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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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…
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‘Laces Out!’ – Leading UK Trainer Festival Announces Special Screening of Adidas Film
Laces Out! will also be hosting an exclusive screening of the Adidas Originals X SPEZIAL Sole Searching in South America: Directors Cut! This screening will include never before seen footage from the legendary trip to Buenos Aires. Spaces for this screening will be very limited. Gary Aspen from Adidas says: “The two trips to Argentina were incredible and with their cult following have now become part of adidas’s mythology. It was great to be able to document the experience of finding a hoard of…
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Global Scouse Day Returns For 2016 On 28th February; Restaurants Across The City Taking Part
Global Scouse Day is back on 28th February for it’s forth year and it’s going from strength to strength; with over 100 bars & restaurants across Liverpool signed up to take part. Restaurants including Alma De Cuba, Free State Kitchen, The Side Door Bistro, Lucha Libre, Almost Famous, London Carriage Works, Egg Cafe, Hanover Street Social, 60 Hope Street, The Baltic Social, Puschka and Cafe Tabac will all be serving up Scouse for the day.…
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‘Laces Out!’ – The Ultimate Celebration of Sneaker Culture Returns To Liverpool
Laces Out! Festival invites sneaker heads across the country to congregate on March 5th in Liverpool’s famous Camp & Furnace to celebrate their shared love of the footwear and culture. The fourth edition sees the return of the renowned market place featuring thousands of vintage, rare, box fresh and deadstock trainers ready to be bought, swapped and admired. Brand new for Laces Out! SS16 is the Laces Out! Lab – a multi-faceted programme of curated sneaker culture and lifestyle…
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New Mini Documentary From LaBeouf , Rönkkö & Turner’s #TOUCHMYSOUL Performance at FACT
There is now a mini documentary from LaBeouf, Rönkkö & Turner’s #TOUCHMYSOUL performance at FACT available online. The project #TOUCHMYSOUL by LaBeouf, Rönkkö & Turner took place at FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) in Liverpool from 10 to 13 December 2015, as part of the group exhibition Follow, open to visitors until 21 February 2016 (admission free). Over the four days, LaBeouf, Rönkkö & Turner invited the public to pick up the telephone…
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Sound City Announces New Artist & Industry Focused Conference For 2016
World famous industry conference to become Sound City+ Following last month’s major line-up announcement including The Coral and Catfish and the Bottlemen as headliners and a major new partnership with electronic dance music promoters Freeze, multi-award winning Sound City has revealed a brand new format for its renowned music industry conference. Rebranded as Sound City+, the new-look conference will be purely artist and industry focused and take place on the day preceding the main festival…
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Liverpool Festival for 80,000 Announced For May Bank Holiday
Records will be set on May Bank Holiday 2016 with a festival announced for 80,000 guests to be held at Aintree Racecourse Liverpool. We Luv Festival will be the first festival event focused predominantly on families. The colossal family-oriented event will be held in Liverpool at the Aintree Racecourse on 28th and 29th May 2016. With over 80,000 visitors expected to attend over two days and over thirty artists set to perform across two stages,…
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New Catacombs Tours At St Georges Hall; Victorian Gangs Special
Following on from the success of Series 5 of the catacomb promenade tours, Lovehistory are about to delve even further into Liverpool’s past and expose the savage and lawless Gangs of Victorian Liverpool. The promenade performances will take you into the dark cells below the grandness of the Great Hall, where those waiting to be condemned would spend their final moments. In the dark shadows of Liverpool’s history, visitors will encounter characters telling their tormented…
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Ryoichi Kurokawa: unfold Exhibition at FACT, Liverpool 11 March – 12 June 2016
unfold is a major new commission by acclaimed Japanese artist Ryoichi Kurokawa, exploring the birth and evolution of stars in a groundbreaking immersive and tactile audiovisual installation. This unique sensory experience will be part of Kurokawa’s first ever solo exhibition in the UK, premiering at FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) in Liverpool 11 March – 12 June 2016. unfold will offer viewers an artistic, yet scientific, representation of how the solar system was born, and how…
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Catfish And The Bottlemen Make A Triumphant Return To Sound City
UK Festival Awards crowned Sound City the Best Metropolitan Music Festival of 2015 and Sound City is going for gold yet again with a 2016 line up that’s bigger, better and even more diverse than ever. Having already announced The Coral as a headliner, the festival has today revealed that Catfish and the Bottlemen is the second headliner. The festival is also declaring an exciting new partnership with hugely innovative dance music promoters Freeze who…
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Liverpool International Music Festival Announce First Wave of Acts
Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) have announced SIGMA, The Wombats, Lianne La Havas, Kwabs, Netsky, Ms. Dynamite, Maverick Sabre, Frances, DJ TARGET, John Power Band and many more will be playing #LIMF2016 21 – 24th July. LIMF Summer Jam has fast become the leading family festival of its kind, completely free to enjoy. Taking place at Sefton Park, it will mark the start of the summer and the culmination of a spectacular series of events as…
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Malmaison Liverpool Brasserie; Review
Now the first thing I must say is that we don’t usually go to hotel restaurants – never been fussed on them and always tend to try somewhere else before giving them a go; but our recent visit to the Malmaison has definitely changed our opinions of hotel eating. So, it was a chilly Friday night when myself and my partner made our way to the Malmaison hotel. We were booked in at 7pm and had been looking…
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Metal Presents; Big Mouth Art Exhibition In Liverpool City Centre – Church Street
As part of Liverpool Provocations, Metal presents BIG MOUTH, by MEYOUANDUS. Each evening from 18th January, an illuminated orb will appear in central Liverpool, within which a human mouth appears to silently repeat and absorb the deepest thoughts and secrets of the public. Big Mouth, a mobile installation, aims to tempt participants to speak in confidence away from the superficial veneer of social dialogue. The thoughts are then displayed on the 360° projection, before being…
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Left Hand to Back of Head: New Art Exhibition At The Bluecoat 23rd Jan-28th March
Bluecoat launches its new exhibtion this month exploring how we can experience art beyond what we are able to say about it. The exhibition presents a collection of works that set out to affect the audience on a physical level, through sensations and emotions. Artists include: Rowena Harris // Mary Hurrell // Natalie Finnemore // Mitra Saboury // Marianna Simnett // Marie Toseland // Hannah James // Becky Beasley Left Hand to Back of Head…
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.