Four huge free events happening in Greater Manchester this weekend
Events are taking place at the Trafford Centre and Stockport town centre this weekend
As we head into summer, Manchester is preparing for some of the biggest events, festival and live shows of the year. Over the coming weeks, the city and surrounding areas will be packed out for the likes of Lionel Richie, Robbie Williams and Diana Ross at Co-op Live - and that's just scratching the surface.
Next weekend, over 100,00 people will head to Heaton Park for one of the UK's biggest festivals. Music lovers will flock to the park for the return of Parklife Festival, where Charli xcx, 50 Cent and Jorja Smith will all be headlining the main stage.
Of course, many are now also on countdown to the start of the huge Oasis tour, which kicks off in Cardiff on July 4 before heading to Manchester for five nights at Heaton Park.
It's certainly a busy one, and if you're trying to watch the pennies before a big summer of events, there's a number of free events happening across Greater Manchester. Below, you'll find a few suggestions on how to spend your weekend if you're in need of some inspiration.
Festival of Libraries - Greater Manchester
Returning for its fifth year, and winner of Best Event at the Manchester Culture Awards in 2024, Festival of Libraries is the biggest festival of its type in the country, bringing together all 133 of Greater Manchester’s libraries and more.
The festival is filled with exhibitions, performances, installations, workshops, family-friendly activities and international collaborations. There are 134 events in the programme and virtually all of them are free.
One of the events this weekend will see Jordan Stephens chatting to Manchester Slam Champion Griot Gabriel at Manchester Poetry Library on Saturday, 7 June about the power of literature, inclusivity and community as forces for good in life.
Meanwhile, for younger audiences how about a Mexican Storytime at Instituto Cervantes in Manchester? Taking place on Saturday, 7 June children will hear the story of La leyenda de los ojos del bosqu and have the opportunity to craft a traditional “penacho” (head dress) inspired by Mexican culture.
Almost all of the events in the programme are free. For further information and bookings visit the festival website here.
Location: Manchester Libraries
Date: The festival is running from Wednesday, June 4 to Sunday, June 8
Time: All day
Usain Bolt at JD Sports Launch - Trafford Centre
Usain Bolt, will be touching down in Manchester this weekend for a huge event at the launch of JD Sports’ brand-new global flagship store at the Trafford Centre.
The morning promises fast-paced action, exclusive giveaways, and a chance to meet the fastest man in the world. Fans can expect Bolt and YouTube sensations Beta Squad hyping the crowd as they co-host a live sprint showdown on a purpose-built running track outside the store.
Audience members will be chosen at random to race as part of Team Bolt and Team Beta, going head-to-head in a relay race around the track. Members of the winning team will each receive a £250 PUMA x JD gift card, with limited-edition prizes for the runners-up.
Shoppers can also jump on the ‘Chase the High, Win the Fit’ treadmill challenge - a high-energy in-store race encouraging everyone to get involved and feel the runner’s high, with prizes up for grabs, including MagMax NITRO and Magnify NITRO 3 running shoes, plus Manchester City tickets.
Location: JD Sports, Trafford Centre, 48 Regents Crescent, Unit L12, M17 8AP
Date: Saturday, 7 June, 2025
Time: 09:30AM start
Stock Party - Stockport
Stock Party celebrates Stockport’s vibrant independent scene by showcasing the very best in local food, drink, and music. This year, they'll be expanding beyond Underbank and Robinsons Brewery Yard to include the Stockport Market Place.
Robinsons Brewery Yard will be transformed into a Festival Square, featuring a beer bar in collaboration with Track Brewing Co., Robinsons Brewery, and Runaway.
Meanwhile, Where The Light Gets In will return, offering natural wine and the now legendary HUMBUG burgers. Vistors can also enjoy cocktails from the Bohemian Arts Club, pizzas from Honest Crust Pizza, and dishes from Mekong Cats.
In addition, food and drink pop-ups will line the Underbank. The Cloudwater bar will serve their brews straight from the tap alongside Bruk, Marley’s Tacos, Café San Juan, Cantaloupe, Yellowhammer, and Little Scarves.
The streets will be alive with music across multiple stages, each curated by some of Stockport’s most exciting collectives, including M06B, SK1 Records, PINK, and Ōdiobā.
Meanwhile, the newly unveiled Stockroom will provide a relaxed breakout space with creative activities and workshops suitable for all ages.
Location: The Underbanks and Stockport Market Place
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: From noon until 9pm
Platt Fields Art Market - Fallowfield
Ready your baskets this weekend as Platt Fields Art Market is back for their third edition on Sunday, 8 June. They'll be hosting lots of local artists at the Market Garden alongside Mud Kitchen who’ll be serving up drinks and plenty of food.
Platt Fields Art Market started in summer 2024 and is run by two Manchester based artists, Ruby and Meg. It hosts stalls of local makers, varying from textile artists, potters, printmakers, craftspeople and painters.
The Art Market is free to attend and runs several times a year. If you can't make this one but want to keep up to date follow their Instagram @plattfieldsartmarket or email them directly at plattfieldsartmarket@gmail.com
Location: Manchester Urban Diggers CIC Platt Fields Market Garden, Platt Fields Park, Manchester, England, M14 6LTUnited Kingdom.
Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 10am until 5pm