Free gigs in hotel suites, soul legends at BOXPARK, immersive art and Irvine Welsh - here’s Liverpool in July
It was Alice Cooper that originally exclaimed "schooooools out for summer", and it's been exasperated parents that have dreaded it every July since. With school out and sun (hopefully) coming in, there's lots of days to fill. No worries, we've trawled the options so you don't have to.
From free gigs in hotel suites to soul legends at BOXPARK, immersive art, kids’ sessions and a certain Irvine Welsh returning with Renton and the gang, here’s your guide to what’s on in Liverpool this July.
Bridgerton Concert by Candlelight
25 July
It's been almost five years since most of us watched Simon and Daphne fall in love during the very first season of Bridgerton and some of us have been dreaming of a Regency style ball in our very own "ton" ever since. With the glow of a thousand candles adorned by a bed of blossoms, Candlelight's string quartet offers Liverpool the next best thing. Expect Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Sia hits reimagined with orchestral flare, the soundtrack to a perfectly musical date night or a chance to hear your favourite tracks from the show live.
Room Service Sessions
25 July
In celebration of Pride, Room Service Sessions brings their live gig series from the North East to the North West for its second ever edition, filling up the Townhouse Suite of INNSiDE Hotel with the folk-pop sounds of Zara Smile and the dreamy lyrics of Sara Wolff. With the city's skyline as a backdrop, this celebration of homegrown talent offers audience members the chance to experience live music in a uniquely stripped back setting and completely free of charge for a selected number of early ticket holders.
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet
15 July - 15 August
Step inside the works of Van Gogh and Monet as the immersive art of Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh return to the Exhibition Centre. Wander through glowing Sunflower Alley, stroll across Monet’s lily pond bridge and take part in yoga, pilates, meditation and painting sessions on selected dates. On 16 July guests can also opt for a premium ticket to enjoy a special evening dining experience, with a three-course meal and wine served among Monet’s dreamlike scenes.
Little Liverpool
July marks the start of the 6 week summer holidays and with it the constant search for the next thing to do with the kids. Running three classes on each of their opening days — and they're only closed on Mondays — the Museum of Liverpool are easing the strain for parents or carers of little ones interested in everything from animals to the ocean, transport to arts and crafts. The calendar is a mix of free 30 minute sessions as well as 45 minute sessions that are ticketed at £2.
Sounds Familiar Music Quiz
19 July
The music quiz that’s sold out the Camden Roundhouse and rocked Glastonbury is coming to Liverpool. Sounds Familiar lands at Cheers Big Ears for an epic brunch date this July packed with over 100 chart hits, guilty pleasures, mashups and party anthems. It’s the ultimate throwback bash disguised as a quiz – don’t miss it.
Rhythm & Roll
Every Thursday from 7:30pm
2025 has been all about the hunt for third spaces, and finding one that isn't the pub or the gym takes some doing. Still want to socialise and even get those endorphins going at a gentle level? Enter: IWF Rollerdrome. Every Thursday night you can lace up your skates and spin around the rink while the DJ spins disco, RnB and hip hop tunes. All abilities are welcome.
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival
11-20 July
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival is back this July, bringing a burst of colour, creativity and culture to venues across the city. From comedy nights to powerful theatre, family-friendly storytelling to boundary-pushing art exhibitions, there’s something to suit every age, mood and attention span. Highlights include Port Cities, an exhibition exploring Liverpool’s deep-rooted links with the Arab world, plus live music, film screenings and a free closing party at Sefton Park’s Palm House, complete with food, performance and plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Soulside Summer Soiree
12 July
If disco nostalgia and smooth soul are your thing, Soulside Summer Soiree at BOXPARK is worth getting your sequins on for. Heatwave top the bill — expect Boogie Nights and Always and Forever — with support from George McCrae of Rock Your Baby fame and Scouse favourite Angie Brown, known for I’m Gonna Get You. There’s also a run of tributes to Luther Vandross and Tina Turner, plus sets from Gary Barker, Dance Inc, Billy Strand and DJs Charlie Cee and Ant Chandler to round things off.
An Evening with Irvine Welsh
Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse
23 July
Trainspotting fans, take note — Irvine Welsh is back, and so are Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie. He’ll be at this special Liverpool event to launch Men In Love, the direct sequel to Trainspotting, set in the hedonistic haze of late-’80s rave culture. Expect stories of Thatcher-era Edinburgh, reflections on writing the gang’s next chapter and a conversation with The Farm’s Peter Hooton. Plus the chance to get your copy of the new book signed.
For the Record Day Party
5 July
The Botanical Garden, sun-trap pop up gin bar and pizza spot, is only open for the warmer half of the year. Make the most of it and head over to their house and disco day party for those al-fresco drinking vibes that you just don't get in the middle of January. If you've got the stamina, there's even an after-party at the Green Room.
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