Manchester Day will return to the city centre this Sunday (July 26)(Image: Mark Waugh/Manchester Council)

1. Comic Con Manchester will take place at the BEC Arena in Stretford this weekend, with a host of famous faces including stars from Game of Thrones, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who, Sons of Anarchy, Bones, and Star Wars. Big names include Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt and Angel actor David Boreanaz. Throughout the two days, there will also be Q&A panels, cosplay competitions and plenty of shopping opportunities. All the details here.
2. Bury Food and Drink Festival will also be held on this very busy weekend, with local, independent and artisan vendors selling everything from Turkish culinary delights to award-worthy tacos. Over the weekend, there will be live music, as well as a Hong Kong Market featuring over 50 traders celebrating Asian food and culture.
3. If you love a saucy dip, McDonald’s are celebrating some of their favourite flavours this weekend with a first-of-its-kind Sauce Shop. Taking over Black Milk in the Northern Quarter, the two-day pop-up will offer a chance to enjoy new and classic dips, customise your own sauce pot, have fun in a special photobooth and maybe even bag yourself some free food. All the details here.
4. Over in Chorlton on Saturday, popular pub Horse & Jockey will host its first ever summer community celebration. JockeyFest (Details here) will feature local makers and musicians from 10am to 8pm and will be a chance for families and locals to enjoy shopping, some BBQ food, lawn games, and children’s entertainment.
5. Sunday will see the return of annual favourite Manchester Day, which takes on a Barcelona theme. Planned way before the World Cup but making perfect sense following Spain’s victory, the day will feature a parade through the city, as well as story-themed activities at Manchester Central Library, live music and puppetry at Albert Square, dance, choirs and ukulele at Exchange Square. READ THE FULL STORY: Manchester Day 2026 - map, times, parade route and full guide to what's happening where

With it being a busy weekend, there’s lots more things going on too. For example, Creatures Comedy Festival kicks off below Wilson's in the Northern Quarter featuring the likes of Catherine Bohart, Paul Foot and even a secret Taskmaster star (info here), whilst there will also be a pop-up truck stop in the Northern Quarter with £10 T-Shirts, £1 socks and jersey swaps from Aitch's favourite Drama Call fashion brand (info here). On Sunday, Stockport Pride will feature performances from the likes of the Gay Gordons and Belinda Scandal from 11am to 7pm (details here).