Manchester: festivals

Festivals in Manchester at a glance

Our Manchester calendar has 4 listings under festivals: 1 with fixed dates and 3 whose next dates are not yet announced. Every listing links to its organiser, so check opening times and tickets there before you travel.

When they happen

• Jan0 listings
• Feb0 listings
• Mar0 listings
• Apr0 listings
• May0 listings
• Jun0 listings
• Jul1 listing
• Aug1 listing
• Sep0 listings
• Oct1 listing
• Nov0 listings
• Dec1 listing

The busiest months for festivals here are July, August, October and December, counting each month an event runs in. Months for listings without confirmed dates come from the organiser's usual timing, so treat them as a guide.

What our Manchester guide says about those seasons:

Summer (June to August)

The best weather for canalside drinks and walks in Castlefield and Salford Quays. Book popular restaurants ahead.

Autumn (September to November)

Quieter streets, and a busy programme at theatres, concert halls and the music venues.

Winter (December to February)

Short days, but the city centre hosts Christmas markets in the run-up to Christmas. Manchester City Council publishes the dates each year.

Where they happen

• Manchester city centre · 2 listings
• Science and Industry Museum · Castlefield & the Canals
• Venues across Manchester

Other events in Manchester

• Music 2
• Sport 1
• Arts & exhibitions 1
• Markets 1

Festivals elsewhere

Festivals across the UK: 55 listings in London and our other destinations. By destination:

• Cambridge 5
• Edinburgh 5
• Oxford 4
• York 4
• Glasgow 3
• Bath 2
• Bristol 2
• Cornwall 2
• The Cotswolds 2
• Northern Ireland 2
• The Peak District 2
• The Scottish Highlands 2
• Wales 2
• The Jurassic Coast 1
• The Lake District 1
• Liverpool 1

Plan the rest of your visit

• Manchester guide: areas, sights, food and stays
• Getting around Manchester
• Where to stay in Manchester
• Every event in Manchester