What's On in Manchester
Sunday 21 June 2026
Manchester is pulling out every stop this Sunday, and it happens to be the longest day of the year — so you have absolutely no excuse to waste a single hour of it. From a sun-drenched Heaton Park heaving with festival energy to candlelit jazz, screaming metalheads, and late-night Parklife afterparties that will carry you well into Monday, this city is operating at full, glorious volume. Whatever your Sunday looks like, there is a room, a field, or a stage in Manchester with your name on it.
Highlights

Pepsi MAX presents Parklife 2026 - Sunday — The crown jewel of Manchester's festival calendar returns for its Sunday headline session at Heaton Park, gates open from 1:00pm. Thousands of music lovers will descend on one of the UK's best urban green spaces for a day of electronic, hip-hop, and pop across multiple stages — sun cream and good vibes are non-negotiable. Check the website for tickets and lineup details, because this one sells out for a reason.

TAKE THAT - THE CIRCUS LIVE - Summer 2026 — Gary, Howard, and Mark bring their spectacular Circus Live show to Etihad Stadium at 5:00pm, and if the name alone does not give you a shiver of nostalgic excitement then frankly nothing will. This is a full-scale stadium production — think elaborate staging, a greatest-hits catalogue that stretches back three decades, and a crowd that will know every single word. Check the website for tickets, and get there early to soak up the atmosphere as the city fills with fans.

The B-52's and Devo - Cosmic De-Evolution Tour — Two of the quirkiest, most joyfully weird bands ever to emerge from the new wave era share a stage at the AO Arena from 6:00pm, and the result promises to be an absolute party. Love Shack, Rock Lobster, Whip It — you will be dancing in the aisles whether you planned to or not. Check the website for ticket options, including venue premium packages from 5:30pm if you want the full VIP experience.

Courtney Pine presents Out of the Ghetto: A Modern Day Jazz Story — One of Britain's most celebrated jazz saxophonists takes to the intimate stage at Band On The Wall at 7:00pm with a show that promises to be as much a living history lesson as a concert. Courtney Pine has been pushing the boundaries of British jazz for forty years, weaving together Caribbean rhythms, soul, and improvisation into something that feels urgent and alive every time. Tickets are £34 — a small price for an evening that will genuinely move you.

Father's Day Special || Creatures Comedy Club — What better gift for Dad than a proper laugh? Creatures Comedy Club is running a Father's Day Special from 5:30pm, promising a line-up of stand-up that is sharp, silly, and guaranteed to loosen up even the most reserved of fathers. At £7–£12 it is one of the most affordable evenings in the city, and the warm, intimate room at Creatures makes every show feel like a private gig between friends.

RaveHouse - Parklife afters — When Heaton Park empties out, the night is only just beginning — and RaveHouse at The ENT Bar from 10:00pm is exactly where the Parklife faithful should be heading next. Entry is free to just £5, making it the most effortless transition from festival field to dancefloor you will find anywhere in the city. Come as you are, mud and all — this is the Sunday night send-off Manchester does better than anywhere else.
Full listings
| Event | Venue | Time | Price | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Music | |||||
| Pepsi MAX presents Parklife 2026 - Sunday | Heaton Park | 1:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Codex Gigax: Cut Throat City Northern Exclusive Show | The Star And Garter Manchester | 1:00pm | £8 | Tickets | |
| TAKE THAT - THE CIRCUS LIVE - Summer 2026 | Etihad Stadium | 5:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| The B-52's and Devo - Cosmic De-Evolution Tour - Venue Premium Tickets | AO Arena | 5:30pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| The B-52's and Devo - Cosmic De-Evolution Tour | AO Arena | 6:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| I Killed the Prom Queen | O2 Ritz Manchester | 6:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Queerly Beloved - Alternative Pride Prom | Rebellion MCR | 7:00pm | £5–£10 | Tickets | |
| Culture Wars | Manchester Gorilla | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Courtney Pine presents Out of the Ghetto: A Modern Day Jazz Story | Band On The Wall. | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Courtney Pine presents Out of the Ghetto: A Modern Day Jazz Stor | Band On The Wall | 7:00pm | £34 | Tickets | |
| Nightlife | |||||
| RaveHouse - Parklife afters | THE ENT BAR | 10:00pm | £0–£5 | Tickets | |
| Official Parklife Afterparty: Joshua Brooks Mcr [sunday] | Joshua Brooks | 11:00pm | £7–£12 | Tickets | |
| Outsiide Events | Entertainment First Studio | 11:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Amber's x Parklife Afterparty | Amber's | 11:00pm | £5–£15 | Tickets | |
| Comedy | |||||
| Father's Day Special || Creatures Comedy Club | Creatures Comedy Club | 5:30pm | £7–£12 | Tickets | |
| Cloud Cuckoo Comedy night | Cuckoo (Prestwich) | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Laugh Like Hell - Comedy Club | Holy Diver | 7:00pm | £12 | Tickets | |
| Comedian of the Year | Heat | Creatures Comedy Club | Creatures Comedy Club | 8:30pm | £5 | Tickets | |
| General | |||||
| Sea Life Manchester - Standard Entry | SEA LIFE Manchester | 10:00am | Check website | Tickets | |