As Alexandra Park shrubbery bounces back to life, Manchester sidewalks do, too. You’ll see more people hanging out around Piccadilly Gardens and chatting along Market Street. The weather is still a mixed bag, but it’s not a bad time to visit before the summer crowds take over.

Sunny afternoon weather means one thing: outdoor drinks. And Manchester has tons of outdoor beer gardens where you can clink pints with the locals. If it gets rainy, no worries. Just duck into the corner pub to join in on cheering the city’s rugby team.

At the annual Great CityGames, Deansgate turns into a massive track. It’s open to spectators, so stop by to watch athletes in top form sprint down the city streets.

Nearby spots like Worsley Village, Saddleworth Circuit, and the Pennie Bridleway are perfect for a long, winding countryside walk.

Put away the wellies and rain gear—summer brings a break from downpours. And festival organizers make the most of that rain-free weather by packing the calendar with events. Tourism is at its peak in this season, so make peace with a little elbow rubbing at events and top sights.

Theater buffs, take note: the outdoor venue Homeground will be your happy place. In summer, it hosts a rotating special of musicals, cabarets, and classic plays.

Art lovers will want to plan their trips for early July, when the Manchester International Festival takes over the city for 18 days, showcasing new work from around the world.

Coming to Manchester for Pride? Hit up August’s Pride Market, where vendors sell a variety of goods from rainbow-colored stalls in the Gay Village. The organization behind this event provides grants to community initiatives, so you can feel good about where your ticket fee is going.

In fall, Manchester morphs into a beer-lover’s paradise. Gather up your whole crew and do as the locals do, roaming from pub to pub only settling down when the night dips into cooler temperatures.

Are you a beer nerd? Find your people at ​​Indy Man Beer Con in early October, which features local beer brewers. Later in the month, Manchester Oktoberfest continues the city’s salute to suds.

Fall is a good time to visit Chorlton Water Park nature preserve. Our suggested plan of attack? Warm up with a hot drink from one of the cafes along Beech Road, then head into the park for an afternoon picnic.

Whitworth Park also offers prime fall foliage minutes from the city center. This 18-acre tree-covered public space sits right beside the University of Manchester campus.

Party people, head out to The Warehouse Project, a seasonal club venue of global fame that only operates from September through New Year’s Day.