Looking for the best things to do in Manchester this August? From colourful Pride celebrations and live music festivals, to family friendly events, food markets and global theatre productions, the city is full of exciting ways to make the most of summer in Manchester. At Northern Group, we’ve rounded up our top picks of events in Manchester and things to do this August, perfect whether you’re a local resident, new to the city or visiting Manchester. Here's what’s on in Manchester this month!
Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival
August 2nd & 3rd
📍Heaton Park
One of Manchester’s favourite summer festival returns to Heaton Park for an even bigger and bolder edition, transforming one of Europe’s largest urban parks into a lively celebration of food, drink, live music, arts, and craft markets. With an huge street food line-up, artisan stalls, live chef demos, family entertainment, and workshops like the Foodie Olympics, it’s a vibrant day out for all ages. Also, for fans who missed out on tickets to Oasis’s sold‑out reunion shows at Heaton Park in July, there’s a treat in store! ‘Standing on the Shoulder of Oasis,’ a brilliant tribute act are bringing all the Oasis classics to life at the festival on Saturday, August 2nd. If you enjoy food, live music and a festival atmosphere, this is the perfect space to embrace the last of Summer and the Mancunian spirit!
Manchester Pride
August 15th – 25th
📍Across Manchester City Centre
One of the city’s most iconic festivals returns this month, as Manchester Pride takes over the city centre with a ten-day celebration of LGBTQ+ life, love, and culture. And this year brings an exciting new addition, Mardi Gras at Depot Mayfield and Freight Island, a two-day celebration with drag royalty, DJs, cabaret, and queer joy. The beloved Gay Village Party will once again take place along Canal Street across four vibrant days, featuring everything from cabaret and live music performances, to funfair rides and a silent disco. Headliners include Olly Alexander and Billy Porter! The iconic Love Parade is of course back, a powerful and colourful march through the streets of Manchester celebrating equality and acceptance through incredible outfits, props and vehicles. There’s also a Candlelit Vigil in Sackville gardens to end the festival on a moment of reflection. Make sure to get involved in this year’s Manchester Pride, it promises to be unforgettable!
Teletech Festival
August 2nd – 3rd
📍Bowlers Exhibition Centre
Teletech Festival returns to Manchester this summer, staging its largest techno event yet at Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Trafford Park. Now its fourth year at the venue, Teletech brings together acclaimed headliners including Alex Farell B2B Sikoti, Basswell, and Faster Horses, alongside an impressive roster of emerging talent and DJs across techno, acid, and house genres. Running from 1pm to 5am with a pre-party on Friday night and an 18 hour main event on Saturday, Teletech delivers non-stop energy and immersive warehouse rave vibes. Born in Manchester and known globally for its intensity and rave scene, this festival continues to make its mark as one of the UK's leading electronic music events.
Prestwich Pride
August 8th – 10th
📍Prestwich Village
Prestwich Pride returns this summer for a joyful, inclusive weekend celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and community. It promises a vibrant mix of live performances, family-friendly activities, and late-night entertainment all within the up and coming, trendy village of Prestwich. There’s a diverse lineup featuring crowd favourites and emerging talent, previous years have included appearances from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK stars and acclaimed DJs. More than just a party, Prestwich Pride is rooted in community spirit, with proceeds supporting local LGBTQ+ charities and initiatives. It’s the perfect feel good celebration just north of the city, bringing together people of all ages to honour love, pride, and progress. An early pride week celebration on a smaller, local scale.
The Trafford Centre’s Summer Fair
Throughout the whole of August
📍Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre’s much loved fairground is back and bigger than ever! From thrilling rides like the Star Flyer and Sea Storm to classic beach vibes with a giant sandpit and splash park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Perfect family fun, featuring the brand-new Summer Activity Zone, where kids can get creative in a space packed with free, hands-on crafts and weekly themed fun, indoor and outdoor so they can enjoy rain or shine! There are sweet treats to enjoy including Belgian waffles, Cheshire ice cream, churros and more. There’s also the option of an all-inclusive wrist band to unlock exclusive offers, including free ice creams, coffees and discounts for the rest of Summer. There’s plenty to do to fill a whole day out!
