMILY.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Manchester Samgram at Heaton Park.

8th August

Peter Kay Live at the AO Arena. Event from 6:3pm. Tickets from £52.63 (lowest resale price at the time of writing).
SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 4pm and 8pm. Tickets from £28.50.
In The Night Garden at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 10am/ 12pm and 3pm. Tickets from £27.50. FAMILY.
Miss Saigon at the Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £61.40) and 7:30pm (tickets from £41.60).
RnB Lovers (Summer Weekender) at Freight Island. Event from 3pm – 10pm. Tickets from £22.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival in Rochdale Town Centre. Event from 11:30am – 10:45pm. Tickets (currently) from £35.
Manchester Caribbean Carnival at Alexandra Park. Event from 7am!
Haigh Food & Drink Festival at Haigh Hall Park. Event from 10am – 8pm. FREE to attend.
Manchester Samgram at Heaton Park.

9th August

Manchester City vs Atlético Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 12pm. Pre-season friendly match.
SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 2pm. Tickets from £28.50.
In The Night Garden at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 10am/ 12pm and 3pm. Tickets from £27.50. FAMILY.
RnB Lovers (Summer Weekender) at Freight Island. Event from 3pm – 10pm. Tickets from £22.
Mini Disco with the Princess and the Red Rose at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Manchester Caribbean Carnival at Alexandra Park. Event from 7am!
Haigh Food & Drink Festival at Haigh Hall Park. Event from 10am – 6pm. FREE to attend.
Manchester Samgram at Heaton Park.
Totally Stockport Krazy Races at Chestergate, Stockport Town Centre. Event from 10:45am – 5pm. FREE – FAMILY.

10th August

Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Theatre tour at the Palace Theatre. Event starts at 11am (1 hour 40 mins duration). Tickets from £14.50.
Musical Theatre Masterclass at the Palace Theatre (ages 7-11 years). Event from 10am – 4:15pm. Tickets from £45.

11th August

SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £28.50.
Dear Zoo at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. Tickets from £23. FAMILY.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.

12th August

Manchester United vs Leeds at Old Trafford. Kick off at 7:30pm. Pre-season friendly match.
SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 6pm and 8:30pm. Tickets from £28.50.
Dear Zoo at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. Tickets from £23. FAMILY.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Cosmic Carnival Show (live performances) at the Trafford Centre. Event at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. FREE – FAMILY.

13th August

SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £23.50.
Dear Zoo at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. Tickets from £23. FAMILY. Both slots are Relaxed Performances.
Hotel Milano – Cocktail Club at Freight Island (Inside). Event from 4pm – 11pm.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Cosmic Carnival Show (live performances) at the Trafford Centre. Event at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Summer Holiday Fun For Children (aimed at Primary school age) at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 10:30am – 11:30am. FREE – FAMILY – no booking required.

14th August

SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 6pm and 8:30pm. Tickets from £28.50.
Dear Zoo at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am (tickets from £23) and 1:30pm (tickets from £18.50). FAMILY.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at the Palace Theatre. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £20.36.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.

Yellow tram on the Metrolink line running down St, Peter's Square in Manchester.

15th August

SIX at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 4pm and 8pm. Tickets from £23.50.
Dear Zoo at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. Tickets from £23. FAMILY.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at the Palace Theatre. Event slots at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Tickets from £20.36.
Summer Open Air Festival at Freight Island (outside). Event from 2pm – 10pm. Tickets from £22.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Black Gold Arts: Summer Festival at Aviva Studios. Event from 12pm. FREE – FAMILY.

16th August

Joji – Solaris Tour with guest Tommy Richman at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £67.20.
Dear Zoo at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. Tickets from £23. FAMILY.
Reggae Brunch MCR at Freight Island (Platform). Event from 2pm – 7pm. Tickets from £30.50.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
UK B-Boy Championships – World Breaking Finals 2026 at Aviva Studios. Event from 3pm – 9pm.
Stopford House Party at Stopford House, Piccadilly, Stockport Town Centre. Event from 12pm – 5pm. FAMILY.

