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.
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She Drew The Gun Play The Buyers Club As Part of UK Tour; Friday 29th April
She Drew The Gun, fronted by songwriter Louisa Roach offer dreamy lyrical psych-pop from the banks of the Mersey. The debut album, Memories of the Future, is out now and this Friday’s show at The Buyers Club should be a night of celebration for the local star. On April 10th, She Drew The Gun were crowned winners of Glastonbury’s ‘Emerging Talent Competition’ 2016, a prize supported by PRS for Music and the PRS for Music Foundation. The…
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Dead Buttons Play Two of Liverpool’s Biggest Festivals This May
The hottest act to break the Korean Republic, Dead Buttons, are also set to win hearts and minds with an extensive live jaunt. They will be playing across the UK, Mainland Europe, America and Asia in 2016. Cult Liverpool imprint Baltic Records have taken on the duo’s first full length album ‘Some Kind of Youth’ – slated for release in early July to coincide with the band’s performances at FestEvol (1st May) and Liverpool Sound City (28th May). Dead…
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Hope Fest; The Music Festival In Aid of The Homeless Is Back For 2016 Between 11 th – 13 th November Across The UK & Ireland
Hope Fest – the music festival in aid of the homeless – is back for 2016 (11 th -13th November) and this time it is bigger and better than ever! Now in it’s third year, the annual Hope Fest, which is usually held in Liverpool, has now expanded to cover the UK and Ireland. Taking over 40 music venues in Liverpool, Manchester, Brighton, Glasgow and Dublin aiming to raise lots of supplies of food, clothing and cash for the homeless.…
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Smithdown Road Festival 2016; Band Set Times & Map
The Smithdown Road Festival returns for 2016 as a completely free weekend of music, art and food around some of South Liverpool’s finest bars and cafes, with a massive outdoor area and big top on Wavertree Playground. There will be stages at The Mystery, Kelly’s Winebar, Evil Eye Beer & Burrito Shack, Franks, Brookhouse, Fat Flamingo, Caffee Oro, Sefton Park Cricket Club and Gregson Institute. There will be performances from the likes of Colour, Xander…
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Liverpool Calling Announce Full Line Up For July Festival
Liverpool Calling have announced the final wave of acts for this years festival on 9th July at Camp & Furnace. They have revealed that Yak & Findlay will be joining the main stage alongside headliners Coasts and Spector. Yak return to Liverpool after supporting The Last Shadow Puppets on their recent tour, with a scintillating live set they will be sure to draw in the crowds. No stranger to the Liverpool scene, Findlay has built…
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New Large Scale Artwork At Liverpool Anglican Cathedral For LightNight 2016
Daniel Thorne (founder of IMMIX ensemble), to arrange stunning Bill Ryder-Jones composition for large scale audio visual artwork, ‘NO WORST, THERE IS NONE’, featuring Liverpool Cathedral Youth Choir and visual artists Sam and Damien Wiehl, at LightNight 2016. Ad Hoc Creative, a collaboration between Bido Lito! Magazine and Ad Hoc Property Management, have announced ‘No Worst, There is None’, a one-off audio visual composition for LightNight 2016 being held at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on Friday…
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New Pop Up Exhibition At FACT – Scouse Roots: Art That Makes Itself
Scouse Roots: Art That Makes Itself is a new pop-up exhibition at FACT by Liverpudlian father and son artist duo Paul and Daniel Brown. Scouse Rootstells the story of the artists’ roots in the city, and Liverpool’s influence on digital creativity, exploring empowerment through digital design in computer based and generative art from two generations. The exhibition explores the history of digital art, showcasing several of Brown & Son’s early artworks including pieces made while in residence in…
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Record Store Day; 16th April 2016
Jacaranda Records, Probe and Dig Vinyl are among the Liverpool stores participating in this year’s Record Store Day. Record Store Day is the one day of the year when over 200 independent record shops all across the UK come together to celebrate their unique culture. Special vinyl releases are made exclusively for the day and many shops and cities host artist performances and events to mark the occasion. Thousands more shops celebrate the day around…
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Reel Stories; Liverpool & The Silver Screen Exhibition At The Museum of Liverpool March ’16 – September ’17
Reel Stories is a special exhibition of more than 40 original film posters and memorabilia celebrating Liverpool’s starring role in films from the past 60 years. Liverpool is a filmmaker’s dream. It’s a city of storytellers and performers, writers and entertainers, musicians and poets. From those first flickering pioneering days of cinema, filmmakers have been drawn to this restless and defiant city, enchanted by the millions of stories it holds, both real and imaginary. Stories…
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Light Night 2016; Friday 13th May
LightNight, Liverpool’s one-night arts & culture festival, takes place Friday 13th May. Experience an unforgettable evening of more than 100 free events as they unlock the doors of our world-class museums, galleries and heritage sites until late. Venues that will be opening late include Walker Art Gallery, Tate Liverpool, Liverpool Philharmonic, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool John Moores University, The Bluecoat, FACT, Baltic Creative, Liverpool University and many more. Follow your own exciting trail of light projections,…
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Fly On The Wall Records Presents; King No One, Lying B*st*rds, Cavalry, Native Kings, Daez At Leaf Friday 1st April
Following the sell out success of their last event which seen the amazing Clean Cut Kid headline, Janice Long (BBC Radio 2) and Dave Monks (BBC Introducing Merseyside) return to introduce to you another amazing line-up featuring some of the hottest names on the local music scene along with headliners – Yorkshire lads, King No One. The indie rockers King No One have been touring up and down the UK and will return to Liverpool for this headline set.…
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Bam!Bam!Bam! & Africa Oye To Kick Off The Summer At 24 Kitchen Street
This May, 24 Kitchen Street & Bam!Bam!Bam! in association with Africa Oye will present two new shows, setting Liverpool up for another great summer of African and Caribbean music and culture. First up are Channel One Sound System, who for over 35 years have been perfecting their selection of reggae classics and new must-hear tracks. Having celebrated 30 consecutive years at Notting Hill Carnival, Channel One have made a name for themselves as one of one…
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Liverpool Craft Beer Expo 16-19th June 2016