Wythenshawe Games
August 3rd & 4th
📍Wythenshawe Park
Looking for a fun, free family day out this August? Wythenshawe Games is back and bigger than ever, bringing an action packed weekend of sport and community spirit to Wythenshawe Park. Running from 11am to 4pm, this drop-in event has something for everyone, from fun activities and inclusive sports to arts, crafts, and storytelling for under-5s. Young people aged 11–19 can take part in two hours of free sports and games, while families can enjoy hands-on workshops and live entertainment throughout the day. There’s even an Inclusive Sports Day hosted by Better Things, ensuring everyone gets a chance to join in the fun. No booking required, you can just turn up and get involved!
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
From 20th August
📍Palace Theatre
The iconic and revolutionary Moulin Rouge is coming to the Palace Theatre in Manchester, bringing the glamour, energy and romance of Baz Luhrmann’s much-loved film to the stage. The show blends the glamorous love story with a mix of iconic pop songs and stunning costumes and choreography. Expect a fun, feel good night out full of music and incredible live performances, celebrating truth, beauty and empowerment!
Festwich
30th & 31st August
📍Heaton Park
Get ready for the UK’s ultimate tribute festival experience as Festwich returns to Heaton Park for another unforgettable weekend of music, food, and family fun. Now in its 12th year, this beloved festival continues to grow and offer a high-energy lineup of tribute acts of some of the world’s biggest bands and artists, including Coldplay, Slipknot, Amy Winehouse, Muse, Eminem, The Killers, Elvis, Paramore, Green Day, Blink-182, Sum 41, and many more. Acrossthe weekend, you can relive the magic of your favourite rock legends, explore a thrilling funfair, indulge in delicious street food, sip on drinks from the bars, and there’s the option to upgrade your experience in the VIP areas. With its new home in Heaton Park, Festwich has become more accessible, family-friendly, and more fun than ever and is all at a very affordable price.
Swiftogeddon
August 22nd
📍Freight Island
Calling all Swifties! A whole night dedicated to Taylor swift is returning to Freight Island this August! Swiftogeddon, is the ultimate Taylor Swift club night, where fans can enjoy non-stop Taylor songs, including extended mixes, fan favourites, from old school Taylor to all the biggest hits, in a lively, club night setting with fellow Swifties!
Just a short walk from Piccadilly Station, Freight Island is one of Manchester’s most unique venues, bringing together food, drink and culture, with huge indoor and outdoor areas. Freight Island is hosting a packed programme of events this August, from family-friendly activities to Bingo Lingo, to themed music nights including Reggae sessions and Indie takeovers. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this Summer, check out what other events they have coming up!
Chicago the Musical
August 25th – 30th
📍The Lowry
The west-end hit musical Chicago comes to Salford’s The Lowry,this August for one week only! Bringing sass, drama, killer choreography and an iconic soundtrack including ‘All that Jazz’ and Cell Block Tango’ the show will tell the famous story of Roxie Hart as she navigates fame, scandal, and the justice system in the roaring twenties. The stars performing in this run of shows include Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara as Roxie, Brenda Edwards as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, and Darren Day as Billy Flynn. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the iconic & powerful show in Salford!
National Children’s Orchestra
August 10th
📍The Bridgewater Hall
Experience the talented National Children’s Orchestra as they take to the stage at The Bridgewater Hall with their powerful There’s No Planet B programme. The concert features an inspiring mix of classical favourites, including Sibelius’ Finlandia and Holst’s Jupiter, alongside contemporary works like Debbie Wiseman’s Carnival of the Endangered Animals and Rachel Portman’s Endangered. Expect a moving performance with personal reflections from the young musicians themselves, who will share their thoughts on music and the environment. This marks the final performance of their season after a summer of rehearsals and creativity a brilliant, family friendly afternoon full of talent and heart.