Featured image: Dat Quang Nguyen

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Want to make the most of your summer this year? Leave it to aAh! Consult our list of balmy summer events from April to September (sunshine not guaranteed!)

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APRIL

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AFROBEATS & AMAPIANO CLUB NIGHT
04/04/2025
@The Union
Get ready for a night of pure vibes at The Union’s Afrobeats & Amapiano club night. With a stellar DJ spinning the best in infectious Afrobeats and soulful Amapiano, expect non-stop dancing and an electric atmosphere. This is the perfect night to bring your mates – or make some new ones on the dancefloor.

THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS
05/04/25
@ Bridgewater Hall
John Williams’ Star Wars score is unparalleled, and experiencing it live will be nothing short of a transcendental experience. Performed by the Hallé Orchestra and conducted by Steven Bell at the beautiful Bridgewater Hall, it’s a guaranteed wholesome and timeless night out.

MARY POPPINS THE MUSICAL
09-17/04/25
@ Palace Theatre
The classic multi award-winning musical is coming to the Palace Theatre for a limited time this April, and it’s a must-see for musical fans. The story of Mary Poppins is so ingrained in our collective consciousness that it will still be worth the night out for those who aren’t. Everyone knows these songs, whoever they are. 

KEIKEN – WORLD BUILDING AND THE NATURE OF REALITY
22/04/25-7/05/25
@ Modal Gallery 
Keiken will delve into powerful themes of interconnectedness, perception and immersion, exploring how relationships, energy and sensory experiences shape our reality in both digital and physical spaces. Join digital artist Jazmin Morris and the Keiken Collective as they present a thought-provoking selection of their groundbreaking work.

MACFEST 2025: LIVING BETTER TOGETHER
23/04/25
@ Manchester Central Library 
Two MBEs – Qaisra Shahraz and Erinma Bell – bring MACfest back to St Peter’s Square. Hosted by Darryl Morris, They will discuss  solutions to the problems faced by immigrants and strive for a more progressive society where all are safe and accepted.

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MAY

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NICE ONE BITTERSWEET EXHIBITION 
10/05/25
@ The Carlton Club 
Support local artists at the Carlton Club in Whalley Range this May. This multi-medium exhibition features more than 100 creatives exploring post-uni uncertainty, accompanied by sets from 12 DJs. A celebration of student resilience, it’s the perfect event for art lovers seeking inspiration and community. 

TYLER, THE CREATOR – CHROMAKOPIA: THE WORLD TOUR
27-28/05/25 8PM
@ Co-op Live
The ubiquitous Tyler, the Creator is performing in May at our beloved Co-op Live for his eighth studio album, Chromakopia. Featuring appearances from Lil Yachty and Paris Texas, there is no doubt this will be an insane evening of expertly crafted music and unforgettable performance art. 

NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEKENDER 
24-25/05/25
@ Victoria Park
If you’re big into music festivals, what better place to be than the Neighbourhood Weekender in Warrington? See big names like Stereophonics, The Wombats and Wunderhorse, plus  discover rising stars whose legacy may one day be just as legendary.

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JUNE

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BUNKER TALK #151: MANCHESTER ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS
03/06/25
@ The Salutation
MAFA presents a discussion on “Looking Back, Moving Forward – Creating, Collecting and Conserving Art in Manchester”. Contributors include Hannah Williamson, Curator of Fine Art at Manchester Art Gallery, MAFA Archivist Peter Davis and Wendy Levy, a gallerist in Manchester for 40 years. Chairing this latest Bunker Talks installment is Fionna Barber, a Reader in Art History at the Manchester School of Art.

FESTIVAL OF LIBRARIES 
4-8/06/25
@ Manchester 
It’s a sure thing that we do music right over here, but there’s also a notable community of future (and current) scholars, authors and poets, all of whom are looking for somewhere to showcase their passion. Last year, this fest included 115 events across five days, so expect great things from our committed libraries.

PARKLIFE FESTIVAL
14-15/06/25
@ Heaton Park
If you’re planning on joining everyone and their mum at Parklife for its 15th anniversary, you’re likely to catch huge names like Charli XCX, Jorja Smith and 50 Cent. What more do you need? 