The Liverpool Craft Beer Expo returns for it’s fourth year this June and is expected to bring craft beer enthusiasts together for a three day extravaganza. A modern craft beer festival, The Liverpool Craft Beer Expo will feature a new breed of ground-breaking and innovative breweries from the UK, Europe and beyond. With over 300 beers, on both keg and cask and spread across 10+ bars and 100+ beer taps. We will be inviting our…
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Liverpool Tattoo Convention Returns For Three Days of Entertainment This May
Liverpool Tattoo Convention returns to the city for its 9th year on the 6th, 7th & 8th May 2016 with a theme of ‘Respecting the Past, Celebrating the Present and Embracing the Future’. Renowned for its innovation, non-stop entertainment and atmosphere, and widely perceived as the most prestigious and innovative tattoo event in the UK – the convention returns to the Britannia Adelphi Hotel this year. The 3-day event will include over 250 UK and international tattoo artists, the…
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FACT Exhibition Ryoichi Kurokawa: unfold 11 March – 12 June ’16
The seasoned, Japanese born, avant-garde artist Ryoichi Kurokawa has received varying accolades and acclaim for his work with both music and film. His new project ‘unfold’, produced and funded by FACT, gives the artist his first major exhibition in the UK. Placed in the upper echelons of art with his synthesis of sound and vision. Ryoichi, has a certain notoriety for stimulating the brain with simultaneous audio/visual responses, examining the nexus between sensory stimuli and the physical experience. This is a…
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Liverpool’s First Binary Festival Launches May 2016
Liverpool’s Binary Festival has announced the first keynote speakers and participants of this year’s inaugural festival; revealing an eclectic mix of pioneering virtual reality software, performances in live coding and poetry, and radical funding ideas. In May 2016, Liverpool’s first Binary Festival will take place. It’ll be a lively two-day festival that celebrates and connects communities of innovators, inventors, leaders, makers and creators of our future. The ambition is to attract new business, new ideas and new people to…
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Sound City: Tim Peaks Diner / Tier 3 Tickets Running Low
Sound City have just announced that Tier 3 tickets are now running very low and are expected to sell out very soon. Be sure to get your tickets now at the limited price of £38 + booking fee for day tickets and £70 + booking fee for weekend tickets. Sound City are also delighted to add more great artists to the Tim Peaks Diner lineup in 2016. Including: Bear Growls • Beds In Parks • Blueprint Blue • Cabbage • Documenta • Hot Vestry • Pheromoans • Riding The Low • Tear…
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Smithdown Road Festival 2016
The Smithdown Road Festival returns for 2016 as a completely free weekend of music, art and food around some of South Liverpool’s finest bars and cafes, with a massive outdoor area and big top on Wavertree Playground. There will be stages at The Mystery, Kelly’s Winebar, Evil Eye Beer & Burrito Shack, Franks, Brookhouse, Fat Flamingo, Caffee Oro, Sefton Park Cricket Club and Gregson Institute. There will be performances from the likes of Natalie McCool,…
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Liverpool Calling Announce First Wave of Acts For 2016 Festival
Liverpool Calling returns for its fourth consecutive year, this time at a temporary new home in the Camp and Furnace, and the Blade Factory on Saturday 9th July. This year they have announced two headliners for the one-day event, as Coasts and Spector top the bill. Bristol-based Coasts come to Liverpool for the first time since the release of their debut album. Spector are also set to make a triumphant return to the Liverpool scene,…
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FACT Presents New Pop-up Exhibitions With Strong Community Links
This spring, a special programme of pop-up exhibitions will be showcased in the FACT Connects space, in the foyer at FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology). FACT Connects is a wide- ranging programme, which engages with members of the community, and allows FACT to connect even more with artists, musicians, and makers. The first two FACT Connects exhibitions of 2016 will explore perspectives on disability and empowerment, as well as delving into Liverpool’s position as a catalyst for digital…
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:
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The Beatles Story, Strawberry Field, and the Magical Mystery Tour
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Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, and International Slavery Museum
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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.
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Stroll through the Georgian Quarter with its leafy streets, theatres and cathedrals
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Discover the industrial-meets-creative vibes of the Baltic Triangle
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Explore Bold Street, one of the UK’s best indie food and shopping streets
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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.
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The Cavern Club, Phase One, Jimmy’s, and Camp and Furnace all host regular gigs
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Liverpool Philharmonic Hall offers orchestral concerts, film scores, and live comedy
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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:
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Mersey River cruises
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Crazy golf, axe throwing, and escape rooms
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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:
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Baltic Market and Duke Street Market for casual eats
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Bold Street, Lark Lane, and Smithdown Road for indie cafés, vegan options, and world cuisine
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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:
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Christmas markets at the docks
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Summer outdoor cinema nights
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Halloween ghost hunts
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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:
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What’s on this weekend in Liverpool
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New restaurant and bar openings
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Seasonal round-ups and curated guides
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Budget-friendly ideas and free things to do
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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.