Things to do in Liverpool

Discover the best things to do in Liverpool with our handpicked guides to events, activities, and hidden gems across the city. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor exploring Liverpool for the first time, you’ll find everything from live music and theatre to food festivals, art exhibitions, nightlife, and family-friendly attractions. Stay up to date with the latest happenings and uncover what makes Liverpool one of the UK’s most vibrant cultural destinations.

  • Sound City 2021 Review & Artist Playlist 1

    Sound City 2021 Review & Artist Playlist

    Sound City made a triumphant comeback last weekend and for the first time in a long time things felt kind of normal. The festival’s return to city centre venues certainly brought back some nostalgia as well as acting as a reminder of what life felt like pre-pandemic. It felt good to be heading from venue to venue, despite the bad weather and some full capacity lockouts at certain times over the three days. There was…

  • Sound City 2021 Preview: Our Top Ten Artists Not to Be Missed 9

    Sound City 2021 Preview: Our Top Ten Artists Not to Be Missed

    Sound City returns to Liverpool city centre venues this weekend and we can’t wait to catch sets from some amazing local talent across the three day festival. I think we share the excitement of many who are so glad to see Sound City return to its roots, with festival goers milling around town heading from one venue to another, immersing in the party-like atmosphere. Over 175 acts will take over the city’s music venues with…

  • bluedot 2022 confirms Björk as closing headliner 1

    bluedot 2022 confirms Björk as closing headliner

    In a UK festival exclusive, bluedot Festival (21-24 July 2022) has announced a unique Björk performance as Sunday night headliner. The genre-spanning pioneer will be joined by The Hallé Orchestra at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jodrell Bank Observatory, accompanied by a projection mapping spectacle. The audio-visual performance will feature video and animated projections on the iconic Lovell Telescope, for a unique show exclusive to bluedot. This will be the first-time audiences at bluedot…

  • Tate Liverpool Reopens Family Space To Inspire Creative Young Visitors 1

    Tate Liverpool Reopens Family Space To Inspire Creative Young Visitors

    This summer, Tate Liverpool reopens its family space with a programme packed full of free, creative, hands-on activities for children of all ages to look, make and play the school holidays away. At the free drop-in Creation Stations, kids are invited to take a look at the art on display in the gallery and take inspiration, whether this means creating their own collage, trying new techniques, or enjoying calming views of nature. Explore the gallery and…

  • Sound City will take place across Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle in the spring 2018 2

    Sound City 2021 Confirms Venues & Adds More Names To Lineup

    Sound City is returning to its city centre roots as they announce venues and even more acts are added to the festival lineup. Sound City continues its preparations for an emphatic festival return this October – sitting not only as the definitive home of new music discovery in 2021 but also the celebrated return of the festival to its inner-city roots in the heart of Liverpool. Returning to the streets that originally played host to…

  • Rumours of Fleetwood Mac returns to Liverpool

    Rumours of Fleetwood Mac returns to Liverpool

    Following the recent government announcement Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is set to go ahead in the arena this on 30 July. Channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time. The show will also include a special blues…

  • FACT Cinema in The City: Film Screenings In Secret Liverpool Locations

    FACT Cinema in The City: Film Screenings In Secret Liverpool Locations

    Launching this summer, FACT presents Cinema in The City, a brand new film programme of weekend screenings in hidden locations across the Liverpool. Each screening will bring together the best in independent cinema whilst showcasing emerging talent from local filmmakers with food and drink stalls from the city’s most loved restaurants. Their summer of screenings kicks off on Friday 13 August at the stunning and historic Cotton Exchange Rooftop Garden. The Grade II listed building on…

  • Heavy Gardening Art Trail to Launch on LightNight 2

    Heavy Gardening Art Trail to Launch on LightNight

    Heavy Gardening is a trail of seven art works, running from the back of FACT on Fleet Street, along the Baltic Corridor to Wapping Dock, produced by internationally renowned artist Andrew Merritt of Something & Son, in partnership with dot-art, Open Eye Gallery and First Take, as part of Liverpool City Council’s Urban GreenUP project which seeks to raise awareness about the future predicted impacts of climate change. Andrew has transformed seven small pieces of…

  • ‘Good Market’ to bring some of the city’s latest independents all under one roof this May

    ‘Good Market’ to bring some of the city’s latest independents all under one roof this May

    Who doesn’t love a little shop on a Sunday to cleanse the soul and spend your pennies?  Look no further as we have found the perfect place to shop until you drop. So, you might ask yourself what’s better than a market?  A GOOD Market! That’s exactly what locals from around the city region will get from Good Liverpool’s first offline event being held at super-cool venue Chapters of Us. Located on Simpson Street, this…

  • The Knowsley Social LGBT+ Social partners with LCR Pride Foundation for LGBT+ summer extravaganza

    The Knowsley Social LGBT+ Social partners with LCR Pride Foundation for LGBT+ summer extravaganza

