There are plenty of terraces and beer gardens to enjoy outdoor drinks in the sunshine around Oxford Road.
Things to do this July
Summer theatre, exhhibitions and the return of Manchester International Festival. Loads to do this July in and around Oxford Road.
It will be a busy July on Oxford Road with graduations that will see thousands of students seeking out the Corridor’s most Instagrammable spots. If you are here for graduation, good news! There are plenty of things to do this July, and we even have a handy guide to some of the best post-ceremony spots.
Manchester International Festival takes over the city this month with another brilliant programme of thrilling new commissions. We encourage you to check out their entire programme, but we especially recommend the events at The Academy, Whitworth, Manchester Museum, HOME and Contact. We’ve compiled a complete guide to all the events around Oxford Road.
Away from the festival, there are still loads happening this month. The pick of non-MIF exhibitions can be found at Castlefield Gallery and the Whitworth. Albrecht Dürer’s Material World at the Whitworth offers a new perspective on Dürer as an intense observer of the worlds of manufacture, design, and trade that fill his graphic art. The Poetics of Water at Castlefield Gallery features new work by Jessica El Mal and Parham Ghalamdar that is motivated by the effects of capitalism, corruption and colonialism on the natural environment.
Gig-wise, it’s a little quieter as bands head off for the festival season, famous Glasgow 7-piece Belle & Sebastian are playing The Academy, but if you’re hungry for more, we recommend checking out the listings at the live music venues and trying out something new.
The “stunning, joyful and wholeheartedly life-grabbing” Olivier award-nominated Cruise is the big summer stage show at HOME. It tells the true story of what should have been Michael Spencer’s last night on earth after being diagnosed with HIV and told he’d have four years to live. A critically acclaimed one-person show that’s not to be missed.
Finally, at the end of the month, Contact wraps up their 50th birthday celebrations with The Big Banquet, and feast on a range of extraordinary cultural delights. Gorge on poetry, gobble on music, slurp up some art and reconnect with friends over a smorgasbord of fun.
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Oxford Road Corridor has a number of historic parks and contemporary green spaces to enjoy.
The food and drink in Manchester is some of the best in the UK with many of the finest offerings found here on the Oxford Road Corridor.
More things to do in July
The Pankhurst Centre | Until 31 August 2025
The transformation of the Pankhurst Centre exhibition space is incredible thanks to its new permanent exhibition, At Home with the Pankhurst Family.
Where to stay
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offers an unforgettable stay on Oxford Road Corridor in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.
Hyatt Regency Manchester is an elegant, modern hotel set in the heart of Oxford Road Corridor.
The Midland Hotel is one of the most famous places to stay in Manchester, and one of Oxford Road Corridor’s most lavishly decorated hotels.
The Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road is a centrally located hotel that offers visitors great value for money.
Hotel ibis on Princess Street offers 126 value for money rooms in a central Manchester location near Oxford Road.