18 things happening across Liverpool this weekend (22-24 October)

The kids have broken up for half term but it’s not quite time for Trick or Treating yet, so hold off on Halloween because there’s plenty more happening in Liverpool this weekend.

If you’re looking to go and do something, with or without the family, here are our 17 suggestions of things going on …

Beyond the Fringe at Williamson Square

We love a bit of outdoor entertainment, and this weekend Beyond the Fringe festival is bringing lots of live street theatre artists and musicians to Williamson Square, from Friday to Sunday. If you want to experience Liverpool’s own version of the Edinburgh Fringe then get down and enjoy acts like the fantastic Men in Coats. 

More info here.

River of Light Trail launches

After the massive success of last year’s River of Light Trail on the waterfront and around the city centre, it’s back! On from this Friday until November 7, there are 12 new illuminated artworks making up the 2021 trail which has the theme Rhythm of the Light. It’s free so walk around with the family and tick off each one.

More info here.

The I Love Music Quiz at Camp and Furnace

If you think you’re a music know-all then now’s the chance to find out because Camp and Furnace has got its I Love Music Quiz on this Friday from 6pm to midnight. Get your brains sharp and your feet ready because the best quizzers win cash and the best dancers get free booze, so even if your music knowledge is rubbish you could still get lucky.

More info here. 

Ricky Gervais at M&S Bank Arena

It feels like a long time since big name comedians were touring with their live shows, but one of the biggest – Ricky Gervais – is back at the Arena with his SuperNature tour. Anyone who’s a fan of The Office, Extras or After Life will really love seeing him do stand-up live, and he’s here for one night only on Friday.

More info here.

See Jack and the Beanstalk at St Helens Theatre Royal

Here’s one to keep the kids entertained before the holiday week kicks in – St Helens Theatre Royal has got Jack and the Beanstalk on now until next Sunday. Panto fans will recognise favourite cast including Timothy Lucas as Jack, Olivia Sloyan as Princess Jill, Reece Sibbald as Simple Simon and Jenna Sian O’Hara as Fairy Mary.

More info here.

Lunch at the beautiful Pen Factory

The Georgian Quarter is a lovely place to head for some head space if you’re in the city centre and The Pen Factory, next to the Everyman, makes a beautiful stop off for lunch. Go there on Saturday and try out its menu of small plates and sharers, or sandwiches, salads and fresh-baked pastries from the deli.

More info here.

A day out with a difference at Quirky Quarter

If you’ve never been inside Quirky Quarter on Duke Street you’re in for a big surprise – or lots of surprises. And even if you have, it’s still fun to go back. Quirky Quarter is packed with interactive brain boggling things to do and see, and there’s some amazing ones to take pics of so make sure your phone’s all charged up.

More info here.

Get on the water at Wild Shore

Grab a little outdoor adventure while you can, and have a splashing time by taking to the water at Wild Shore at the Albert Dock. Test your balance with stand-up paddleboarding, take a trip around the dock on one of the pedalos or mini boats, or go up against the family on the Aqua Park inflatable obstacle course. Be quick though, it’s only there until October 31.

More info here.

Liverpool Irish Festival begins

Now in its 19^th year, the Liverpool Irish Festival is back with a live and digital programme of music, theatre, performance and tours on Friday and Saturday. You can get involved by joining a self-guided Irish trail, see exhibitions, short films, listen to folklore tales and much more. 

Check out the full line-up here.

The Spooky Welly Walk for Roy Castle at Sefton Park

Get your Halloween spook (and your wellies) on a week early and take the kids along to the Spooky Welly Walk at Sefton Park on Saturday between 11am and 5pm. It’s all in aid of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and it’s a brilliant reason to get dressed up in your scariest costume for the afternoon.

More info here.

Liverpool’s Rock n Roll Marathon takes to the streets on Sunday

Liverpool’s annual music and miles event, the Rock n Roll Marathon, is back this weekend, with 10k, half marathon, marathon and 1 mile runs setting off from the Albert Dock on Sunday (the 5k is on Saturday). There’s entertainment along the route, as well as a finisher concert at the Arena.

Check out all the timings and road closures here.

Sonny Fodera is on the decks at Blackstone Street Warehouse

Credit: CIRCUS

This is a big one and there’s not many tickets left so if you fancy it, you’ll have to get a move on – Circus x Cream bring Sonny Fodera and guests to Blackstone Street Warehouse this Friday. Its over 18s only, 4pm to 11pm, last entry 6pm. 

More info here.

Cocktails and tunes at Tres Liverpool

If you’re planning to go out out this weekend, then don’t waste getting all dressed up, make sure you include Tres in Temple Court for a night of cocktails and tunes. Get on the dancefloor and get warmed up for next weekend’s big Halloween party with DJ legend Dave Graham. 

More info here.

And talking of cocktails … Liverpool & Wirral Cocktail Week is on

Let’s be honest, pretty much any week could happily be cocktail week, but it’s nice to have a decent excuse – on until Sunday, tickets will get you discounts and offers at bars and restaurants across the city centre including PINS Social Club and The Club House in Liverpool ONE and there’ll be drinks pop-ups at Baltic Beer Garden.

More info here.

See the city from above at INNSiDE’s new Sky Bar

Views over Liverpool don’t come much more spectacular than the ones you get from up in Gino’s 360 Sky Bar at the recently opened INNSiDE by Melia Hotel on Old Hall Street. From the 17^th floor you’ll get to see right over the city and the river, and you can eat Gino’s gorgeous cicchetti and have a drink while you take it all in.

More info here.

Proper pub grub and beers at the new-look Doctor Duncan’s

Everyone knows Doctor Duncan’s on St John’s Lane right by Queen’s Square, but you might not have had chance to try it out since it had a major refurb this summer. All the history’s still there but it’s got a new look and a great menu of pub grub classics including fish and chips, and proper scouse with red cabbage.

More info here.

Let kids make their own pizza at Gusto 

Credit: Gusto

Budding chefs who like to get experimental in the kitchen will love creating their own pizza, loaded with their favourite toppings, at Gusto at the Albert Dock. They can pick out toppings like chicken, mushrooms, sweetcorn and pepperoni, then arrange them in a design and hand them back to the real chefs to pop in the oven.

More info here.

Get to the Good Market at PINS Social Club

The Good Market is back at PINS on Duke Street this Sunday with 25 independent businesses selling everything from vegan cookies and macarons to handmade jewellery. Support some fabulous local makers, treat yourself to food from Rocco’s deli and diner and you’ll get smooth tunes from Coffee and Turntables while you have a mooch. Free entry, 11am to 3.30pm.

More info here.