Best Things To Do This Summer In Manchester 2026

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By Kiera Chapman Junior Editor Expert in food and drink, with 5 years in editorial, including bylines in Marie Claire. Last updated on 17th February 2026

That seriously dapper sunshine decided to show his face for a sweet scattering of Vitamin D, but where to indulge? From beer tastings and smashing food events to rooftops, we're about to give you the lowdown on how to make the most of the warmer months. Check out our bucket list guide to the most fun summer events in Manchester for 2026.




Revel In A Drag Show

When you need 2025 summer events in Manchester today, consider what's on from Boy Toy Events, whose happenings are complete with 90 minutes of unlimited boozing alongside world-class entertainment. Expect everything from Britney-themed shows to lip-sync battles and half-naked waiters at these unique experiences.

Witness Magic Before Your Eyes

@ The Midland on Sunday 22nd March 2026 and 7 other Sundays

Join Steve Price at the historic hotel The Midland and watch him perform marvellous wizardly as he turns the mundane into the incredible as part of his magic show. Tickets start from £24.50 per person and the extravaganza lasts 75 minutes. Come and experience a fun-filled evening in an iconic location (where Mr Charles Rolls met Mr Henry Royce) and delight in tipples from the bar to keep you refreshed throughout. 

Secure Your Spot At A Wild Drag Brunch

The Frockatoo Drag Brunch, taking place at The Cockatoo Club, is not to be missed. Join host Annabelle and a team full of some of the best glamourous queens in Manchester for around three hours of delicious food, bubbles and entertainment. Tickets are £40 each and include 90 minutes of unlimited fizz and selected cocktails, plus a complimentary bottle of prosecco for a table of four or above (so gather your friends). Expect to tuck into the likes of moreish wraps filled with Southern-fried chicken or grilled halloumi and get stuck into hilarious games. 

Learn How To Make Sushi At YO!

Whether you head to YO!'s Arndale or Trafford Centre locations, these sushi making classes are sure to fill your summer evenings with fun activities aplenty. Learn knife skills, hear about some history, and chow down on menu items you made yourself.

Dive Into A Drag Brunch

@ At ON BAR or AREA Manchester on Saturday 4th April 2026 and 8 other Saturdays

If there's one thing Bougie Drag Events are known for, it's cracking bottomless brunches hosted by iconic queens like Imani Versace and Barb. DJ Smiley Vyrus will be bringing the beats throughout, while you sip on 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco, beer or cocktails and enjoy lip syncing contests, dance-offs and much more.

Paint Your Own Masterpiece

Under the guidance of a resident artist, create your very own masterpiece to take home with you and enjoy tipples from the bar as you go. Taking place across Manchester at venues such as Revolution Deansgate Locks and Cass Art, plus offering exciting themes like the Northern Lights and Lazy Racoons, this experience offers something a little different to do on a summer evening in the city. 

Sip Away In A Gorgeous Beer Garden

After summer things to do in Manchester today? Whether you're watching looking for bottomless brunching or cocktails and bar snacks, this city's beer gardens are always worth checking out. We're bringing you waterside boozing, elevated terraces and ice-cold craft brews with our nifty guide to the best of them.

Spend An Evening Painting And Sipping

Sit with a glass of bubbly in one hand and a brush in the other as you're guided by an expert on how to create your own masterpiece. Pick from an array of sessions with Paintvine, from classes that include sculpting using air-dry clay to nights dedicated to the Picasso Kiss. Tickets start from £29 each and while all the materials are provided, drinks are purchased at the bar. 

Chow Down At These Outdoor Restaurants

Things to do in Manchester in the sun? From private igloos to stunning terraces, there are plenty of places for alfresco dining this summer. Slap on the factor 50, assemble your squad and make the most of the city with our pick of outdoor restaurants to book now. 

Party Alongside These Queens

From weekly Benidorm bingo to appearances from RuPaul's Drag Race stars, FunnyBoyz Manchester has a roster of fun events that are sure to spice up the summer months. Plus, a lot of these tickets come in at under £15 each.

Take Aim At Flight Club

@ Flight Club Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 21st March 2026

If summer things to do in Manchester this weekend are what you're after, then the city's brunch for unlimited pizza chomping and prosecco glugging (there's a whole bottle each included here) is just the ticket. Make your afternoon out a little more competitive with a day of darts throwing at one of Flight Club's regular socials.