Festival Square at Aviva Studios is back for Manchester International Festival 2025, and it’s bringing a packed lineup with it! From 4–20 July, this free celebration will take over Aviva Studios with music, performances, food, and family fun. It’s the beating heart of MIF25, and you won’t want to miss it.
Festival Square is Coming to Aviva Studios
Festival Square at Aviva Studios will light up Manchester from 4–20 July 2025, offering an unforgettable experience. As part of the MIF25 programme, it includes nearly 200 artists, 19 grassroots takeovers, and non-stop entertainment for all ages.
Best of all? It’s completely free.
This multi-genre cultural celebration blends emerging talent, iconic DJs, interactive art, and tasty eats – all under the city’s summer skies.
What to Expect
- 🎤 Over 160 Greater Manchester artists, including DJ Lady Shaka, Renee Stormz, Rainy Miller, and folk ensemble Brown Wimpenny.
- 🎧 Takeovers by collectives and clubs including Homobloc, Suffragette City, YES, and Green Island.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family activities every weekend morning – from Z-Arts’ Mad Hatter’s Musical Tea Party to a Giant Bubble Show, sports day with Carlton Club, silent discos and more.
- 🍕 Foodie heaven with Bundobust, Honest Crust x Shaun Moffat (special EatWell MCR collab on 6 July), Ginger’s Ice Cream, Superserve and more.
- ⚽ Free entry to Football City, Art United – curated by Juan Mata and Hans Ulrich Obrist – for under 16s.
You’ll also find talks, creative showcases from Factory International’s partner schools, and a full day led by Neighbourhood Organisers spotlighting local talent and community pride.
How to Get Tickets
Good news – Festival Square is completely free to attend! No ticket required for most performances or activities.
For headline MIF25 events, and to see the full programme, head over to:
— Buy Tickets Now
📌 Also happening this summer – check out my Camden Fringe London 2025, another fantastic showcase of indie theatre, comedy and fresh talent across the capital.
