Summer is far from over, and Liverpool has a packed programme of events to enjoy throughout August 2026. From major outdoor concerts and international music festivals to immersive art, theatre, craft beer and charity runs, there are plenty of reasons to make the most of the final full month of summer.
Whether you’re a Beatles fan, a musical theatre lover or simply looking for something different to do, here are some of the best events taking place across Liverpool City Region this August.
Live music and festivals
Penny Lane Weekender 2026
Date: 7 – 9 August 2026
Location: Various venues across Penny Lane
More Info & Tickets
The Penny Lane Weekender returns with a three-day celebration of Liverpool’s independent music scene.
Taking over venues along the famous Penny Lane, the festival showcases an eclectic mix of indie, rock, punk, electronica, dance and pop, with performances from emerging local artists alongside established acts. UK drill artist Reptile B headlines this year’s event.
As well as introducing audiences to new music, the festival shines a spotlight on the importance of grassroots music venues and the role they play in supporting the UK’s live music scene.
Weekend tickets are available through Eventbrite, with a range of ticket options depending on availability.
Lewis Capaldi – Live in Liverpool
Date: 15 August 2026
Location: Sefton Park
More Info & Tickets
Lewis Capaldi will take over Sefton Park for his biggest-ever outdoor headline performance in Liverpool.
Presented by In The Park, the concert will see thousands of fans gather in one of the city’s best-loved green spaces for an evening of live music. Capaldi will be joined by acclaimed British rapper and musician Loyle Carner, adding another major name to the line-up.
Demand for the show has been high, so anyone hoping to attend should check the official website for the latest ticket availability.
The concert is open to people aged 14 and over. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Salt and Tar Music Festival: On Tour
Date: 13–17 August 2026
Location: Lock & Quay, Bootle
More Info & Tickets
Salt and Tar’s popular music festival is heading to a temporary new location at Lock & Quay in Bootle for five nights of open-air music.
The 2026 line-up includes Billy Ocean, The Waterboys, The Saw Doctors and Nile Rodgers & CHIC. With a different headline show taking place each evening, audiences can choose individual concerts or make a full weekend of it.
Although the festival has moved from its usual home, organisers have promised the same scale, capacity and welcoming atmosphere as previous Salt and Tar events. The outdoor site will also feature a large beer garden and a selection of food vendors.
The shows are open to people aged 14 and over, with under-18s requiring an accompanying adult. The site opens at 4pm each day, with last entry at 7pm and performances finishing by 10pm.
She Drew The Gun – All Dayer
Date: 15 August
Location: Future Yard
More Info & Tickets
Future Yard are celebrating She Drew the Gun’s 10 year anniversary of their debut album “Memories of Another Future” in the Live Room.
This all-dayer is expected to bring all of the psych-pop sound that songwriter Louisa Roach is best known for, and that along with her music fighting against injustices and other societal issues is a sign that this event is certainly ready to be amazing.
It is not only She Drew the Gun who are playing in the all-dayer, the band will also be guested by other artists such as Lula, Jodie Melodie, Brainleak, Oorya and more.
If Liverpool born sound is what you are looking for, this is certainly the place that you need to be.
International Beatleweek
Date: 26 August -1 September 2026
Location: Various venues across Liverpool
More Info
Beatles fans from around the world will return to Liverpool for seven days of live music, special events and celebrations of the Fab Four.
Organised by Cavern City Tours, International Beatleweek brings together more than 70 bands and artists from over 20 countries. Performances will take place at venues including the Cavern Club, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and The Dome at Grand Central Hall.
Alongside Beatles favourites, audiences can expect Merseybeat tracks and classics from across the 1960s. The programme includes concerts, theatre performances, convention events and celebrations of the individual members of the band.
Individual tickets and accommodation packages are available, so it is worth exploring the full programme before deciding which events you would like to attend.
Theatre, art and culture
Open Air Cinema at The Reader
Date: Various dates throughout August 2026
Location: The Mansion House, Calderstones Park
More Info & Tickets
Make the most of the summer evenings with The Reader’s popular Open Air Cinema, set in the beautiful gardens of The Mansion House in Calderstones Park.
