Weekend in Manchester
This weekend is dominated by the spectacular Manchester Pride Festival, offering a diverse array of events including the iconic parade and the energetic Gay Village Party. Alongside this, football fans can catch a thrilling Premier League match, theatre enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a brand-new musical or a classic dance performance, and art lovers can explore unique exhibitions. It's a weekend packed with celebration, culture, and community spirit.
Friday Evening - Pride & Premier Theatre
Friday, August 22Pride Village Party
Kick off the Manchester Pride Festival 2025 at the heart of the celebrations, the Gay Village Party.
This four-day event is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ life, featuring cabaret, funfair rides, silent discos, and queer anthems. It's the ultimate street party that sets the tone for the entire Pride weekend.
The Gay Village Party is a central component of Manchester Pride, known for its inclusive and joyous atmosphere. Expect a lively crowd and performances across various stages. Access to the Gay Village Party area requires a ticket, typically a 'Rainbow Pass'.
The Gay Village is easily accessible from Manchester Piccadilly train station (approx. 5-10 minute walk). Alternatively, numerous bus routes serve the city centre, and the nearest Metrolink stops are Piccadilly Gardens or Deansgate-Castlefield.
Moulin Rouge! Musical
Experience the 'Spectacular Spectacular' as Moulin Rouge!
The Musical makes its highly anticipated Manchester premiere. Based on Baz Luhrmann's revolutionary film, this Broadway and West End smash hit promises a world of splendour, romance, eye-popping excess, and electrifying enchantment. It's a dazzling theatrical event with gorgeous designs and a thrilling experience for audiences.
This is the first ever UK tour of the musical, making its Manchester run a significant cultural highlight. Given its popularity, advance booking is highly recommended to secure the best seats. The show is expected to be a major draw for theatre lovers.
The Palace Theatre is centrally located on Oxford Street, a short walk from Oxford Road train station or St Peter's Square Metrolink stop. Numerous bus services also stop directly outside the theatre.
Saturday - City-Wide Celebrations
Saturday, August 23Italian Food Festival
Indulge in the delights of Festa Italiana 2025, the UK's biggest Italian food festival.
Returning for its eighth year, this free-to-attend event at Cathedral Gardens brings together the best Italian street food traders, artisan markets, live cookery demonstrations, and masterclasses, celebrating Italian food, drink, and culture.
A perfect start to your Saturday, offering a vibrant atmosphere and delicious food options for all tastes. It's a family-friendly event with plenty to see and sample. Expect a lively crowd.
Cathedral Gardens is located in the city centre, directly opposite Manchester Cathedral. It's a short walk from Victoria Station (train and Metrolink) and Exchange Square Metrolink stop.
Manchester Pride Parade
Witness the spectacular Manchester Pride Parade, the city's biggest parade, as tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies march through the streets to celebrate equality and push for progress. This iconic and highly anticipated event is a vibrant display of unity, creativity, and community spirit.
Find a good spot along the parade route early to get the best views. The atmosphere is electric, filled with music, elaborate floats, and colourful costumes. This is a free public event, but expect large crowds.
Public transport is highly recommended due to road closures and large crowds. Use Metrolink stops such as Deansgate-Castlefield, St Peter's Square, or Piccadilly Gardens, then walk to a suitable viewing point on the route.
Manchester City Match
Experience the thrill of Premier League football as Manchester City take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.
This home game is a significant fixture in the early season, drawing a passionate crowd of Sky Blues supporters.
Attending a Manchester City home game is a quintessential local experience for sports fans. Ensure you book tickets well in advance, as Premier League matches, especially against top-tier opponents like Spurs, sell out quickly.
The Etihad Stadium is best reached by Metrolink, with the Etihad Campus stop directly serving the stadium on the East Manchester line. Alternatively, dedicated matchday bus services operate from the city centre.
Pride Mardi Gras
Dive into the high-energy, high-glam, and high-queer extravaganza of Mardi Gras, a brand-new addition to the Manchester Pride Bank Holiday Weekend. This event takes over Depot Mayfield and Freight Island for two days, featuring world-class artists, DJs, drag royalty, and cabaret in a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture.
Mardi Gras is set to be a major highlight of Pride, offering a festival-like atmosphere with top entertainment. It's a ticketed event and promises an unforgettable experience. This is Pride like you've never seen it before.
Depot Mayfield is located adjacent to Manchester Piccadilly train station, making it easily accessible by train, Metrolink (Piccadilly stop), and city centre bus routes.
Sunday - Art, Fun & Iconic Dance
Sunday, August 24Football City, Art United
Explore 'Football City, Art United,' an ambitious and playful group exhibition at Aviva Studios.
This exhibition pairs 11 artists and footballers, featuring new works that include interactive play arenas, sound installations, animation, and sculpture. This is the final day of this exhibition.
A fascinating exhibition for both art and football enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of the two. It's a great opportunity to catch it on its closing day.
Aviva Studios is located in the St John's neighbourhood, a short walk from Deansgate-Castlefield train station and Metrolink stop. Several bus routes also serve the area.
Platt Fields Funfair
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the Summer Funfair at Platt Fields Park.
This traditional funfair offers a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, perfect for a relaxed Sunday outing.
A classic summer activity, ideal for families or anyone looking for some lighthearted entertainment outdoors. Costs are per ride or attraction.
Platt Fields Park is accessible by numerous bus routes from Manchester city centre, particularly those heading towards Fallowfield or Withington.
Riverdance Performance
Conclude your weekend with the iconic Riverdance, celebrating three decades of this breathtaking Irish music and dance phenomenon. The 'New Generation Tour' showcases the legendary footwork and captivating artistry that has thrilled audiences worldwide.
Riverdance offers an explosive combination of traditional Irish music and dance, making it a powerful and engaging performance. It's a perfect finale for a culturally rich weekend in Manchester.
The Manchester Opera House is located near Spinningfields, a short walk from Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink and train stations. Many city centre bus routes also serve the area.
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