We’re still on a high from the open-air concerts – whether it be Oasis or Basement Jaxx – of July, but that doesn’t mean August shows any sign of slowing down, live music-wise.
There’ll be huge rock acts in Wythenshawe Park, Pride celebrations all across the city, arena-sized K-pop and all night parties in Salford.
Here are the best gigs and clubnights in August 2025…
John Talabot
Barcelona’s John Talabot – of Permanent Vacation fame – returns to The White Hotel for an all-night session of weird house, odd techno and bumping electronica. He’ll be joined on the bill by Elena Colombi and Lupini.
Sasha & Digweed
The founding fathers of progressive house Sasha & Digweed have been a driving force in UK club culture for decades. Hitting Progress for an all-day party, this will be both a journey and an education in British house music from the 90s onwards, with Way Out West icon Nick Warren also on the bill.
The Selecter
Formed in 1979, two tone ska legends The Selecter bring their pivotal, era-defining sound to Manchester. Led by indomitable front woman Pauline Black and original drummer Charley ‘Aitch’ Bembridge, the band will celebrate 45 years of their seminal album Too Much Pressure. Fans can catch them performing live at Manchester Academy on 9 August.
Prestwich Pride 2025
Prestwich Pride will return in summer 2025 for another epic weekend of festivities, promising an array of events showcasing the diverse and inclusive spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. Taking place from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August, the festival promises to be an unforgettable weekend of music, entertainment, and community spirit.
The Fatback Band at Band On The Wall
Funk and disco legends The Fatback Band are coming to Manchester. Formed in New York City by drummer Bill Curtis, they gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like (Do The) Spanish Hustle, I Like Girls, and Backstrokin’. Their 1979 single King Tim III (Personality Jock) is often cited as the first commercially released hip-hop single. You can catch them at Band On The Wall on 10 August 2025.r
Fontaines D.C. at Wythenshawe Park
Fontaines D.C. will play at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester in 2025. It’s been a huge year for the Dublin band, who released their critically-acclaimed album ROMANCE in summer 2024 and bagged both BRIT Award and GRAMMY nominations. Joining them at the 26,000 capacity Wythenshawe Park will be Belfast hip hop trio Kneecap and Mercury Prize winners English Teacher.
Sam Fender
Geordie hero Sam Fender heads to Wythenshawe Park for a huge headline date. The Seventeen Going Under singer will play at the south Manchester park on Saturday 16 August, in the considerable wake of his most recent set, People Watching. The North Shields icon will be joined in support by Olivia Dean.
Enzo Siragusa
Founder of the relentlessly chugging FUSE parties, originating as a chaotic Sunday afternoon day rave in East London, Enzo Siragusa will be pitching up to Manchester’s equally chaotic Animal Crossing, playing solo from 3pm to 11pm. Where you go from there is very much up to you.e
The Maccabees
Much-missed indie favourites return after a nearly decade-long hiatus, and are heading to O2 Victoria Warehouse for two nights. Known for their whimsically infectious, often heartfelt hits, the London five-piece feted for long players like Colour It In, Wall of Arms, Given to the Wild and Marks to Prove It head to the huge venue to dazzle from their extensive back catalogue.
Manchester Pride 2025
Manchester Pride returns for another iconic celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The four-day event will see acts perform across the brand-new Mardi Gras event and legendary Gay Village party from Friday 22 to Monday 25 August 2025, as part of the wider Pride celebrations across the city. This year’s music headliners include Brit Award-winner Olly Alexander, multi-platinum selling Leigh-Anne and Hollywood superstar Billy Porter.
Cupra FM with Saint Ludo
Head over to the CUPRA City Garage at St Ann’s Square as they welcome all to their dance floor every Saturday night. On 23 August, catch multi-genre bass music selector Saint Ludo who travels up north from London for a night of teeth-rattling bass vibes.
É Soul Cultura Daytime Courtyard Party
Luke Una’s É Soul Cultura will be heading to Strangeways for a monumental Bank Holiday Sunday tear up. Hidden’s courtyard will play host to the É Soul all-stars, namely Metrodome, Joey T and Mr Una himself, ripping out the balearic movers, the Italo shakers and the technoid melters.
ENHYPEN at AO Arena
K-Pop powerhouse ENHYPEN return with their third world tour, which includes a date in Manchester. The Walk The Line tour will visit cities across North America before touching down in the UK in August, with shows in London and here in Manchester. The exciting announcement comes after the seven-piece boy band (Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-Ki) made their debut at Coachella in California in April. Fans can hear the South Korean group’s hits including Bite Me, Fatal Trouble and XO live at the AO Arena on 25 August 2025.
Matt Berninger
Matt Berninger is the vocalist and lyricist for Grammy Award-winning band The National. His songwriting has long garnered a devoted following for its raw emotion and wit, though he’s recently risen to a new level of prominence after collaborating with Taylor Swift. Berninger will play songs from across his back catalogue including second solo effort, Get Sunk, which was released in May 2025. This will be a really special evening of music from an understatedly powerful star.t
Manchester Psych Fest
The annual city centre-wide takeover returns for a day of, well, really loud noise. Catch acts like Goat, Nadine Shah, Warmduscher and W. H. Lung at venues as varied as the O2 Ritz and Projekts Skate Park. There’ll also be loads of arty workshops, film screenings, activities like yoga and plenty of street food offerings too, all centred around Circle Square off Oxford Road. Grab your tie-dye t-shirt, or don’t – it’s a festival for psych purists and non-purists alike.
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