This year’s programme includes favourites such as Grease, La La Land and Back to the Future, with food and drinks available on site. Family-friendly indoor screenings also take place on Monday mornings throughout the summer holidays, making it a great option for younger audiences.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, settle in beneath the trees and enjoy a classic film in one of Liverpool’s most picturesque settings.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Date: Until 8 August 2026
Location: Liverpool Empire Theatre
More Info & Tickets
The spectacular stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge! continues its run at the Liverpool Empire until 8 August.
Inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s much-loved film, the musical brings the glamour, romance and energy of the Moulin Rouge to the stage. Audiences can expect elaborate costumes, impressive choreography and a soundtrack filled with well-known pop songs.
The story follows penniless writer Christian as he enters the dazzling world of Paris’s Moulin Rouge and falls in love with its star performer, Satine.
The production lasts approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including an interval. It is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over, and children under five will not be admitted.
ONLY SLIME: AFTERLIFE
Date: Until 16 August 2026
Location: FACT Liverpool
Admission: Free
More Info
Step into a strange world between life and death at this free interactive installation from artist duo ONLY SLIME.
AFTERLIFE transforms the duo’s 2023 computer-game opera into an immersive exhibition combining Greek mythology, gaming culture, theatre, opera and digital art. Visitors can move through its overlapping worlds, interact with motion-capture sensors and become part of the story.
Part neon-lit gaming bedroom and part retro dungeon, the installation explores ideas of life, death, reincarnation and what it means for something to feel “real” in a world that increasingly spans physical and digital spaces.
The exhibition is open from 11am to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday. It contains occasional strong language and flashing images.
Gender Stories at Walker Art
Date: Until 31st August
Location: Walker Art Gallery
More Info
This exhibition explores how ideas of gender have changed in history through a wide range of art, stories and items that show how the spectrum of genders and how the expression of gender has changed throughout time whilst also taking into account the impact that other factors like class can affect these expressions of gender.
This exhibition features works by David Hocknet, Catherine Opie, Grayson Perry and more with the exhibition placing a large emphasis on questioning and breaking down traditional gender roles.
Debjani Banerjee: Jalsaghar
Date: Until 6 September
Location: The Bluecoat
More Info
This solo exhibition by Debjani Banerjee is a personal look into her upbringing in 1980s England and how the country at the time engaged with her Bengali heritage. The exhibition itself is transformed into a ‘Jalsaghar’ meaning music room in Bengali, and therefore transforms the gallery into a whole collection of music, stories and art in which various pieces of her life and England’s history is connected together.
There are many mentions too to different figures related to Debjani’s culture such as Rabindranath Tagore who is a Bengali writer, composer and thinker; Deities from Hinduism such as Ganesh and works that are linked to The Mahabharata which is an ancient Indian epic. All of these historical and religious elements are also infused with contemporary elements too, in which to see how they have influence in both her modern life, and the lives of people around her.
The gallery is also great to bring children along too as there is activities for them to enjoy, but it is also important to help introduce children to other cultures that are from around the world, and this is a great opportunity to do so.
The (Almost) Complete History of Britain
Date: 14 – 15 August
Location: Shakespeare North Playhouse, Sir Ken Dodd Performance Garden
More Info & Tickets
Who said a retelling of Britain’s history throughout the centuries couldn’t be a comedy? Shakespeare North and the Pantaloons Theatre Company are bringing ‘The (Almost) Complete History of Britain to the stage for a just under 2 hour show that proves that history doesn’t have to be boring and whether it is Henry VIII or the Spanish Armada, this performance promises to not only make you laugh, but to also help you learn a fact or two.
Liverpool Book Market
Date: 21 – 22 August 2026
Location: The Garden Room, Bluecoat
Admission: Free
More Info
Book lovers can browse thousands of titles when the Liverpool Book Market returns to the Bluecoat this August.
Bringing together independent booksellers and specialist traders, the market offers everything from contemporary fiction and children’s books to rare editions, vintage finds and literary treasures. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover independent sellers, pick up a bargain or simply spend an afternoon browsing.
Whether you’re searching for a particular title or hoping to stumble across an unexpected gem, the Liverpool Book Market is well worth adding to your diary.
