Immersive art, all-day raves and street parties galore, our guide to June in Manchester
Whether you’re easing into summer with a brass band in a botanical garden, getting lost in a 360-degree painting, or dancing off exam stress in a sweaty basement, the city has something to suit every mood and tempo this month. Expect a mix of free community festivals, theatrical heavy-hitters, day parties with a nostalgic twist and art that invites you to see the familiar in totally new ways.
Here’s our pick of what’s on in Manchester this June.
An evening with 'The Bard of Salford', Dr John Cooper Clarke
11 June
Spend an evening with the Bard of Salford himself as Dr John Cooper Clarke returns to his hometown for a one-off night of stories, word play and wit at Salford Lads Club. Joined in conversation by BBC broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake, and later by longtime manager Phil Jones, the punk poet laureate will reflect on his five-decade-long career, fresh off a record-breaking Co-op Live gig. Expect poetry, punchlines and possibly a few revelations, all in support of the club's youth projects. Tickets are £30, but hearing JCC's tales in this iconic venue? Priceless.
Sip and Paint
5 June
Brush off the day and paint your way into summer at this soulful Sip and Paint evening. Hosted by Cultureville and Black Creative Trailbalzers, the free event invites you to unwind with comforting scenes on canvas, live music from Tabi Gazele and Ayanam Udoma, and a sprinkle of retail therapy courtesy of Black-owned pop-ups. No experience? No problem. Just book in advance and bring your good vibes - everything else is provided.
GHOSTS OF GARAGE vs HIT & RUN - End of exams extravaganza
4 June
Your brain's done enough, let your feet do the work this time at Hidden where Ghosts of Garage and Hit & Run join forces for a night of UK Garage and Drum & Bass mayhem. Set in the gritty, graffitied depths of DownTex Mill, this warehouse rave promises a bass-heavy blowout with a lineup including Tim Reaper, Villager and Napes. Doors open at 11pm, with last entry at 1am - so grab your mates (there's even group tickets available) and prepare to dance your stress away until 4am.
Summer Music Sunday
18 May - 16 July
Sundays just got a whole lot smoother at RHS Garden Bridgewater, where Summer Music Sundays return to soundtrack your afternoon lounging from 2pm-4pm in the Wellbeing Garden. On 1 June, the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band brings Bhangra beats and Bollywood flair; 8 June sees roaming calypso-jazz from Cacophony Arkestra; and on 6 July, the Cadishead Public Band serves up stirring brass classics. With deckchairs, dancing, and garden admission only (or free for RHS members), it's the ultimate excuse to swap your sofa for sunshine and a soundtrack.
SLICE XC-XPRESS party bus to take over Manchester on Parklife weekend
Stationed by Trading Route at St. John's
15 June
An open-top party bus with a rotating line-up of surprise DJs, including the likes of Tom Zanetti, N-Trance and Habitat Collective, will be touring Manchester on 15 June as part of a one-day event from Slice Mobile. The SLICE XC-XPRESS will run three separate journeys, with free drinks on board and a different headliner on each trip. If you've got tickets to Parklife, they can even give you a lift. Tickets can’t be bought—hopefuls must enter a competition via the Slice Mobile app by 10 June.
Full T&Cs and details on how to enter can be found at www.slicemobile.com/festival
Puppies & Pottery
Paw Yoga, Manchester City Centre
24 June
From the hosts of puppy yoga and life sculpting classes comes Puppies & Pottery, a one-night-only event by Paw Yoga and ClayLife that blends sculpting ceramics with dachshund puppy therapy. Aimed at lowering stress levels while stimulating those creative juices, attendees will craft a positive affirmation pot, under the guidance of ClayLife experts, as small groups rotate through exclusive time in the puppy cuddle pen.
Lowry 360: Celebrating 25th anniversary
3 May - 31 August
Step inside a masterpiece as The Lowry celebrates its 25th anniversary with LOWRY 360, a free and fully immersive dive into LS Lowry's iconic painting Going to the Match. Created by digital wizards Layers of Reality, this six-minute spectacle surrounds visitors with the clatter, chatter and anticipation of a Saturday matchday, all brought to life with narration by BAFTA-winner Sophie Willan. Once you've been transported into the artwork, you can see the original painting just moments later - no ticket needed, just a sense of curiosity.
Back in the Daytime
7 June
Who says the party has to wait 'til after dark? Back in the Daytime returns to Freight Island on 2 June for a euphoric over-30s rave hosted by none other than Bez of Happy Mondays fame, with Manchester legend Clint Boon on the decks. Expect wall-to-wall anthems, a buzzing dancefloor and a guest appearance from Fatboy Tim - the world's most enthusiastic Fatboy Slim tribute. It’s pure throwback energy, 2pm-9pm. Sensible bedtime still optional.
Dear England at The Lowry
29 May - 29 June
This side of The Lowry's 25th anniversary celebrations swaps painted crowds for the roar of real ones. Dear England is a powerful stage drama that brings match days to life in a whole new way. James Graham's Olivier Award-winning play follows Gareth Southgate's attempt to transform the England men's team from national disappointment to something resembling hope. Packed with tension, humour and heartbreak (yes, penalties feature), it's a gripping look at leadership, legacy and what it really means to win. Tickets from £17.
Soccer Aid
15 June
Football meets showbiz in the ultimate charity showdown as Soccer Aid for UNICEF returns to Old Trafford on Sunday 15 June, just in time for Father's Day. Expect stadium-sized drama as England - managed by Wayne Rooney and, yes, Tyson Fury - takes on the Soccer Aid World XI in a match packed with celebrities, legends and a few unexpected surprises. With stars like Louis Tomlinson, Jill Scott, Leonardo Bonucci and Gorka Márquez lining up, plus a pre-game Fan Zone and Player Arrivals Area included with tickets (from £10 children, £20 adults), it's shaping up to be a family day out with serious flair.
Stock Party
7 June
Stockport's throwing a street party and everyone's invited. Stock Party returns on 7 June from 12pm-9pm, taking over the Underbanks, Robinsons Brewery Yard and, for the first time, Stockport Market Place. Expect a feast of local flavour, with food and drink from the likes of Honest Crust, Mekong Cats, Cloudwater and Where The Light Gets In, plus live music across multiple outdoor stages curated by collectives like SK1 Records and PINK. With family-friendly workshops in the new Stockroom and afterparties running late, this free celebration of all things indie, creative and Stockport is not one to miss.
Maisie Pritchard: Make Yourself at HOME
14 May - 1 September
HOME Arches plays host to a vibrant new exhibition by Manchester-based artist Maisie Pritchard, bringing together the sculptural results of her Make space workshops for this year's PUSH Festival. Crafted from clay, cardboard and paper, the work reflects a joyful exploration of everyday materials and collective creativity. Set within bespoke furniture designed by Pritchard herself, Arch 3 becomes a hybrid space - part studio, part store, part gallery - celebrating the value of making and sharing space for creativity.
