15 things you can do during this sunny September week in Liverpool

The sun is shining down this week in Liverpool and there’s lots for you to see and do in the city.

Say it quietly in case it changes its mind, but we’re actually having a heatwave (as always, just as the kids have gone back to school) so better make the most of it.

Liverpool is a beauty in any weather but in this sunshine it’s absolutely gorgeous, so get out and enjoy – here are 15 things to do in and around the city this week …

Outside bevies and bites at The Courtyard next to Royal Court

Outside bevs are compulsory once it gets this sunny so if you’re in town, head to The Courtyard and grab a table on the terrace for drinks and food including a nice summery feta and courgette risotto or teriyaki salmon bowl. 

Reminisce Festival

One of the biggest and best festivals in our region is back on Saturday, when Reminisce returns to Sherdley Park in St Helens with over 120 DJs and artists performing live across six big top arenas. It’s a huge anthem-packed nostalgia fest all-dayer, on from 12noon to 11pm, and it’s one not to be missed. Find out more here.

Southport Air Show

Another massive annual event returns this weekend, so you can spend a day on Southport beach watching incredible flying displays including the legendary Red Arrows on Saturday, Rolls Royce Spitfire (Sunday), Chinook helicopter, a Battle of Britain memorial flight and Great War display team on both days. There’ll also be on-the-ground attractions like mini tanks, a military village and artillery guns.

Cuckoo opens at the Everyman

We all know a Scouse matriarch, and this new dark comedy from Birkenhead-born writer Michael Wynne centres around one, played by former Corrie and Brookie actor Sue Jenkins, and her three daughters. It’s full of fabulous one-liners that perfectly capture the dynamics of a modern family. On from this Wednesday to September 23.

Check out the new Australasian style bar and bistro Manuka on Duke Street 

It’s only just opened but there’s already loads of positive buzz around new Ropewalks neighbourhood restaurant Manuka which is focusing on locally-sourced produce to create healthy Australasian brunch and lunch dishes, and small plates with cocktails, wines and warm vibes at night. Visit the website here.

42nd Street at the Empire

If you’re up for a great feelgood show then step up to 42^nd Street at the Empire because it’s foot-tapping songs all the way. This new production stars Michael Praed, Samantha Womack, Faye Tozer from Steps and Les Dennis in a massively entertaining tale of Broadway dreams come true. All week until Saturday. Read our interview with Faye Tozer here.

Liverpool ONE Dog Show

It’s all about the good boys and girls at Liverpool ONE on Sunday with the return of the Liverpool ONE Dog Show. There’ll be judging (like they weren’t all winners?) plus stalls selling all kinds of goodies for your four-legged best mate, plus drop-in taster training sessions full of tips and tricks, 11am to 5pm.

Enjoy Wendy’s inside Gravity MAX at Liverpool ONE

Fast food chain Wendy’s is a legend in the US and now it’s opened up inside the new Gravity MAX in Liverpool ONE (where Debenhams used to be).  Wendy’s is known for its fresh beef burgers – and square patties – salads and its signature Frosty soft-serve dessert.

By the Waters of Liverpool at the Auditorium

Wirral author Helen Forrester has a massive fanbase on Merseyside and this play has been adapted from her million-selling book, By The Waters of Liverpool, a period drama set in the mid-1930s in the lead-up to the start of WWII. It’s on at the Arena’s Auditorium until Wednesday. Read more here.

Take the kids to Dance the Decades or learn an instrument at the British Music Experience

Kids love to get involved with music, so take them to the BME at the Cunard Building and let them bust out their best dancefloor moves to some iconic styles with a virtual teacher in the Dance the Decades booth. Or try playing an array of instruments including guitars, keyboards and drums, in the Gibson Brands Interactive Studio.

Ken Dodd Happiness launches at Museum of Liverpool 

Comedy legends don’t come any bigger or more loved than Liverpool’s own Doddy and now there’s a new exhibition which pays tribute to his incredible career, opening on Saturday at the Museum of Liverpool. It features memorabilia and props including one of the original Diddy Men. Get more info here.

Heritage Open Days across the city region

Heritage Open Days are back, which means you can go inside some of our historic buildings – including some not usually open to the public – and find out more about their fascinating story. There are lots taking part across Liverpool City Region between Friday September 8 and Sunday September 17. Read more here.

The Bridewell’s courtyard for sunshine and beer

It’s in the running to be named Best City Pub in this year’s Great British Pub Awards and it’s easy to see why, especially when the weather’s this nice. The Bridewell’s courtyard is a real little suntrap so it’s the perfect spot for outdoor craft beers or choose from a whopping list of gins.

Petit Cafe on Allerton Road has live jazz 

This Petit Café on Allerton Road is the little neighbourhood sister to the one on Berry Street and it’s got the same authentic French feel to it. If you’re looking for live music and a lovely relaxed atmosphere for wine and cocktails, it’s got live jazz on Wednesday to Sunday, and outdoor tables too.

Eden Bar in West Derby is serving up cocktails and craft beer

Another gem outside the city centre, Eden Bar on Eaton Road is a great place to go for cocktails and local and international craft beers. There’s an outdoor seating area and, if you’re a gin fan, the good news is they have a fantastic menu of Hendrick’s serves and cocktails.