19 things you can do this week in and around Liverpool

Find out what’s on in Liverpool this week, Monday 18 September – Sunday 24 September 2023

It might be getting towards the end of summer but September means lots of new season openings and menus, and loads more going on in the city right now.

If you’re stuck for ideas, here are 19 things happening in Liverpool this week …

Popworld Live is on at the Arena on Saturday

This is billed as the biggest live pop party and they’re not kidding – one night absolutely crammed with fantastic artists including headliner Ronan Keating, Peter Andre, Claire from Steps, B*witched, Blue, Basshunter and the one and only Chesney Hawkes, all at the Arena this Saturday. Find out more here.

And Busted play the night before, supported by Hanson

It’s pop gold all the way at the Arena this week because before all those legends, there’ll be boyband royalty. The original Busted line-up of Charlie, Matt and James are celebrating their 20^th anniversary with a UK tour that comes to Liverpool on Friday and they’re bringing US trio Hanson. Book tickets here.

Tuck into new restaurant Bam Boo on Bold Street

It’s only just opened but Bam Boo on Bold Street has already been getting some amazing reviews especially for its brunch. Head there in the daytime for gorgeous pancakes, bagels, poached eggs and full Englishes and then if you’re still in town nip back for cocktails at night.

See Cuckoo during its final week at the Everyman

The reviews have been great for this one too – local writer Michael Wynne’s dark domestic comedy Cuckoo centres around three generations and a matriarch played by Brookie and Corrie actress Sue Jenkins. It’s thought-provoking and genuinely laugh out loud funny. At the Everyman until Saturday. Read more here.

Or I, Daniel Black at the Playhouse 

At the Playhouse, there’s a powerful piece of theatre shining a light on what life is like under a political system that feels stacked against you and the value of sticking together in the hardest times. I, Daniel Blake has been adapted for stage by Dave Johns who played Daniel in the award-winning 2016 film. 

Be wowed at the British Musical Fireworks Championships in Southport on Friday and Saturday

The British Musical Fireworks Championship is a pyro musical competition. The fireworks are fired to the music and the show is choreographed to give you some of the most spectacular fireworks you will ever see.

During the competition, over two tonnes of explosive material are used with the total weight of fireworks over 10 tonnes! Each show required around 5 kilometres of wire to connect the electrical circuits and around 15 technicians working for over 12 hours to set up the display. The fun starts at 6pm on both Friday and Saturday in Victoria Park. Book tickets here.

Take on Quizney, the Disney-inspired quiz at Camp and Furnace

Everyone loves a bit of Disney but just how much do you love it? If the answer’s very much then now’s the time to use it for prizes! Camp and Furnace is bringing back the ultimate Disney quiz on Saturday so you can test your knowledge on everything from Mickey and Minnie to Woody, Buzz and beyond! More info here.

Enjoy a range of beers and tasty food at Ship & Mitre

Ship & Mitre is one of Liverpool’s great traditional pubs that feels like a local but it’s in the city centre so anyone gets to be a regular. Up on Dale Street, it’s got one of the biggest and best selections of craft ales and continental beers anywhere in the city and the tandoori chicken burger’s pretty special.

Jenny Eclair brings the giggles to St George’s Hall on Sunday

Comedian Jenny Éclair is brilliant live and she’s bringing her latest UK tour, the Sixty PLUS (FFS!) XXL show, to St George’s Hall on Sunday, tackling all the highs, lows and general unexpected life extras that come along with being nearly the same age as Madonna. Book tickets here.

Take the ferry to Eureka Science and Discovery at Seacombe Ferry Terminal

The award-winning Eureka! is a fabulous place to take kids where they can get hands on with all kinds of science and interactive exhibits. It’s got six different zones to explore including All About Me which is full of fascinating facts about the human body. It’s back open on Saturday after maintenance.

Border Force Family Day at Maritime Museum on Saturday

At the Maritime Museum you can find out all about the work of the customs officer and the dark and unseen world of smuggling (where things are not always what they seem). You can learn all about the clever tactics of the criminal – and the even cleverer methods used to catch them; and this Saturday you can meet the highly-skilled canines who work with Border Force to detect drugs, weapons, and other smuggled goods.

Sunday roast at the Crafty Swine on Smithdown Road

When the weather starts to get a bit cooler, it feels like all the excuse you need to go out for a tasty Sunday roast. The Crafty Swine on Smithdown does a gorgeous one – beef, chicken, pork belly or plant-based – you can choose from one, two or three courses and there’s a Little Pigs roast for kids.

Experience the Wirral Maritime Trail 

If you like getting out and exploring our region then try the Wirral Maritime Heritage Trail which takes you along the coastline, telling the story of the people and places of interest through plaques at key sites along the waterfront where ferry services are or used to be. Download a free map on the website above.

La Feria – Latin Arts ad culture Festival takes over Liverpool

La Feria is Liverpool’s very own vibrant festival of Latin American arts and culture, and it returns this week.

With a programme of music, dance, storytelling, street arts and more from the rich diversity of the Latin American continent, LA FERIA is set to take over a variety of city centre venues as part of the unique celebration. See full listings here.

See Liverpool on the big screen in Bolan’s Shoes at FACT Cinema

There are so many brilliant films and TV shows which feature Liverpool locations and this one had its red carpet premiere at FACT last week. A comedy which looks at the uplifting power of music, starting with the 70s glam rock era, it stars Timothy Spall, Matthew Horne and Liverpool’s own Leanne Best.

Have a delicious breakfast at Pippins Corner on Lark Lane

When you’re down near Sefton Park then you need to stop into at least one of the great cafes and restaurants on Lark Lane. If it’s around breakfast time try out a locals’ favourite, coffee shop Pippins Corner, where you’ll find one of the best full Englishes to set you up nicely for the day.

Or give Antonio’s Bar and Grill in Knowsley a try

Antonio’s isn’t just a top place to eat because of its hearty home-cooked menus, it draws on Knowsley’s old English history and Shakespearean links to create a unique experience. Housed in one of the former Earl of Derby’s estate cottages, it specialises in grills, Salt Moss dry-aged steaks and burgers.

Get the kids out of the rain at Bubbles World of Play New Brighton

The weather’s a bit hit and miss but that doesn’t have to be a problem when you’re entertaining kids, just take them along to Bubbles World of Play where 0-11 year-olds can go on a journey of adventure across the globe, taking in over 30 countries and zones – all indoors in New Brighton.

And don’t forget Boys From The Blackstuff is on now at the Royal Court

Last but definitely not least, an all-Scouse cast including Barry Sloane, Mark Womack and Andrew Schofield brings Alan Bleasdale’s 80s powerhouse drama from TV to stage, with a new production of Boys From The Blackstuff. It opens this week and runs until October 28 and it’s one not to be missed. Book tickets here.