    The Knowsley Social LGBT+ Social is happening this summer. The Knowsley Social – a nine-week festival featuring big name music and family events – has announced a partnership with LCR Pride Foundation for a one-off LGBT+ summer celebration this June. A celebration of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer life in Knowsley! TKS aims to promote awareness through top class entertainment for the LGBT+ community. Expect drag acts, pop stars and international artists will be…

  • Everyone is invited out to ‘Play’ for LightNight Liverpool 1

    Everyone is invited out to ‘Play’ for LightNight Liverpool

    Liverpool’s annual ‘culture-crawl’ LightNight returns to the city on Friday 21 May, when arts venues will throw open their doors until late at night to shine a spotlight on the region’s world-class artistic offer.  Open Culture revealed the line-up of over 75 free arts events across the 30 venues taking part in the one-night only arts festival. With a combination of in-person events in Liverpool city centre, and an online events programme, the theme of…

  • Boom: Battle Bar Set To Open In Liverpool 1

    Boom: Battle Bar Set To Open In Liverpool

    Liverpool is set to welcome a new bar and entertainment venue with axe throwing, crazy golf, shuffleboard, Skee-Ball and more. Boom: Battle Bar is due to open its doors on 21 May, inside St Johns Shopping Centre. The bar, which has venues across the UK including Norwich and Cardiff, is expanding with more locations due to open in London and Glasgow, as well as the new Liverpool site. Boom: Battle Bar host a numerous gaming…

  • Point Blank Simulation Shooting Range Is Opening In Liverpool This Month

    Point Blank Simulation Shooting Range Is Opening In Liverpool This Month

    Point Blank, a simulation shooting range is opening in Liverpool on 20 May. Following the success of their locations in Manchester and Newcastle, Point Blank is bringing its simulation shooting game to Liverpool. Visitors can take part in this experience which requires both speed and accuracy. It’s the latest gaming centre to open in the city, but the first simulation shooting range that we’ve seen. Point Blank will also be jumping on board with the…

  • LightNight Liverpool Unveils Seven New Commissions for 2021 Event 1

    LightNight Liverpool Unveils Seven New Commissions for 2021 Event

    LightNight Liverpool will unveil seven new commissions when it returns on Friday 21 May 2021, in a combination of online and offline arts activity for the one night only arts festival. With a live drag cabaret event on Church Street, a synth-pop trio becoming a human instrument, a 3D cut out opera and a piece exploring sound waves and social gatherings, the theme of this year’s festival is ‘Play’. The theme ‘Play’ allows a reflection…

  • Escape Hunt Liverpool: Outdoor Escape Games Set To Heat Up This Summer 2

    Escape Hunt Liverpool: Outdoor Escape Games Set To Heat Up This Summer

    Escape Hunt Liverpool launch outdoor games with the Royal Albert Dock as their backdrop. As everyone in Liverpool flocked to the newly opened bars and pubs under the beautiful April sun, Liverpool Noise instead went undercover with an aim to infiltrate a worldwide organisation, hell bent on taking over the world’s water systems to control the population! The things we do for you, hey! Tucked next to MADRÉ in The Royal Albert Dock, Escape Hunt…

  • Invisible Wind Factory reveals the Rollerdrome

    Invisible Wind Factory reveals the Rollerdrome

    From May 2021, Liverpool’s Invisible Wind Factory are debuting their brand-new concept – the Rollerdrome. The iconic venue is being transformed into an immersive production and a unique roller-skating experience which debuts on Saturday May 22, with skaters of all abilities welcome, from beginners to advanced across a range of classes. Tickets and info are available from www.iwf-rollerdrome.com.  The first season’s theme is an interplanetary disco with mirrored geometry, laser grids and a giant floating…

  • Writing on the Wall Festival returns with high-profile guests 2

    Writing on the Wall Festival returns with high-profile guests

    Liverpool’s Writing on the Wall Festival Secures Line-Up of High Profile Guests To Mark 21st Anniversary. WoWFEST: 21 Years of Radical Writing, which will run online throughout May, will see headliners including, film-maker Ken Loach, Children’s author and poet, Michael Rosen and television presenter, Jon Snow, all making appearances. They will be joined by Maxine Hong-Kingston, the Chinese American author and Professor at the University of California; Singer, song-writer, Tracey Thorn and crime fiction American…

  • Liverpool’s LightNight presses ‘Play’ for 2021 1

    Liverpool’s LightNight presses ‘Play’ for 2021

    Open Culture launches Crowdfunder to support arts festival return. Liverpool’s LightNight, a one-night arts festival will return on Friday 21 May 2021 with the theme of ‘Play’. The popular annual culture crawl is being planned as a hybrid festival with a free trail of physical and online events, as the city continues on its timeline of relaxing restrictions.  Organisers, Open Culture, have launched a #LoveLightNight Crowdfunder to help support the cultural programme, allowing the team…

  • Summer Arts Markets return to Liverpool Cathedral 5 & 19 June

    Summer Arts Markets return to Liverpool Cathedral 5 & 19 June

    Open Culture’s Summer Arts Market will once again take over Liverpool Cathedral this June. Following the success of their first socially-distanced Winter Arts Markets last year, on Sat 5 & 19 June more than 50 independent artists, designers, crafters, makers and more will transform the iconic interiors of Liverpool Cathedral into a thriving hive of shopping activity with hundreds of unique creations on offer. Shoppers can enjoy Liverpool Cathedral, a Grade I architectural wonder and the largest cathedral…