PITBULL (FEAT. SHAGGY)
08/06/25
@ Co-op Live 
I’m not sure if I’m aging myself here or if Mr Worldwide is still as notorious as he used to be, but I’m certain there are a few readers who are very happy that he was included on this list. Throw in Shaggy, and an irrefutably amazing time is guaranteed at the Co-op.

BALL TOGETHER NOW
27/06/25 – 29/06/25
@ Manchester
Ahead of what is set to be a record breaking summer for women’s football, Ball Together Now Football Festival is a trans-inclusive annual football event for women and non-binary people. Founded by Manchester Laces and Pride Sports in 2022, the event will host live music and independent food and drink stalls.

BALLOONS & BEATS FESTIVAL
27-28/06/25
@ Platt Fields Park
Balloons & Beats is coming to Manchester for two days in June with electrifying music performances accompanied by a hot air balloon display. The festival features stunt shows, monster trucks and fairground rides – all the elements needed to keep nine to 90-year-olds happy!

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JULY

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SOUNDS OF THE CITY
2,4,5,9,11-12/07/25
@ Castlefield Bowl
A smorgasbord of artists from indie to rock to hip-hop, Sounds of the City really does sound just like the city. There is something for everyone and the vibe is electric. Expect The Black Keys, Rizzle Kicks and Elbow among many others.

ELIZABETH GASKELL’S HOUSE 10 YEAR EXHIBIT
06/07/25
@ Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Back in October, Elizabeth Gaskell’s house opened an exhibition to celebrate its 10th anniversary following its refurbishment. The last chance to attend is this July, and it would be a shame for any lovers of history and literature not to celebrate the struggle for this Mancunian landmark to breathe again.

OASIS
11, 12, 16, 19, 20/07/25
@ Heaton Park
Did you hear that Oasis have reunited? Apparently, it was huge news! Every single ticket is long sold out, often at ‘dynamic’ prices.

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AUGUST

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FONTAINES D.C. 
15/08/25
@ Wythenshawe Park 
Fontaines D.C. are coming to Manchester in August and it’s certain to be a big event. Special guests are Kneecap and English Teacher.

LILY PARR EXHIBITION
04/08/25
@ National Football Museum
Amidst the Women’s Euros this summer, the National Football Museum is opening a new exhibit honouring one of football’s first prolific female players, Lily Parr, a champion for women’s rights. The exhibit consists of never before seen pictures from the 1920s. 

SAM FENDER
16/08/25 
@ Wythenshawe Park 
It’s a guaranteed great night in Wythenshawe Park with Sam Fender and a special performance from Olivia Dean. You can expect an eclectic mix of passion-fuelled performances under the summer evening sky (clear sky not guaranteed).

FESTA ITALIANA
23-25/08/25 
@ Cathedral Gardens
Pizza, wine, and cannoli lovers – this one’s for you. Head to Cathedral Gardens this August for a celebration of all things Italian! Featuring live music, street food, cookery demonstrations and much, much more, this weekend-long festival is inspired by Manchester’s Italian heritage. Free entry and something delicious for everyone.

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SEPTEMBER

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SURPRISE CHEF
10/09/25
@ YES (The Pink Room)
If moody, cinematic jazz-funk is your thing, Surprise Chef’s gig at YES should be firmly on your radar. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, the quintet’s groove-heavy instrumentals draw from ‘70s film scores, soul and the kind of funk that hip-hop producers love to sample.

MARINA ABRAMOVIĆ: BALKAN EROTIC EPIC
Autumn 2025
@ Factory International
Marina Abramović returns with Balkan Erotic Epic, a bold large-scale performance premiering at Aviva Studios. Blending dance, ritual and traditional Balkan throat singing, the piece explores the eroticism woven into Balkan mythology. Expect a raw, visceral experience from the legendary performance artist, pushing boundaries in her signature style.

JAPAN WEEK
Early September 2025
@ Manchester
Manchester will be transformed into a hub of Japanese culture as it hosts Japan Week 2025. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the festival will showcase hundreds of performers, with arts, music, fashion and sports taking over the city. The free events coincide with EXPO 2025 in Osaka, making this a rare and unmissable cultural exchange.