Things to do this summer near St. John’s Manchester

Written by Rosellen Windle.
Posted July 20, 2026.

There’s a new hot girl in town. And she’s called St. John’s. 

Don’t get us wrong. We love an Ancoats Marina moment and a Deansgate dilly-dally like every other 20-something living in Manchester city centre. But St. John’s has a real buzz about it, especially this summer. 

The best part? This up-and-coming neighbourhood is close to all the top things happening in Manchester this summer. And it’s right on your doorstep at Union. What a win.

Want to be the first to hear about all the things to do this summer near St. John’s Manchester?

Just keep reading.

MegaCon – August 1st & 2nd

Big anime stan? Love yourself some pop culture? 

MegaCon is making its way back up north for the fifth year in a row, and it’s a pretty big deal in Manchester city centre. In fact, more than 15,000 people are expected to attend the event at Manchester Central. That’s a lotta rainbow, 

Whether you’re watching from the sidelines or joining the masses in full cosplay, MegaCon is where the city’s most colourful characters come together. 

No matter what subculture you belong to, you’re sure to find your people at Megacon. Why not bring them over to St. John’s for a few drinks afterwards? We’d love to see all your outfits from our windows at Union. 

Campfield Market – every Saturday

Look, we’re not about dissing our neighbours on Deansgate. But in the conglomerate world of chain coffee shops and franchised shop fronts, Campfield Market is a real breath of fresh air.

Haven’t been to Manchester’s new city market yet?

This is your sign to drop everything this Saturday and head there. Immediately. 

Campfield Market is now officially the UK’s biggest weekly artisan market, yet it’s still a hidden gem (not that we’re complaining). Think Maker’s Market but on an even bigger scale.

We’re talking a kilometre of cute independent shops. More than 1km worth, if we’re being really specific. 

Starting inside the charming Campfield House and winding its wonderful way down Grape Street, Campfield Market brings together over 100 talented traders every Saturday. 

Doors open at 10am and close at 4pm, making it the perfect place for a morning pastry and peruse, or a lunchtime plate and pint. Or both. We’re not judging. 

Expect craft markets, food stalls, coffee suppliers, and enough trinket shopping to last a lifetime. New traders join the market every single week, meaning no Saturday ever looks the same. 

Union Summer Social – 24th July 

You know us. Of course we’re going to plug our very own party. What are we like, eh?

The Union Summer Social is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited for it.

Join us in BASE, our resident-only bar, for a night of proper houseparty vibes. We’ve got a DJ, drinks offers and a whole lotta’ pizza to go around. 

More details coming soon. If you’re a Union resident, head down to the front desk to hear it from our team first. 

Manchester Village Pride – 28th August to 1st September

You thought Pride finished in June? Think again. 

Manchester Village Pride 2026 is a whole new entry in the city’s calendar, and it’s an exciting one. 

The lovechild of the Gay Village’s business owners, residents and activists, the Manchester Village Pride is a colourful continuation of the city’s early summer festivities. 

Come on down to Canal Street for four days of outfit slays, stage performances, dance floors, pop-up bars, and so much more. This year’s diva-studded lineup includes Cascada, Nadine Coyle, Danny Beard, Meek, and Freemasons. 

It’s going to be a Pride to remember. You can get your tickets here. 

The Green – all summer long 

Say hello to the city’s brand new sun spot.

St. John’s officially launched The Green space back in May, and we’re absolutely loving it here at Union. 

From live sport screenings and pilates classes, to HIIT workouts, pop-up bars and more, there’s always something going on. Surrounded by St. John’s top vendors including Trading Route, Caravan, Stables Tavern, Soho House and more, The Green is the perfect spot for a sunny pint with mates. 

Follow The Green on Instagram to see what’s on this week. 

Ai Weiwei: Button Up! – 9th July to 6th September 

Fellow art fanatics, this one’s for you. 

World-leading artist and activist Ai Weiwei is bringing 200 years of global history to Aviva Studios. This immersive exhibition brings together “fearless interrogation of the forces past and present that drive today’s injustice, while championing art’s enduring power to challenge and inspire.” 

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. 

Get your tickets here. 

Union is what being young in the big city is all about. Our co-living shared apartments put Manchester on your doorstep. 

Here, all the action of what’s happening in and around St. John’s is your new stomping ground.