Manchester is a city that never stands still and always has something exciting happening around the corner. Whether it is a football match, a musical festival or a food street scene, it is quite hard to try out everything that is readily accessible and completely free. You heard that right, a lot of activities and events in Manchester are completely free to enjoy with friends and family.
That is also the reason why many destinations are packed with travellers arriving through minibus hires in Manchester and making the most of their summer and weekends. But the real question is: what destinations do you want to visit and enjoy this year in Manchester? Let’s have a look at some of the best and free destinations, attractions and events to try out in Manchester this year.
Manchester City is best explored with a group of friends and family, and when it comes to the expenses, you really do not have to worry about it. That is because the city of Manchester hosts several museums that allow completely free admission. That is correct, no lines on the ticket, no fuss.
Today, you can easily go inside the Manchester Museum or any other exhibition centre, including the People’s History Museum, the Science and Industry Museum. All of these museums offer unique exhibitions, historical artefacts and galleries that add a fresh perspective to the local culture.
If you are interested in the musical thrill and planning to live like a local, then Festival Square is the best place to go. It is a highly popular outdoor festival with performances of music, live shows, and artistic exhibitions that are a steal deal for a completely free event.
Manchester Museum
Manchester City is best explored with a group of friends and family, and when it comes to the expenses, you really do not have to worry about it. That is because the city of Manchester hosts several museums that allow completely free admission. That is correct, no lines on the ticket, no fuss.
Today, you can easily go inside the Manchester Museum or any other exhibition centre, including the People’s History Museum, the Science and Industry Museum. All of these museums offer unique exhibitions, historical artefacts and galleries that add a fresh perspective to the local culture.
Festival Square
If you are interested in the musical thrill and planning to live like a local, then Festival Square is the best place to go. It is a highly popular outdoor festival with performances of music, live shows, and artistic exhibitions that are a steal deal for a completely free event.
The city hosts the festival during July of every year, making it a top choice for family and friendly gatherings. Also, do not forget to try out the local street food, shopping or behind-the-scenes activities for a more local and culturally rich experience. This year, the festival is inviting tourists globally to enjoy the musical excitement from famous and rising artists, including Tallulah Guard, Playhouse Project, Shanika Sunrise, Beck Pocket, 21 Strings, Kop Z and many more. All in all, the Festival Square is not something that will make you feel bored after an hour, and every day is a mix of cultural experiences to cater for the diverse preferences.
How about spending quality time with friends and family at an outdoor cinema in Cheshire, on the border of Greater Manchester? Various outdoor screenings are happening in Cheshire that do not require purchasing a ticket and are completely free. Just 28 miles away from the Castlefield region, you can visit Tatton Park to enjoy the Wicked and Grease Outdoor cinema that runs throughout August.
What is even more surprising is that the cinema offers an entertainment treat for all age groups, FREE. Just make sure to confirm the timing and different plays hosted in the park ahead of time, so you can avoid the last-minute hassle to attend your favourite show at the Tatton Park outdoor cinema.
If nothing sounds more exciting, just travel to Heaton Park to recover from the daily stressful urban life and plan out a picnic with friends and loved ones. Seriously, Heaton Park being one of the best outdoor spaces in Manchester, it is undoubtedly a prime destination for avid travellers who just need a smart escape from the city.
The park also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, which are definitely worth checking out. Apart from that, the park is easily accessible from the Manchester City Centre, allowing travellers to enjoy an ideal outdoor picnic plan on a sunny day of summer 2025.
After a good day of travel, there is always a time to grab a coffee or your favourite matcha and just stroll around the Exchange Square for street performances. There are DJ trucks, live music, art workshops, photography, street dance and small festivals that will make you love Manchester even more.
And all of that completely free adds even more excitement to your local tourism activity in the city. Remember, the key is to spend some time and soak up the cultural phenomenon happening in your surroundings instead of a quick road trip and catching a glimpse of multiple destinations all at once.
There is really no need to go on a hunting spree for free activities when you are already in Manchester. After the capital, London, Manchester is the leading city that is renowned for its reliable transport and free festivals/events for diverse travellers. Free does not mean less value. In fact, different workshops and volunteering opportunities can allow you to experience the local culture.
Cheshire Outdoor Cinema
How about spending quality time with friends and family at an outdoor cinema in Cheshire, on the border of Greater Manchester? Various outdoor screenings are happening in Cheshire that do not require purchasing a ticket and are completely free. Just 28 miles away from the Castlefield region, you can visit Tatton Park to enjoy the Wicked and Grease Outdoor cinema that runs throughout August.
What is even more surprising is that the cinema offers an entertainment treat for all age groups, FREE. Just make sure to confirm the timing and different plays hosted in the park ahead of time, so you can avoid the last-minute hassle to attend your favourite show at the Tatton Park outdoor cinema.
Heaton Park
If nothing sounds more exciting, just travel to Heaton Park to recover from the daily stressful urban life and plan out a picnic with friends and loved ones. Seriously, Heaton Park being one of the best outdoor spaces in Manchester, it is undoubtedly a prime destination for avid travellers who just need a smart escape from the city.
The park also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, which are definitely worth checking out. Apart from that, the park is easily accessible from the Manchester City Centre, allowing travellers to enjoy an ideal outdoor picnic plan on a sunny day of summer 2025.
Street Performance At Exchange Square
After a good day of travel, there is always a time to grab a coffee or your favourite matcha and just stroll around the Exchange Square for street performances. There are DJ trucks, live music, art workshops, photography, street dance and small festivals that will make you love Manchester even more.
And all of that completely free adds even more excitement to your local tourism activity in the city. Remember, the key is to spend some time and soak up the cultural phenomenon happening in your surroundings instead of a quick road trip and catching a glimpse of multiple destinations all at once.
Final Words
There is really no need to go on a hunting spree for free activities when you are already in Manchester. After the capital, London, Manchester is the leading city that is renowned for its reliable transport and free festivals/events for diverse travellers. Free does not mean less value. In fact, different workshops and volunteering opportunities can allow you to experience the local culture.
Whether you are after the historical museums, art galleries or the natural outdoors in the middle of the city, there is something for everyone in the city of Manchester! (Image source: Unsplash)
