Events and festivals in Liverpool
So much to do, see and experience
Liverpool is full of exciting events throughout the year with something for everyone. From world-class concerts and theatre performances to festivals, our calendar is always packed.
Check out our video that shows the highlights from LJMU's time at the Pride 2024 march.
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September
Start the academic year off right by taking part in all of LJMU’s fresher’s week activities. From JMSU Fresher’s Fair to Go Karting and an open air-cinema, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to settle in and make new friends.
This is also the perfect time to visit the local pubs and clubs with friends and see what Liverpool nightlife is all about.
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October
October is a big month, especially with many Halloween events being hosted across the city. You won’t be in short supply of places to pumpkin pick or visit scare fests.
Aside from Halloween events, Comic Con Liverpool is the perfect opportunity to meet some of your favourite actors from TV shows and films. Previous guests have included Helena Bonham-Carter, Jensen Ackles and Gwendoline Christie.
October is also the beginning of the River of Light event that provides an outdoor illuminated gallery on the waterfront and is completely free to visit.
The Liverpool Irish festival is the UK’s largest Irish arts and culture led festival that runs for 10 days in October and showcases Irish creativity.
The Liverpool Literary Festival is a must for literature lovers, drawing authors, poets, and thinkers from around the world for inspiring talks and workshops.
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November
The River of Light event continues into November in case you missed it in October.
Early in the month is Bonfire night, where a number of places across the city will host firework displays, including Newsham Park and Sefton Park.
Homotopia is an international LGBTQ+ arts festival that takes place throughout November. It features theatre, dance, film, photography and more. The festival has welcomed guests such as Boy George, David Hockney and Jon Walters in recent years.
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December
As December approaches, you’ll find the city is alive with Christmas spirit. There are plenty of Christmas markets throughout the shopping centre and the Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival runs daily throughout December at Pierhead where you can enjoy ice skating.
Another favourite event is the Liverpool Santa Dash in early December which has participants dress up in Santa costumes and complete a 5K run from Pier Head, across the waterfront and ending at the Town Hall.
Let’s not forget about Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations the city hosts.
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January
Whilst things begin to calm down in January after New Year, places such as the Liverpool Empire, M&S Bank Arena and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic have plenty of events to look forward to.
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February
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Liverpool’s Chinatown, one of the largest outside of Asia, with vibrant parades and performances.
The city is beautiful, there is always something going on.
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March
As we move into March, events begin to pick up a little more with Liverpool’s St Patrick’s Day parade. Enjoy live music as you celebrate Irish culture through the streets of Liverpool.
This month also has the Liverpool International Jazz festival first established in 2013. It focuses on showcasing contemporary instrumental jazz from local emerging talent, as well as some well known jazz artists from around the world.
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April
Liverpool hosts The Grand National, a horse racing event at Aintree racecourse every year. Millions of people tune into the televised event and in person spectators get to enjoy the full race day experience.
April also brings the Liverpool Sound City, an independent festival that celebrates new music artists from across the world. Previous years have seen the likes of Ed Sheeran make an appearance at the beginning of his career.
We can't forget about LJMU's Spring Graduation ceremonies held every April in the Liverpool Cathedral.
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May
Literature lovers will rejoice in the annual Writing on the Wall literary festival during May. 2024 marked it’s 25th anniversary and it only continues to go from strength to strength. The festival shows newly published authors, and invites literary veterans to speak and perform. Previous guests have included Irvine Welsh, Jon Ronson and Beatrix Campbell.
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June
June is a huge month for Liverpool events and festivals. The Arabic Arts Fest is a city-wide event that raises awareness of Arabic culture for both Arab and non-Arab audiences.
Another cultural event hosted this month is Africa Oye which is the UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture.
One of Liverpool’s biggest summer festivals is On the Waterfront, held at Pier Head. It is known for providing a stage for Liverpool’s homegrown talent. Previous years saw Jamie Webster, Camel Phat, Deacon Blue and Ben Hemsley perform.
June is also the start of the Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest festival of visual contemporary arts, which allows artists to showcase their work around the city. One of the most famous being the cast iron statues by Antony Gormley on Crosby Beach from the 2005 Biennial.
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July
July is a month of music and culture with the Liverpool International Music Festival and Brazilica Festival.
Staff from across the university come together to celebrate our students during LJMU's Summer Graduation ceremonies at the Liverpool Cathedral.
Towards the end of July is Liverpool’s Pride march. Join thousands to march through the city to the festival's home on Tithebarn Street, right in the heart of Liverpool City Centre. Year after year, our colleagues from across the University work closely with our partners at the LCR Pride Foundation to support the delivery of this incredible day.
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August
The Liverpool Biennial continues from June through to September.
August is also the month of The Matthew Street festival which is a tribute to Liverpool’s music scene and offers free live music and entertainment in the heart of the city.
