Manchester City Council

Parks, leisure and the arts Events at Heaton Park

There's so much to enjoy at Heaton Park. As well as our all-year-round activities, you can also get involved in different events taking place at the Park.

See below for details of upcoming events, and make sure to follow our social media, Facebook and Instagram, for the most up-to-date news.

School holiday activities and events are listed on the Loads to Do site

May

      Family Fun Fair

      • Date: 22 to 31 May
      • Description: Come and visit the family funfair located near the Dower House and North Play area

      May Half Term

      • Date: 23 to 31 May 
      • Description: Will you be a Heaton Park explorer this May Half Term?

      Self-Led Orienteering

      • Date: 23 to 31 May 
      • Description: Use the free “MapRun” app to Find Your Way and explore orienteering routes in the park!

        Not sure where to start? Come to one of our two beginners orienteering sessions –
        27 May (families), or 30 May (adults).

      British Orienteering Stall: Self Led Orienteering using Find Your Way app

      • Date: 28 May
      • Time: 11am-3pm
      • Description: Chat to British Orienteering about their self-guided MapRun walks and their Find Your Way app!

      British Mountaineering Council Social Walk

      • Date: 30 May
      • Time: 9:45am-1pm
      • Description: As part of the BMC Big Walking Weekend, BMC Staff Member, Piper Cusmano and BMC volunteers will explore Europe's largest municipal park. The pace will be easy, to allow for lots of chat and exploring. The route is well-paved and is therefore perfect for wheelchair users and families with small children. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
      • Website: Heaton Park Social Walk for the Big Walking Weekend | 30th May - The British Mountaineering Council

      Guided Orienteering for Absolute Beginners (Adults)

      • Date: 30 May
      • Time: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
      • Description: Come and learn the basics of Orienteering with us! You will learn how to read an orienteering map, navigate a course and then put those skills together to follow a beginner-friendly 1.2km course (route is on paths with a small hill).
      • Meet on the path leading up toward the Stables and Heaton Hall (what3words location: ///patrol.short.transmitted). Groups will set off on the hour, every hour 10am-2pm.

      Social Walk (British Mountaineering Council's Big Walking Weekend)

      • Date:  Saturday 30 May
      • Time: 10am to 1pm
      • Description:  As part of the British Mountaineering Council's Big Walking Weekend, come and explore Europe's largest municipal park with a three-hour guided walk. The pace will be easy, to allow for lots of chat and exploring. The route is well-paved and is therefore perfect for wheelchair users and families. Read more about event details and information.

      Eid Cycle Fest

      • Date: 31 May
      • Time: 11am-3pm
      • Description: Join Bike It Walk It and partners for a day of celebration, cycling, community and fun at Heaton Park! The event will take place outside Heaton Hall.

        Bring your bike for a free check or pedal yourself a smoothie! Check out the pre-loved bike sale and enjoy free activities including face painting, crafts, E-bike/trikes try-outs (over 16) and more!

        There are prizes to be won, including 2 vouchers for a Heaton Park boat ride.

      June

      Gratitude Games – Bowls

      • Date: 10, 11 and 12 June
      • Description: The Gratitude Games is a new, inclusive sports festival, dedicated to honouring the UK’s Emergency Responders and raising funds to support their mental health. The Gratitude Games Lawn Bowls competition will be hosted at Heaton Park, Manchester — a top-class bowling facility originally created for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, featuring championship standard flat and crown greens and an impressive pavilion.
      • Website: Find out more about Gratitude Games Lawn Bowls

      Women V Cancer - Ride the Roses

      • Date: 13 June
      • Description: Women V Cancer unites women of all ages and backgrounds to take on unforgettable cycling challenges, raising vital funds for Breast Cancer Now and Ovarian Cancer Action. Join the brand-new Ride the Roses event, cycling from Manchester to Leeds starting in the iconic Heaton Park. Pedalling along a 70 km section of the scenic Route 66 towards Leeds, you’ll tackle a rewarding challenge, discover breath-taking views, and ride alongside inspirational women with powerful stories and reasons to ride.
      • Website: Find out more about Ride the Roses

      Parklife

      • Date: 20 to 21 June
      • Description: The largest metropolitan music festival in the UK, Parklife is held at Manchester's Heaton Park. The annual event features beats from multiple music genres including hip hop, grime, pop, rock, club, house and dance.
      • Website: Go to the Parklife website

      Manchester Festival of Nature

      • Date: 28 June
      • Time: 12pm-4pm
      • Description: The Manchester Festival of Nature 2026 is a celebration of arts, craft and musical activities with a wildlife theme. It is renowned for introducing visitors to the brilliant nature of Manchester. And it is a hands-on experience for families looking keen to understand more about the natural world on their doorsteps.
      • Website: Go to the Manchester Festival of Nature website