Top 5 Things To Do In Manchester This Summer
Whether you’re a proud Mancunian or just visiting for the weekend, Manchester really comes to life in the summer. From food festivals to open-air cinemas, there’s something for everyone – no matter your vibe or budget.
Here are our top 5 picks for things to do in Manchester this summer – perfect for making memories, discovering new spots, or just soaking up the atmosphere.
1. Relax and Refuel at a Manchester Food Festival
Manchester has become one of the UK’s best foodie destinations – and summer is the ideal time to taste your way through it.
Some of the best summer festivals to check out:
- Manchester Eats Festival (Heaton Park): Expect street food, cooking demos from top chefs, live music and a kids’ village.
- GRUB Manchester (Red Bank): An indie food fair open every weekend, with rotating traders, vegan options and craft beer.
- Levenshulme Market: A community-run market every Saturday with food, drinks, vintage clothing and more.
💡 Pro tip: bring a picnic blanket and make a day of it!
2. Watch a Film Under the Stars
There’s something magical about watching a movie outdoors with a bag of popcorn and a cold drink in hand. Manchester has a few standout spots for open-air cinema this summer.
Top picks include:
- The Luna Cinema at Whitworth Hall – Think classic films, comfy deck chairs and stunning architecture as your backdrop.
- Outdoor Cinema Club at HOME – Independent films, cult favourites, and curated collections.
Many events are family-friendly or date-night-ready, and you can often bring your own food and drink.
🎬 Films tend to sell out fast, so book early if there’s something you really want to see.
3. Explore Hidden Gems and Green Spaces
You don’t have to go far to escape the city buzz. Manchester is full of parks, canals, and green hideaways perfect for summer walks or lazy afternoons.
Our favourites:
- Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens – A peaceful, wildlife-rich park in Didsbury with formal gardens, woodlands and the River Mersey nearby.
- Sackville Gardens – Right in the city centre, this small but beautiful space is home to the Alan Turing memorial and perfect for a quick lunchtime break.
- RHS Garden Bridgewater – Located in Salford, this huge garden is one of the UK’s newest and most impressive horticultural attractions. Visit: RHS Bridgewater
🚶♂️ Fancy a longer stroll? Try walking or cycling the Bridgewater Canal route towards Worsley for picturesque views and waterside pubs.
4. Soak Up the Vibes at a Live Event or Festival
Manchester’s music scene is legendary, and summer is packed with festivals, gigs and cultural events.
Here are some worth checking out:
🎤 Music & Culture
- Manchester International Festival (MIF) – A biennial celebration of new work across music, theatre, visual art and dance.
- Castlefield Bowl – Sounds of the City – This open-air venue hosts big-name artists throughout July in a unique setting.
🍻 Craft Beer & Cider
- Manchester Craft Beer Festival – Unlimited samples from dozens of breweries, live DJ sets, and street food stalls.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly
- Deansgate Summer Market – Food, pop-ups, entertainment and kids’ activities.
- Parklife Festival – For older teens and young adults, this is Manchester’s biggest summer music event, set in Heaton Park.
Make sure to check age restrictions and accessibility details before heading out.
5. Take a Day Trip from the City
Fancy a change of scenery? You don’t need to go far for a great summer day out.
🏞️ Nature & Outdoors
- The Peak District – Just an hour’s drive from Manchester, ideal for hiking, climbing or pub lunches in pretty villages.
- Tatton Park – Offers a stately home, gardens, deer park and farm. See what’s on: Tatton Park Events
🏖️ Urban Beaches & Outdoor Pools
- Sale Water Park – Go paddleboarding, take a swim or just enjoy the lake views from The Boathouse restaurant.
- Davyhulme Park – Great for kids to cool off (check ahead for open days).
🚗 No car? You can still explore plenty of these spots via train or tram. The Northern line and Metrolink have great links out of the city.
Bonus Tip: Summer Is the Perfect Time to Declutter!
If you’re doing a summer clear-out, prepping for a house move, or just need space to store garden furniture, camping gear or uni stuff…
We’ve got your back.
Why Choose Cheap Storage Manchester?
- Affordable, secure self storage units in central and south Manchester
- Ideal for short-term summer storage
- Easy access, 7 days a week
- No long contracts or hidden fees
Whether you’re storing festival kit, clearing your flat for summer sublets, or keeping valuables safe while you travel, we make it simple and cost-effective.
📦 Check our storage options here
Plan Ahead and Make the Most of It
Manchester’s summer might not be the longest, but it’s packed with opportunities to enjoy the best the city has to offer.
Quick tips to get the most from your plans:
- Book in advance – Popular events and restaurants fill up quickly
- Check the weather – Pack a poncho just in case – it is Manchester after all
- Use public transport – Trams and trains can save time and parking headaches
And if you need a little extra space to make your summer stress-free, you know where we are.
Need storage this summer?
👉 Visit Cheap Storage Manchester or give us a call – we’re happy to help.
Have fun out there!
