As we sneak into the peak of summer, you’ll be chuffed to know there are still heaps of happenings in the city that won’t cost you a penny.
From street festivals in Stretford to Summer Solstice parties at Islington Mill – here’s our rundown of the five best free things to do in Manchester this week…
Góbéfest, Manchester’s original international urban folk music and dance festival, is back for its ninth instalment this weekend.
The three-day pay-as-you-feel festival, which is set to take over Cathedral Gardens, promises an expertly curated mix of bands and solo artists, folk dance troupes, choirs and more from Central and Eastern Europe and beyond…
Swing by Stretford this weekend for AR FEST – a one-day celebration of Ayres Road and the Old Trafford community run by volunteers with and for the local community.
Attendees can look forward to an exciting mix of live talent from smooth live jazz, beats from the brilliant Gorse Hill DJ’s, powerful spoken word and performance from Young Identity, plus feel-good tunes from Marvin & Charles.
AR Fest is also packed with creative, hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy. Get stuck into zine-making workshops, explore our pop-up art and makers market and catch live Tai Chi and Capoeira demos.
Head to Alexandra Park this Saturday for a fantastic free celebration of Caribbean culture during Windrush Day.
All about bringing the community together to honour the legacy, resilience, and cultural impact of the Windrush generation, attendees can look forward to live performances and entertainment, cultural displays and artistic exhibitions, children’s play areas, football matches, local stallholders and key civic leaders and community leaders on the main stage.
To celebrate the Summer Solstice, the lovely lot over at Islington Mill are throwing a cracking day-to-night party celebrating the longest day of the year with a long line-up of incredible music, food, performances, art, more music and a ritual or two in the courtyard.
- Words:
- Rhiannon Ingle
- Published on:
- Mon 16 Jun 2025
Head to this iconic Manchester landmark and have a wander around the restored swimming pools, Turkish Baths, and Superintendent’s Flat.
This is an ace opportunity to explore Victoria Baths and discover the remarkably intact Grade II* listed building, which features beautiful stained glass windows, amazing wall tiles, and incredible mosaic flooring behind the imposing exterior.