15 things you can get up to this weekend in Liverpool (9-11 July 2021)

There’s really only one show in town if you’re an England fan, and that’s all about the Euros on Sunday night.

But even though most of the country’s all hyped up for a Three Lions win, not everyone’s planning a footy-only weekend.

So if you fancy something different, or you’re just looking for great ways to fill in the hours before the big game kicks off, here are 15 things to do this weekend (plus we’ve sneaked the final in too) …

BrickLive Ocean at Knowsley Safari

If you’re wanting a brilliant family day out then BrickLive Ocean is it. From this Saturday until September 5, a trail of 28 life-size ocean creatures made from more than a million little bricks will be dotted along the Foot Safari so you can tick each one off on your map as you find them. It’s included in the admission, just book tickets in advance online.

Book your visit here.

New even bigger outside terrace at Gusto

Even though we can eat indoors again, we’re still loving al fresco dining especially when the weather’s nice. Gusto at the Albert Dock has even more outdoor seating now, so grab a table for the summer menu including lots of new pasta dishes and an unbelievable white chocolate & passion fruit mousse.

Book a table here.

Ellen and Rigby at the Royal Court

Need to unwind from all the tension of the footy with a few laughs? Then head to the Royal Court where Gerry Linford’s new comedy Ellen and Rigby, an unlikely 2021 romance of fate, with our own Lindzi Germain (aka Ellen, Miss Old Swan 1991!) and Andrew Schofield is guaranteed to deliver.

Book tickets here.

Watch the Euros final

Loads of places are getting big screens on for Sunday – try Baltic Beer Garden, Baltic Market or Punch Tarmey’s in the Baltic, newly-opened The Long Shot at the Albert Dock; Roxy Ball Room, Rainford Square and PINS Social Club on Duke Street, or Knowsley Social for the North West’s biggest fan park with live music and three huge screens.

Go Greek with Laros on Bold Street

Laros is definitely the place for authentic Greek street food – it’s only been open a few weeks but it’s already right at home on Bold Street, turning out amazing gyros, souvlaki, pitta wraps and loukoumades (that’s little Greek doughnuts) covered with honey, milk or white chocolate sauce. And it’s dog friendly too.

See the menu here.

See the Peace Doves at Liverpool Cathedral

If you haven’t seen this beautiful installation in the cathedral yet, then don’t miss it because it’s absolutely stunning. It features around 18,000 paper doves suspended on 15.5 miles of ribbon from the ceiling of the Cathedral, accompanied by a soundscape from composer David Harper. Book a slot in advance through Eventbrite. 

Book a vist here.

Have a Southport family day out

You can’t beat a family day at the seaside so head to the beach and Southport Pleasureland for all the rides and an Alice in Wonderland adventure this weekend. Take a train ride for a theatre show then join Alice, the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit to search for the Queen of Hearts. 

Book your visit here.

Junkyard Golf is back at Liverpool ONE

It’s still balls but just a bit smaller – away from footy, you can show off some ball skills of your own with an epic crazy golf round at Junkyard Golf. There are three courses to choose from – Pablo, Gary and Bozo – and loads of fabulous cocktails to try while you’re at it.

Book a round here.

Make a date with the Fab Four at the Beatles Story

Fans never need a reason, but it was Ringo’s birthday (he’s 81!!) on Wednesday so it makes sense to celebrate. Explore all things Fab Four at the Beatles Story, Albert Dock and find out the fascinating backstory through a Living History audio guide narrated by Lennon’s sister Julia.

Book tickets here.

Breakfast at LEAF on Smithdown

You’ve got to start the weekends off right and that means you need a gorgeous breakfast – LEAF on Smithdown’s got a whopping full English with veggie and vegan versions, pancakes, homemade granola and some amazing cinnamon toast that’ll perfectly set you up for the rest of the day. With endless cups of tea, obviously. 

See the menu here.

Try the new Dark Kitchen & Bar on Allerton Road

If you’re looking for somewhere different in south Liverpool then give Dark Kitchen & Bar a go for plant-based Bae burgers with fries on the side, sushi and desserts including churros with biscoff sauce (or black sesame custard if that’s more your thing). Don’t miss the Pink Pornstars too.

Find out more here.

Explore the secret garden at Speke Hall

Get out and get exploring at Speke Hall because the secret garden is now open – it’s got a trickling stream, winding pathways through colourful flowers and plenty of peaceful corners to sit and relax. And scouse is back on the Home Farm menu so you can reward yourself for all that walking.

More info here.

Have drinks at Unity Theatre bar

If you’re around Hope Street or going to a show, check out Unity Theatre’s lovely revamped bar, open from 10am until 10.30pm Thursdays and Fridays and from 4.30pm Saturdays. It’s supporting local businesses including Love Lane Beer and Ginsmith, Neptune Brewery, R&H Fine Wine, Liverpool Brewing Company, Big Bog Gin and 92 Degrees.

More info here.

Try out the Yard & Coop special ‘Vanilla Thrilla’

There’s going rogue and then there’s this … chicken burger with vanilla ice cream! Yard & Coop has taken its buttermilk chicken tenders, drizzled them with honey and spicy butter buffalo sauce, then added clotted cream ice cream by Rogue Ice Cream. It’s got to be tried to be believed.

Book a table here.

Leave the car or the cab and get an Arriva for £1

Forget being the driver or having to stump up for a cab, you can get an Arriva instead and after 7pm it’ll only cost you £1 for a single. The promo fare runs through July so you can save a few quid and make the most of summer out.

Book your journey here.

There’s a Hot Water Comedy triple at The Bombed Out Church

This Friday, the Bombed Out Church has got an early doors triple headline show from Hot Water Comedy Club. Catch Brennan Reece, Hot Water favourite and Liverpool New Comedian of the Year Paul Smith, Jamie Sutherland and Christian Reilly – doors open at 5pm and it’s on until 7.30pm.

Book tickets here.