Top things to do in and around Manchester: June 2022

It's June, which means Jubilee bank hols, Father's day, and erm, slightly warmer weather? Ok, one of those hasn't really materialised yet, but one thing June can guarantee is a load of varied and exciting things to do in and around the city centre. 

We've done some other bits on festivals to attend this summer, an Amazônia exhibition at The Science and Industry Museum, and an aerial art performance at MediaCity, but Manchester is just so busy at the mo. Whether you're hankering for some Mancunian rum, interested in the city's efforts to combat climate change or fancy a day festival in Hulme Community Garden Centre, it's all going on. 

Read on for a round-up of the best things to do and see in Greater Manchester in June 2022.

Legacy: a way to live in the world | Saul Hay Gallery | Wednesday 1 June - Sunday 3 July

Mid-century modern stuff is all over the place at the minute. Think Harry Styles' latest album cover and the bottom floor of Pop Boutique. Forever keeping up with the Joneses, Saul Hay Gallery has followed suit with a mix of original works from mid-century modern artists and contemporary artists that are still working today. The whole exhibition is inspired by the "energy, lifestyle and understanding of a new way of life that reached its prominence in post-war Britain", and key artists of the genre like Francis Davison and Terry Frost are featured in the show. The Saul Hay is open every day Tuesday - Saturday. 

For Queen & County | Edgeley Park, Stockport | Thursday 2 June

We've already rammed the Jubilee and all its menu specials, neon art, and posh street parties down your throat in a separate round-up, but we forgot about the Queen tribute night at Stockport County's Edgely Park. Sacrilege, we know. 

Not really about the Queen herself, and more about the iconic rock band, the tribute band that stars in the West End show We Will Rock You is bringing a kind of magic to Stockport County's footie ground. The event runs throughout the evening from 6:30pm 'til 10:30pm and nosh will be provided by vendors like Great North Pie Co. Tickets are £20 for adults and £15 for under 18s, pensioners and students. There are plenty of seats left but the event is pretty soon so nab one sharpish. 

Manchester Histories Festival: The History of Climate Change | various city-centre venues | Wednesday 8 June - Sunday 12 June

Manchester Histories Festival brings "communities, individuals, cultural organisations, education institutes and charities together in a way that has never been done before". This year the festival is exploring the history of climate change and its future path through a whole host of free events all over the city centre.

There are different talks, exhibitions and performances across the five-day event in places like Central Library, Angel Meadow Park and The Monastery. Some highlights include a set from Manchester International Roots Orchestra and a create your own climate cartoon session with cartoonist Polyp. For a list of what's on just hop on the festival's site and a load of updates are available on social media too. 

Fashion & Beauty Show | The Fairways Lodge, Prestwich | Sunday 12 June 

I mean Prestwich is the Paris of Manchester, we already know that. The Fairways Lodge is therefore our answer to the Carrousel du Louvre and our version of Paris Fashion Week is taking place on Sunday 12 June. Bringing together the best local fashion and beauty businesses for an afternoon of demos, treatments and tips, So Prestwich has organised a show that covers everything from skincare to seamstresses. TV presenter Michelle Eagleton is compering the day and a load of big names in the health and beauty biz will be there to chat about their fields of expertise. Tickets are a fiver for the full afternoon and there will be loads of free samples and discounts on the day. 

Stained glass panel workshop | Healds Green Gallery, Oldham | Sunday 12 June

Learn the art of leaded stained glass making in Oldham. Yeah, you heard that right, you can spend the day learning a new crafty skill at Healds Green Gallery thanks to its calendar full of classes and workshops. With different patterns and designs to choose from, participants make a small-scale panel as they're guided through all of the stages and techniques required to make stained glass designs. The workshop is designed for complete beginners and all of the tools and materials are included in the £75 ticket price. It's important that you wear closed shoes and old clothes to prevent a trip to A&E, and refreshments are available throughout the day with the session running from 10am - 4pm. 