17th August

ATG Inspire Presents – Project Musical 2026 (ages 12 – 19 years) at the Palace Theatre. Event from 11am. Tickets are £210.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.

18th August

Hollywood Vampires – with special guest The Jesus and Mary Chain at the AO Arena. Event from 6pm. Tickets from £66.50.
Kids Crafts – Make your own paper spinners at Kargo.MKT. Event from 11am – 1pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY

19th August

Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Cosmic Carnival Show (live performances) at the Trafford Centre. Event at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. FREE – FAMILY.

20th August

Hotel Milano – Cocktail Club at Freight Island (Inside). Event from 4pm – 11pm.
Blend & Shake Cocktail Making Masterclass at Kargo.MKT. Event from 7pm – 9pm. Tickets from £33.22.
Kevin Bridges – Here If You Need Me tour at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 8pm to 11pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets from £64.94 (resale).
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Cosmic Carnival Show (live performances) at the Trafford Centre. Event at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Summer Holiday Fun For Children (aimed at Primary school age) at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 10:30am – 11:30am. FREE – FAMILY – no booking required.

21st August

Kevin Bridges – Here If You Need Me tour at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 8pm to 11pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets from £64.07 (resale).
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
The Cure at Wythenshawe Park. Event from 4:30pm – 11pm. Sold Out.

22nd August

High School Musical (with Jason Donovan and Kaycee Stroh) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £32.50.
We Love Pop Fest (celebrating the late 90’s and 00’s pop classics) at Freight Island (outside). Event from 2pm – 10pm. Tickets from £23.35.
Taylor Swift Brunch at Freight Island (Mezz bar). Event from 11:30am – 4pm. Tickets from £27.75.
Kevin Bridges – Here If You Need Me tour at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 8pm to 11pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets from £56.05 (resale).
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Lewis Capaldi at Wythenshawe Park. Event from 4pm – 11pm. Tickets from £80.85.
Magic of Thailand Festival at Platt Fields Park. Event from 10am – 7pm. Tickets are £6 – under 15’s are FREE.
Festa Italiana Manchester at Cathedral Gardens Manchester. Event from 12pm – 9pm.

Sign for the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester beneath a cloudy sky.

23rd August

Manchester City vs Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 2pm. Premier League match.
High School Musical (with Jason Donovan and Kaycee Stroh) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 2pm. Tickets from £32.50.
Trevor Nelson – Soul Nation at Freight Island (outside). Event from 3pm – 10pm. Tickets from £20.79.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Magic of Thailand Festival at Platt Fields Park. Event from 10am – 7pm. Tickets are £6 – under 15’s are FREE.
Festa Italiana Manchester at Cathedral Gardens Manchester. Event from 12pm – 10pm.

24th August

Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Theatre tour at the Palace Theatre. Event starts at 11am (1 hour 40 mins duration). Tickets from £14.50.
Festa Italiana Manchester at Cathedral Gardens Manchester. Event from 12pm – 9pm.

25th August

Wednesday (with Joe Harvey-Whyte & Bobby Lee) at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm to 11pm. Tickets from £29.95.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Theatre tour at the Palace Theatre. Event starts at 11am (1 hour 40 mins duration). Tickets from £14.50.

26th August

High School Musical (with Jason Donovan and Kaycee Stroh) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £32.50.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Cosmic Carnival Show (live performances) at the Trafford Centre. Event at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. FREE – FAMILY.

27th August

High School Musical (with Jason Donovan and Kaycee Stroh) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £32.50.
Hotel Milano – Cocktail Club at Freight Island (Inside). Event from 4pm – 11pm.
Kevin Bridges – Here If You Need Me tour at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 8pm to 11pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets from £64.94 (resale).
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Cosmic Carnival Show (live performances) at the Trafford Centre. Event at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. FREE – FAMILY.
Summer Holiday Fun For Children (aimed at Primary school age) at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 10:30am – 11:30am. FREE – FAMILY – no booking required.

