The Ultimate Sun-Soaked Day in Manchester: Beats, Eats, and Crafts
Manchester is set to be hotter than Los Angeles this bank holiday weekend, hitting a scorching 28°C!
If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend a hot, sunny bank holiday weekend in the city with the kids in tow, we’ve put together the ultimate itinerary. Crack out your sunglasses and sun cream and get ready for a perfect day with music, crafts, food and paddling.
Morning: Al Fresco Breakfast & Cathedral Gardens
Start your sun-soaked day in the heart of the city. Head over to the Northern Quarter or Exchange Square to grab an iced coffee for the adults, some fresh pastries for the kids, and find a spot to sit outside.
Once fuelled up, stroll over to Cathedral Gardens. On a hot day, this open green space is buzzing. Let the kids run around on the grass and dip their feet in the water fountain, take in the beautiful architecture of Manchester Cathedral, and enjoy the glorious morning sunshine.
The Main Event: The Family Festival at Stoller Hall
As the sun starts to hit its peak and you’re looking to dodge the heat (or find a beautifully air-conditioned sanctuary), it’s time to head round the corner to Stoller Hall for our fun-filled Family Festival.
Running on Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May 2026, this is Stoller Hall’s first-ever two-day celebration of music for families.
- The Ticketed Highlights: Book to see an enchanting performance of The Storm Whale, a brand-new storybook concert based on the books by Benji Davies. Or join Stoller Story Sounds for an immersive musical experience with Robot! (perfect for ages 3–5).
- Saturday (SEND Day): If your family benefits from a more relaxed, sensory-friendly environment, Saturday’s line-up is uniquely accessible. Drop into the SEND Music Cafe with the Manchester Camerata for interactive music therapy sessions, or chill out in The Zen-Den, a peaceful, quiet space filled with calming toys and sensory lights.
- Arts & Crafts: Both days feature a free drop-in Creativity Station, allowing the kids to let their imaginations run wild with self-guided crafts.
It’s a magnificent blend of world-class music, hands-on creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere that will keep the kids captivated for hours.
Late Afternoon: Ice Cream & A Stroll Through the Northern Quarter
Manchester is spoilt for choice when it comes to ice cream and no hot day is complete without a cold treat. Black Milk is just a 10-15 minute walk away, serving ice cream and gelato in flavours like pistachio, hazelnut and white chocolate, as well as sundaes, pancake stacks and cheesecakes. Then take a stroll through the buzzing Northern Quarter and see if you can spot the large-scale graffiti and colourful murals, visit the craft centre, or have fun at the Manchester Police Museum. It’s all on Stoller Hall’s doorstep.
What are your favourite sunny day spots in Manchester? Are you planning to check out the Stoller Hall Family Festival this weekend? Let us know in the comments below