Manchester Camerata presents Charlie Chaplin's The Kid| HOME | Thursday 16 June

You know the man, bowler hat, moustache, doesn't talk much, well one of his most popular films The Kid is playing at HOME with a live orchestra. The plot revolves around a young mother who abandons her child with nothing but a note in his basket. Charlie Chaplin plays the role of The Tramp who takes the child under his wing and develops an irreplaceable bond, then things take a turn. I won't spoil the rest, but a 16-piece orchestra from Manchester Camerata is set to bring the silent masterpiece to life and it's running for one night only on Thursday 16 June. Tickets are £17 on general sale or £13.50 for concessions. 

Manchester Rum Festival | Mercure Manchester Piccadilly | Saturday 18 June

If you're a pirate, or just love a pina colada, a festival full of local rum should be right up your street. Returning for the fifth year running, the festival this year includes the debut of the world's best-selling rum from Tanduay and a local newcomer in the form of Tameside Distillers. Other exhibitors include Scratch, Diablesse and The Salford Rum Company. Not just about getting tipsy, the festival also has a live DJ and a pop-up food stall from Caribbean caterers Nyammin'. Tickets are £25 each and guests have to be 21+ - you can check out the full list of brands and exhibitors online now. 

Green Island Festival | Hulme Community Garden Centre | Saturday 18 June

A festival in a garden centre sounds like an absolute dream and connected to the Niamos Radical Arts centre, this spot in Hulme encourages nothing but good vibes. Green Island has a diverse mix of bands, DJs and speakers on a couple of different stages. The festival also champions "the ability to communicate through music and movement" and the idea is that you escape the hectic nature of city life in a community-led green space, opposing the gentrification of spots like Hulme. The music has a 70s disco, funk and house vibe and there are two more dates in July and September if you're busy on June 18. 

Manchester Day Parade| Across the city centre | Sunday 19 June

The Manchester Day parade weaves in and around the city centre every year, and with a vibrant mix of colour, music and dance, it's a good day out for all the fam. The parade itself is a mile long and this year's route is due to be announced soon so you can grab a good spot. Manchester Day celebrates all things Mancunian in the various city squares too, and a load of international foods, flavours and drinks will be showcased on Sunday. Keep your eye out online for the official line-up and applications to volunteer are still open for a few days too. 

Free Yoga Session | Angel Meadow Park | Friday 24 June

It's rare that yoga in Manchester is outdoors, inclusive, and free. Taking place on the last Friday of every month, Kate Tittley is changing all of this with free yoga sessions in Angel Meadow Park. As long as participants have a mat, an early morning alarm, and the ability to do a downward dog, you're all set. To book onto the session you just have to email meadowlife@meadowside-manchester.com and the 45 min stretch happens come rain or shine, so practice doing a child's pose in your wellies and a parka beforehand. The session runs from 8am - 8:45am on the Friday morning.

Góbéfest | Cathedral Gardens and Exchange Square | Friday 24 June - Sunday 26 June

"Where else can you eat kűrtőskalács (chimney cake) and mititiei (Romanian skinless sausages) and drink Csiki beer, whilst soaking up the sounds of a cimbalom, and marvelling at the kaleidoscope of swirling skirts worn by folk dancers from Szeklerland, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Poland?" - this is the intro for the Góbéfest press release and I think that's all you need. Done. 

If you're into celebrating the region of Transylvania and the Carpathian Basin (and who isn't?), this fest is your kinda fun. All about showcasing the music, dance, culture, food and drink of the region, there's folk music and dance as well as stuff for the family. All the events are free. 

GRUBstonbury| GRUB | Friday 24 June - Sunday 26 June

Red Bank is the new Worthy Farm this June as GRUBstonary brings a Glasto-themed weekend full of DJs, street food, and entertainment to this diverse space. Playing Glasto on the big screen with a bar takeover from Rockstar Spirits, it'll feel like you're there if you whack on a bum bag and some sequinned flares. To add an extra element of competitive festival fun, GRUB is putting on a "Best of Glasto Disco Bingo" and the full line-up is coming soon with acts such as Jamie Groovement already confirmed. GRUB expect that this event will be super popular, so you should reserve a table now to avoid disappointment.

Read next: Manchester Food and Drink Festival is back for its 25th Anniversary

Read again: Top things to do for the May half term in Manchester

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