Family Festivals, Fun Fairs and Carnivals in Manchester

Manchester is packed with brilliant festivals and fairs throughout the year, and many of them are perfect for families looking for something a little different to do together.

From large city-wide celebrations and cultural festivals to seasonal fairs and pop-up events in parks and town centres, there’s always something happening somewhere across Manchester and Greater Manchester.

This guide focuses on the festivals and fairs that regularly return each year and are known for being welcoming to families and children. For exact dates and what’s happening right now, you’ll also find these events featured in our monthly what’s on guides.

See what’s on this month in Manchester

Annual Family Festivals in Manchester

Manchester hosts several big annual festivals that families look forward to year after year. These events often take over city streets, parks and public spaces, with live performances, workshops, food stalls and plenty of activities for children.

Many of these festivals are free to attend and include dedicated family zones, making them ideal for relaxed days out where kids can explore, create and get involved at their own pace.

Chinese New Year Celebrations 

January / February 

Manchester is a great place to celebrate the Chinese New Year. An annual highlight in the city’s events calendar, taking place each winter in and around Chinatown and the city centre.

The family-friendly celebrations typically include colourful lion and dragon dances and a parade, live performances, cultural displays, street food stalls and free activities for children.

With a lively atmosphere and plenty to see and do, it’s one of Manchester’s most popular free festivals and a great day out for families.

Discover this year’s celebrations >>> Chinese New Year in Manchester

Super Duper Family Festival

February Half Term 

The Super Duper Family Festival has become a much-loved annual event in Manchester.

Taking place during the February half-term and transforming the city centre into a giant playground, it is free and designed especially for families.

The festival features interactive play zones, creative workshops, performances and hands-on activities for children of all ages.

With most events free to attend and spread across central locations, it’s a popular school-holiday highlight and a great way for families to enjoy fun, creativity and play together in the heart of the city.

Check out this year’s event >>> Super Duper Family Festival Manchester

Manchester Flower Festival

Late May Bank Holiday Weekend

The annual Manchester Flower Festival is a bright and colourful event that celebrates flowers, plants and green spaces across the city centre.

Usually taking place over the Whit Week Bank Holiday weekend, the festival transforms streets, squares and venues with floral installations, pop-up gardens, workshops and interactive displays. Plus, there are usually lots of free family activities.

With plenty to explore at a relaxed pace, it’s a lovely, accessible festival for families looking to enjoy creativity, nature and city-centre fun together.

Discover what’s on this year >>> Manchester Flower Festival

Manchester Day 

Late July 

Manchester Day is a large-scale annual celebration of the city’s culture, creativity and community, usually taking place in the summer.

Each year the event has a different theme and brings Manchester’s streets to life with parades, live performances, music, dance and street entertainment. 

The event is free and is designed to be enjoyed by families of all ages. With free activities and a lively city-centre atmosphere, Manchester Day is a popular family-friendly festival and a great opportunity to celebrate everything that makes the city unique.

Read about this year’s event >>> Manchester Day 

Manchester Literature Festival 

October 

Manchester Literature Festival is an annual celebration of books, writing and storytelling, usually taking place in the autumn across venues in the city centre.

While the festival features talks and events for adult readers, it also includes a strong family-friendly programme with children’s authors, interactive storytelling sessions and creative workshops.

With a mix of free and ticketed events, it’s a great opportunity for families to inspire a love of reading and creativity while enjoying Manchester’s cultural scene.

This year’s events >>> Manchester Literature Festival 

Halloween In The City 

Late October

Halloween in the City brings spooky fun to the city centre each autumn, with a wide range of family-friendly events taking place in the lead-up to Halloween.

From themed trails, pumpkin activities and creative workshops to pop-up attractions, seasonal markets and light-hearted scares, the city offers something for all ages.

With many free or low-cost events spread across central locations, Halloween in Manchester is a popular time for families to enjoy a festive atmosphere without venturing far from home.

Spooky fun this year >>> Halloween In The City 

Manchester Christmas Parade

Early December 

The Manchester Christmas Parade marks the start of the festive season in the city, bringing colour, music and Christmas cheer to the city centre.

The family-friendly parade typically features festive floats, performers, dancers and seasonal characters, creating a lively atmosphere for children and adults alike.

Free to watch and easy to access, the Christmas Parade is a popular festive highlight and a great way for families to kick off Christmas celebrations in Manchester.

Fairs, Funfairs and Pop-Up Events

Alongside Manchester’s bigger festivals, there are also lots of smaller fairs and pop-up events that appear throughout the year.

These include travelling funfairs, themed weekends, pop-up attractions and local celebrations in town centres and green spaces. They’re often short-term but great value, especially for families looking for something spontaneous to do at the weekend.

Fun Fair at Heaton Park 

As Manchester’s Park, Heaton Park also attracts the biggest fun fairs.

A popular highlight in Manchester’s family events calendar, returning several times throughout the year during school holidays and peak seasons. With highlights including over Easter and Halloween, and the big summer fun fair that runs over the six-week holidays.

The fun fairs offer classic rides, family-friendly attractions, games and sweet treats and are run by fairgrounds. 

Find details on the next fun fair >>> Heaton Park Fun Fair 

Trafford Centre Fun Fair 

One of Greater Manchester’s most popular shopping destinations is home to amazing fun fairs throughout the year.

Typically appearing during the summer holidays and the Halloween and Christmas periods, these pop-up funfairs feature a mix of family rides, thrill rides and games.

During the summer, you will also find a splash zone and beach, spooky fun at the Halloween event and lots of festive treats during Christmas.

Discover the next event >>> Trafford Centre Fun Fair 

Other Fun Fairs 

Along with the Trafford Centre and Heaton Park Fun Fairs, there are also lots of pop-up fairs across Greater Manchester all year round.

Here is where you will find them, and all the details of the next fun fairs are in the link 

• Daisy Nook, Oldham
• Platt Fields, Manchester
• Cringle Fields, Levenshulme
• Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe
• Woodbank Park, Stockport
• Debdale Park, Gorton
• Broadhurst Playing Fields, Failsworth

Local Carnivals & Community Events in Manchester

Manchester and the Greater Manchester area are home to a number of colourful carnivals and community celebrations that make brilliant family days out. These events typically include parades, live entertainment, stalls, food and drink, funfair rides and activities tailored to children — many of them free or low‑cost.

Many of these carnivals are community‑run and volunteer‑supported, so dates and details can change each year — always check the latest information before heading out. For other local events and family ideas happening near you this month, explore our monthly What’s On guides.

Planning Your Festival Visits

Festival dates and details can vary each year, so we always recommend checking individual event listings and our monthly what’s on guides for the most up-to-date information.

If you’re planning ahead for school holidays or specific seasons, you may also find our holiday guides helpful when deciding which festivals to visit with the kids.

Explore school holiday activities in Manchester