14 things you can get up to this weekend in Liverpool (21-23 January)

All this sunshine’s got us dreaming of gorgeous summer days and a few cocktails up on one of our amazing rooftop bars.

It’s still too chilly for that really, but while we wait (im)patiently for things to hot up, there’s still loads going on in and around Liverpool.

Get out to make the most of some decent days and evenings, and don’t forget if you’re looking for somewhere to stay then iStay has got you covered with six different properties across the city centre.

Here are 14 things you could be doing this weekend …

Shrek Quiz or Queen vs Fleetwood Mac at Camp and Furnace on Saturday

Shrek superfans should get their phones all charged up because Camp and Furnace has the ultimate test of ogre knowledge, and the chance to grab a character cocktail, at the Shrek Quiz from 6pm to 11.30pm. Over in Furnace it’s time to break free with a battle of the bands between Queen and Fleetwood Mac, back after three massive sold-out nights. Expect a live band, dancers, visuals and DJs from 8pm to 1am – it’s definitely the stuff of Dreams.

Book tickets for the Shrek Quiz here.

Book tickets for Fleetwood Mac vs Queen here.

Brunch at Love Lane Brewery in the Baltic

Fancy somewhere new to try for a brunch this weekend? If so then head to Love Lane Brewery in the Baltic because as well as all their great beers they’ve just launched a fantastic new brunch menu. Choose from a full English, hash brown eggs benny, breakfast cocktails and unlimited tea and coffee from 9.30am on Saturdays and 10am on Sundays.

More info here.

Craft & Ale Festival at the Palm House

Not one for you if you’re sticking with Dry January, but if you love a beer then it’s worth getting over to the Palm House in Sefton Park from Friday to Sunday for the Winter Wonderland Craft & Ale Festival collab with The Ship & Mitre. There are daytime and evening sessions, craft, continental and local breweries, a gin and prosecco bar, food and entertainment. 

More info here.

A pint and a pie at Dr Duncan’s in Queen Square

Dr Duncan’s is an absolutely gorgeous traditional pub right in the centre of town so if you’re looking for somewhere for a pint of real ale and some proper pub grub then you can’t go wrong here. They do a great scouse and fish and chips too, plus it’s dog friendly so you can take your best mate.

More info here.

Taste Liverpool like never before with a Liverpool Food Tour

Want to see Liverpool the way visitors do and try some of the city’s best food while you do it? The Taste of Liverpool Food Walking Tour, on this Sunday and more dates in Jan and Feb from 11am to 2.30pm, includes at least five food and drink stops sampling our great indies, and you’ll pick up some interesting local history from an experienced guide as you walk.

More info here.

Try the new roast dinner at PINS Social Club

You can’t beat a Sunday roast, but you could make it more fun by adding in bowling, a game of pool or table tennis (probably before so’s not to bounce your roasties around too much!). PINS on Duke Street has got a new roast, so it could be time to throw out the NY salad resolutions and go big on the stuffing balls.

More info here.

Afternoon Tea at the Albion Bakehouse in Prescot

The Albion Bakehouse and Tea Room in Prescot is absolute heaven for anyone who loves a sweet treat, so why limit yourself to just one homemade cake when you could have a whole stand full of them? It’s now open for afternoon tea Thursday to Saturday until 5pm and you can book via email albionbakehouse@gmail.com.

Watch West Side Story at FACT Cinema and see an exhibition while you’re there

Get a double culture hit by going to the pictures and visiting a free exhibition at FACT – West Side Story is on Saturday afternoon and you can drop in to ‘Future Ages Will Wonder’ – an alternative museum of artworks which brings together traditional things like textiles, sculpture, and photography with virtual reality, computer algorithms and synthetic DNA.

More info here.

Try River North for drinks and food on Berry Street

Whether you’re out in the day or for the night, River North neighbourhood pub has got just the menu for you. There’s a roast and cocktails on Sunday, small plates and some amazing steaks – including a sharing ribeye – and a boozy brunch with three cocktails or a bottle of prosecco every day from 10am to 2pm and 12 on Sunday.

More info here.

Classical music at the Phil with Bolero on Sunday

Ravel’s Bolero is one of those pieces of classical music that everyone knows, and on Sunday from 2.30pm you get the chance to hear it performed live by the RLPO as the climax to a fantastic afternoon concert which also features other pieces by Ravel, Debussy and Roussel.

More info here.

Meet the meerkats on the Knowsley Safari Foot Safari

Honestly, who doesn’t love a meerkat (and not just for insuring your car!)? Take the kids to watch these quirky little animals up close and out in the wild on Knowsley Safari’s Foot Safari. You can also see sea lion displays, the giraffes and go on the new Russian-themed Tiger Trail which is home to two tigers, sisters Bira and Sinda.

More info here.

See what inspired Central Park at Birkenhead Park

Credit: Christian Smith

If you want fresh air and a walk then head over to Birkenhead Park, which is one of the most historic parks in Britain. It inspired the designer behind New York’s Central Park more than 170 years ago and it’s still looking good today. Look out for lots of wildfowl, wild birds and bats while you’re wandering.

More info here.

Go squirrel spotting at Freshfield Squirrel Reserve

While you’re in the mood for a bit of nature, how about spending an afternoon in the company of the very cute, and pretty rare, red squirrels. Wrap up and take the Formby Red Squirrel walk – and a picnic if you’re feeling hardy – it takes about an hour and it’s totally worth it.

More info here.

The Live Lounge at Hard Day’s Night Bar Four brings The Beatles to life every weekend 

Credit: Hard Days Night Hotel

Looking for cocktails and live music? Every Friday and Saturday, Hard Day’s Night Hotel’s Bar Four hosts a Live Lounge session where you’ll hear resident bands from The Cavern Club playing covers past and present, including a certain fab foursome obviously.

More info here.

Don’t forget, if you fancy making a real night of it, check out iStay apartments – including the new Harrisons apart-hotel opening on Victoria Street.

Get in touch with The Guide Liverpool on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or email info@theguideliverpool.com.

You can visit the Liverpool Directory here for the best food, drinks, shopping and attractions in the city.