Manchester is a great place to live, or just hang out for the day. Of course, with plenty of properties on the rental market in Manchester, we think it’s important to keep you updated on the area. In this blog, we’re letting you know what’s on in Manchester this summer 2026.
Where is Manchester?
Manchester is a city in the North West of England. It covers many areas and has plenty to do. Luckily, Manchester has great transport links, meaning that it’s easy to get to from all areas of the country. Within Manchester, people can use buses, trams or drive easily.
Why visit Manchester
Manchester is popular due to its vibrant nightlife, fantastic shopping experience and incredible food spots.
Manchester was recently ranked fourth among the UK’s top destinations in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.
This summer, the city is coming alive with outdoor concerts, amazing food festivals and family-friendly events.
Manchester events this summer 2026
From food and drink to nightlife and parties, Greater Manchester has so much going on! Check out this ultimate guide to what Manchester offers.
Concerts & gigs
- Live From Wythenshawe Park (August 2026): Enjoy a series of outdoor concerts with absolute legends including Pulp and Courteeners.
- Co-op Live Summer Lineup: Visit Manchester’s state-of-the-art mega arena to see epic artists performing, including Joji on his SOLARIS Tour and A$AP Rocky on his world tour.
- Summer concerts at The Bridgewater Hall (July 2026): Enjoy a varied programme of live music, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, The Bootleg Beatles, and the Princess Proms.
Music festivals
- Freight Island Summer Open Airs (August 2026): The massive urban food hub hosts the Over 30’s Club Summer Open Air Festival, alongside huge multi-day genre weekenders like the R&B Lovers Summer Weekender. This is not to be missed!
Exhibitions
- Manchester Open 2026 (20 June – 6 September 2026): Head over to the Manchester Open, running at HOME to see the UK’s largest celebration of local creative talent, showcasing hundreds of local artworks for free.
- National Football Museum Summer Exhibition: Families and sports fans can visit the Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals interactive exhibition, exploring the connection between science, the human body and football.
- Comic Con Manchester (25–26 July 2026): Visitors can attend Comic Con, one of the UK’s largest pop-culture and cosplay conventions this summer for one epic weekend at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre/BEC Arena Manchester.
- UK B-Boy Championships (16 August 2026): Love dancing? You have to see this. The ultimate global break dancing finals land at the pioneering Aviva Studios venue for a high-energy dance showdown.
Food markets
- Waterfront Summer Market & Street Food Festival (14 August 2026): Head to Quayside Salford for a family-friendly market packed with independent traders, delicious street food and live entertainment.
Other activities and attractions in and around the city centre
- Visit Old Trafford
- Tour the Etihad Stadium
- Explore Manchester’s architecture
- Discover the city’s vibrant street art
- Visit some of Manchester’s best bars and restaurants
- Relax in the city’s parks and green spaces
- Enjoy live music at the AO Arena
- Visit Heaton Park
- See a show at Manchester Opera House
- Catch a performance at the Palace Theatre Manchester
Looking to rent in Manchester?
Manchester is a fantastic city to visit, with many people deciding to move there after just a couple of visits. Manchester is great for people of all ages, kids and grown ups alike! Intus Lettings is a nationwide letting agency with a local touch and we have plenty of properties available for rent in Manchester.
If you want some help on your next rental search, you should contact our friendly team, who will be more than happy to listen to your preferences and make helpful suggestions.