  • Cream Classical Ibiza on The Waterfront Announced Due To Phenomenal Demand

    Cream Classical Ibiza on The Waterfront Announced Due To Phenomenal Demand

    Cream Classical Ibiza on The Waterfront follows the immediate sell out of Cream Classical on The Waterfront. Cream Classical are excited to announce they’ve added an extra date on Sunday 19 September 2021. Sunday’s instalment will feature an all new set list featuring some of the biggest tracks from Cream’s longstanding residency on the white isle plus DJ sets from the likes of Armand van Helden, Groove Armada, Roger Sanchez, Seb Fontaine, Tall Paul and…

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or you’ve lived here your whole life, there’s always something new to discover in Liverpool. Bursting with culture, creativity, and character, the city is packed with unforgettable experiences — from music heritage and world-class football to cutting-edge food, art, and nightlife.

Our “Things To Do in Liverpool” section is your ultimate guide to exploring the city, whatever your interests or budget. We’ve curated the best local activities, events, and hidden gems — from headline attractions to indie favourites that make Liverpool so unique.

Explore Liverpool’s Rich Culture & History

Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with a global reputation for creativity — and it shows. Whether you’re tracing the steps of The Beatles, learning about the city’s maritime past, or diving into its rich art and museum scene, culture is everywhere.

Top cultural attractions include:

  • The Beatles Story, Strawberry Field, and the Magical Mystery Tour

  • Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, and International Slavery Museum

  • Tate Liverpool and independent art spaces like Open Eye Gallery and FACT

Many of Liverpool’s museums and galleries are free to enter, making them great options for rainy days, family visits, or anyone on a budget.

Iconic Landmarks and Unique Neighbourhoods

Liverpool’s skyline is iconic — and so are its neighbourhoods. Wander the waterfront and take in the Royal Albert Dock, Liver Building, and Museum of Liverpool, then explore further afield for local character.

  • Stroll through the Georgian Quarter with its leafy streets, theatres and cathedrals

  • Discover the industrial-meets-creative vibes of the Baltic Triangle

  • Explore Bold Street, one of the UK’s best indie food and shopping streets

  • Visit the Knowledge Quarter and Hope Street for historic pubs and hidden gems

You can also head to Sefton Park or Otterspool Promenade for nature-filled escapes within the city.

Music, Nightlife & Live Events

This is a city that lives and breathes music. From world-famous venues to underground gigs, there’s always a live show to catch.

  • The Cavern Club, Phase One, Jimmy’s, and Camp and Furnace all host regular gigs

  • Liverpool Philharmonic Hall offers orchestral concerts, film scores, and live comedy

  • Don’t miss LIMF, Sound City, and local grassroots festivals throughout the year

Liverpool also has a thriving bar and club scene — from rooftop cocktails and craft beer dens to late-night clubs, cabaret shows, and LGBTQ+ venues.

Football, Tours & Sporting Experiences

If you're into sport, few cities rival Liverpool for passion and pride. Take a tour of Anfield, Goodison Park or the Hill Dickinson Stadium, or plan a matchday experience to see the city come alive. You can also enjoy:

  • Mersey River cruises

  • Crazy golf, axe throwing, and escape rooms

  • Local runs, cycle routes, and yoga in the park

For fans of walking tours, ghost tours, or food and drink trails, Liverpool has a huge variety of guided experiences that bring the city to life in new ways.

Food, Drink & Independent Shopping

Liverpool’s independent scene is thriving — especially when it comes to food, drink, and unique shopping. Discover:

  • Baltic Market and Duke Street Market for casual eats

  • Bold Street, Lark Lane, and Smithdown Road for indie cafés, vegan options, and world cuisine

  • Vintage shops, record stores, artisanal makers, and independent galleries

There’s always a new place to eat, a local beer to try, or a weekend market to explore.

Seasonal Events & Hidden Gems

Liverpool loves a celebration — and with festivals, light trails, pop-up exhibitions, and waterfront events happening all year round, there’s always something to look forward to. Whether it’s:

  • Christmas markets at the docks

  • Summer outdoor cinema nights

  • Halloween ghost hunts

  • Liverpool Biennial or LightNight

We keep you up to date on what’s on and what’s worth checking out, so you never miss a moment.

Why Explore with Liverpool Noise?

We go beyond the obvious. Our "Things To Do in Liverpool" section brings together real recommendations, independent voices, and the latest updates from across the city. Whether you're a tourist planning your first visit or a local looking for new inspiration, we’re here to help you make the most of every day in Liverpool.

We regularly update this section with:

  • What’s on this weekend in Liverpool

  • New restaurant and bar openings

  • Seasonal round-ups and curated guides

  • Budget-friendly ideas and free things to do

  • Tours, events, and family-friendly picks

Discover our latest features below and discover why Liverpool is one of the UK’s most exciting cities to explore — with something new around every corner.