Free things to do this weekend ft. Lowry After Hours, Spartan Race + Beech Road Family Fun Day

So it’s been a bit hot this week, hasn’t it? Seems summer’s finally here – though the pessimists among us might be forgiven for fearing it might be all we end up getting. Best make the most of it with these free things to do this weekend then…

After Hours in the Galleries at The Lowry
This weekend sees another installation of Lowry After Hours, a monthly event that takes advantage of the long summer evenings with classical and jazz music, whilst also giving you the chance to explore the galleries as the sun sets. Kicking off at 6pm with a talk from one of the Lowry’s Gallery Interpreters, this week’s musical soundtrack comes from Katie Brett, playing an enchanting set on the Celtic harp. 20% off Guinness too apparently. Sounds good to us.
Sat 4 July The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ, 5 – 7.30pm, FREE, www.thelowry.com

Manchester Spartan Race (pictured)
Global obstacle race series, the Reebok Spartan Race, makes its way to Manchester this weekend to let city’s spartans prove themselves in a battle of strength. Taking place at Heaton Park, the event will welcome thousands of contestants of all ages and abilities with the 5km sprint and the 13km super race, complete with up to 20 obstacles. The event is completely free to watch, so why not bob down to the 600-acre park and cheer the Spartans on… whilst chomping a sandwich? Step aside Gerard Butler, THIS is Sparta.
Sat 4 July, Heaton Park, M25 2SW, From 9.30am, FREE to watch, www.spartanraceuk.uk

Beech Road Family Fun Day
The successor to the popular Beech Road Festival, which has been running since the late 90s, the Beech Road Family Fun Day is a showcase of everything that makes the street not only a Chorlton hotspot, but also one of Manchester’s loveliest neighbourhoods. The big family-friendly celebration will see traders and stalls take to the road, the park and the Green, along with fairground attractions, music, performances, dance and entertainment like hula-hoop workshops and circus skills, plus food from the likes of Parlour Dogs, Holey Bagels and Manchester Cheesecake Company.
Sun 5 July, Various venues around Beech Road, 12 – 5pm, FREE, www.beechroadtraders.com

Another shout out to Old Trafford Open Gardens, which is free for the under 16s (£4 for adults).

Know of any good freebies coming up? Email jess at manchesterwire dot co dot uk with the deets.