28th August

African Heritage Festival at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £45. Over 16’s upwards.
High School Musical (with Jason Donovan and Kaycee Stroh) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £32.50.
Kevin Bridges – Here If You Need Me tour at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 8pm to 11pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets from £63.78 (resale).
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Manchester Village Pride at the Gay Village Manchester. Event from 12pm – 6am. Tickets from £22.40 (day tickets) and £33.60 (weekend tickets).
Pulp at Wythenshawe Park. Event from 4:30pm – 11pm. Sold Out.
Bolton Food and Drink Festival across Bolton Town Centre.

29th August

High School Musical (with Jason Donovan and Kaycee Stroh) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £32.50.
Back to the 90’s Festival at Freight Island (outside). Event from 3pm – 11pm. Tickets from £16.50.
Kevin Bridges – Here If You Need Me tour at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 8pm to 11pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets from £64.94 (resale).
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Manchester Village Pride at the Gay Village Manchester. Event from 12pm – 6am. Tickets from £22.40 (day tickets) and £33.60 (weekend tickets).
The Courteeners (plus The Vaccines) at Wythenshawe Park. Event from 3pm – 11pm. Sold Out.
Bolton Food and Drink Festival across Bolton Town Centre.
Proud Fest at Great Northern Warehouse.
Live From The Grill at Depot Mayfield (rooftop). Slots from 11:30am – 4pm and 5:30pm – 10pm. Tickets from £10 (early bird) – £15 (standard).

30th August

Manchester United vs Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. Kick off at 4:30pm. Premier League match.
High School Musical (with Jason Donovan and Kaycee Stroh) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm (Captioned Performance) and 7pm. Tickets from £32.50.
All Day Indie Day Party – Open Air Festival at Freight Island (outside). Event from 3pm – 10pm. Tickets from £15.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Manchester Village Pride at the Gay Village Manchester. Event from 12pm – 6am. Tickets from £22.40 (day tickets) and £33.60 (weekend tickets).
The Prodigy at Wythenshawe Park. Event from 3pm – 11pm. Tickets from £73.35.
Bolton Food and Drink Festival across Bolton Town Centre.
Live From The Grill at Depot Mayfield (rooftop). Slots from 11:30am – 4pm and 5:30pm – 10pm. Tickets from £10 (early bird) – £15 (standard).

31st August – BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

SYD at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £32.50.
Raver Tots – Ultimate Family Dance Party at Freight Island. Event from 12pm – 4pm. Tickets from £16. FAMILY.
CA7RIEL & PACO AMOROSO – Free Spirits World Tour at O2 Apollo Manchester. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets from £47.35.
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre. Event from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets from £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book. FAMILY.
Manchester Village Pride at the Gay Village Manchester. Event from 12pm – 6am. Tickets from £22.40 (day tickets) and £33.60 (weekend tickets).
Bolton Food and Drink Festival across Bolton Town Centre.

Castlefield Basin in Manchester with narrowboats on the canal, a historic viaduct, and modern buildings in the background.

Wrapping Up What’s Happening In Manchester In August

August in Manchester may be a little calmer in the city centre, but there’s still plenty to keep families busy during the summer holidays. From outdoor festivals and park days to theatre, food events and indoor adventures, there are lots of easy ways to get out and enjoy the city.

Need more ideas? Take a look at our guide to the best parks in Manchester for simple outdoor plans, or read more about the PAC-MAN LIVE Experience in Manchester if you fancy something a bit different indoors.

Spotted an event we’ve missed? Let us know the details and we’ll happily update the guide.

Want the best of Manchester delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to our What’s On Guide for fresh updates all month long.

What’s On in Manchester in August 2026: Events, Family Days Out & Summer Holiday Ideas