What’s On In Manchester This August
Looking for the best things to do in Manchester this August? This blog will guide you through all the fun events happening across the city, from lively festivals and concerts to activities and sports. Get ready to make the most of your summer in Manchester!
Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival
2nd-3rd August 2025
The Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival is a vibrant weekend celebration of global cuisine, live entertainment, and family fun, held at Manchester’s Heaton Park. Expect a wide range of international street food, artisan stalls with cakes, cheeses, and local produce, and eight bars serving craft drinks. Visitors can enjoy live cookery demos by Manchester chefs, tribute bands like Planet ABBA and Standing on the Shoulders of Oasis.
The Manchester Caribeean Carnival
9th - 10th August 2025
The Manchester Caribbean Carnival return bringing vibrant music, culture, and community spirit to Alexandra Park. Running 12pm–8pm daily, this free, family friendly event celebrates Caribbean heritage with live performances, food, and colourful costumes. Following last year’s turnout of over 58,000, this year promises an even bigger celebration!
Live from Wythenshawe Park
15th - 16th August 2025
This August, Wythenshawe Park in south Manchester hosts Live from Wythenshawe Park. Over two nights, music lovers can catch headline shows featuring Fontaines D.C. with support from Kneecap and English Teacher on Friday 15 August, and Sam Fender, supported by Olivia Dean, on Saturday 16 August. Gates open at 4pm each day, with events running until a 11pm curfew. The concerts combine big name acts with a beautiful park setting, making it a must visit for live music fans this summer.
Manchester Pride
15th - 25th August 2025
Manchester Pride runs from August 15th to 25th, celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and community across the city. The festival features standout events like the high energy Mardi Gras on August 23rd and 24th with top artists and drag performances, alongside the lively Gay Village Party from August 22nd to 25th, filled with music, cabaret, and funfair rides. Other highlights include the Love Parade celebrating acceptance, The Rally with inspiring speeches from queer activists, a reflective Candlelit Vigil, Family Pride events, and free Youth Pride activities for LGBTQ+ young people. This year’s lineup boasts big names such as Leigh Anne, Billy Porter, Olly Alexander, Samantha Mumba, and more, alongside popular drag acts.
Festa Italiana
22nd - 24th August
Festa Italiana, Manchester’s top celebration of Italian food and culture returns to Cathedral Gardens. This free festival offers authentic street food, live music, cookery demos by celebrity chefs like Gennaro Contaldo, pasta making workshops, an Aperitivo Bar, a Limoncello Garden, and a market featuring artisanal Italian goods, bringing a vibrant taste of Italy to the heart of the city.
Women’s Rugby World Cup
22nd - 27th August
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be hosted across eight English cities with Salford being one of the key venues. Salford Community Stadium will host two match days, featuring four exciting fixtures. While Salford hosts the matches, Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens will be the official Fan Zone, featuring live match screenings, rugby activities, food vendors, and family friendly entertainment on match weekends.
