Looking for what’s going on in Liverpool in summer 2025? From live music on the waterfront to international art and Beatles celebrations, the city is packed with events worth planning a trip around.
Here’s what you’ll want to look out for.
Our Highlights for Summer Events in Liverpool 2025
From waterfront festivals to world-famous music tributes and city-wide art exhibitions, here are some of the standout events lighting up Liverpool this summer.
Arts experiences
Liverpool Biennial (7th June - 14th September 2025)
If you’re looking for standout events in Liverpool this summer, the Liverpool Biennial is a must.
The UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art returns for its 13th edition under the theme ‘BEDROCK’. From installations and performances to walking tours and public artworks, the Biennial invites you to experience the city’s creativity.
One of the best ways to dive in is through a guided curator tour. Starting at Open Eye Gallery, the tour takes you through venues including Tate Liverpool, RIBA North, and Liverpool ONE, with insights from curator Marie-Anne McQuay along the way.
Families can get involved, too. Liverpool Central Library will host workshops on the opening weekend, and public artworks will be dotted across the city throughout the summer.
Most exhibitions run from Wednesday to Saturday, but some venues open on additional days. You can find the full list of venues and opening times here.
Beyond Van Gogh (15th July - 15th August 2025)
Back by popular demand, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience returns to Liverpool this summer after a sell-out run in 2024. This time, it brings with it new features and another chance to step inside the vivid world of one of history’s most iconic artists.
Hosted at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, the experience blends over 300 of Van Gogh’s paintings with projection technology and an original soundtrack. You’ll walk through swirling brushstrokes, shifting landscapes, and well-known works like The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Café Terrace at Night.
It’s a brilliant pick for art lovers, families, or anyone looking for a memorable indoor experience just a 20-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street.
Musical events
On the Waterfront Festival (19th June - 22nd June 2025)
Set against the backdrop of Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, On the Waterfront returns this June with four nights of live music on the Pier Head. Last year’s shows drew over 45,000 people, and 2025 is set to be even bigger.
The line-up promises a range of genres across the long weekend:
- The Wombats headline Thursday, joined by indie pop-rock favourites Pale Waves and Corella.
- Friday sees The Wolfe Tones take the stage for a night of Irish folk and rebel anthems.
- On Saturday, Cream Classical Ibiza brings orchestral club anthems to the Mersey, featuring a DJ set from Groove Armada.
- Rounding off the weekend, Sting performs on Sunday with support from The Christians.
Each day runs into the evening, with gates opening as early as 2 pm. Last entry times vary, so it’s worth checking ahead before you travel.
International Beatleweek Liverpool (20th August - 26th August 2025)
International Beatleweek is one of the biggest celebrations of The Beatles anywhere in the world - and it all happens right here in Liverpool.
Across seven days and nights, the city becomes a stage for over 500 gigs, with more than 70 bands from around the world. They’ll be performing at iconic venues including The Cavern Club, The Philharmonic Hall, and The Adelphi Hotel.
Expect Beatles tributes, solo-era covers, guest speakers, and late-night sessions. It’s sure to attract a buzzing community of fans from across the globe.
Highlights in this year’s line-up include Mark McGann’s new show at The Everyman Theatre and John & Paul - Beyond the Beatles at the Philharmonic. There's also a return to Port Sunlight for the outdoor ‘P.S. I Love You’ event.
On Sunday, Convention Day brings music, memorabilia, and rare finds. This is then followed by the legendary ‘Prellie All-Nighter’ that runs until dawn at the Adelphi.
Whether you’re here for the headline concerts or the late-night sessions, Beatleweek proves the city’s still getting by with a little help from its friends.
Celebrate local Liverpool
Liverpool Book Bonanza (28th June 2025)
Step into a world of words at the Liverpool Book Bonanza. This literary celebration is hosted at the Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel, promising a day dedicated to all things books.
You'll have the opportunity to meet a range of new local authors and uncover your next favourite read. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in compelling stories and perhaps even secure a signed copy directly from the writer.
This event is a fantastic pick for book lovers, that’s conveniently just a short journey from Liverpool Lime Street Station. Once you leave the station, simply hop onto the Merseyrail service to West Kirby and get off at James Street. It’s then only a six-minute walk to this unique literary event.
Waterloo Beer Festival (26th June - 28th June 2025)
The Waterloo Beer Festival makes its return for 2025 at Old Christ Church in Waterloo, offering a fantastic selection for beer and cider enthusiasts. You'll find up to 100 different cask ales, craft beers, lagers, ciders, and perries from leading UK breweries.
For those who prefer something different, the indoor gin garden offers an enticing selection. You’ll find boutique gins, spirits, wines, and prosecco - an array of flavours to suit any preference.
There’s sure to be a vibrant atmosphere, with live music planned to create a lively backdrop as you sample the many offerings. If you’re seeking a more relaxed environment for your tasting, the Friday daytime session will be music-free.
Your ticket provides entry to your chosen session and a souvenir half-pint glass. You’ll also gain access to digital tasting notes to offer insights into your chosen tipples.
Drinks are purchased using tokens, with a full sheet containing 32 tokens costing £16. A half-pint will be a minimum of four tokens, but depending on the strength, it could be as much as seven tokens.
You can easily arrive at this festival in just over 30 minutes from Liverpool. From Liverpool Lime Street, walk six minutes to Merseyrail Liverpool Central Station. Take the service towards Southport and you’ll arrive at Waterloo Station in just 20 minutes.
After a 10-minute walk for some fresh air, you’ll arrive at Old Christ Church, ready to enjoy your beverages.
How to get to Events in Liverpool
With so many events in Liverpool this summer, travelling by train is the easiest way to make the most of your day. Whether you're heading to the Pier Head for a live gig, exploring a Biennial exhibition, or joining fans for Beatleweek, arriving by rail puts you right in the heart of the action.
Liverpool Lime Street is the city’s main train station and sits just a short walk from many key venues. It’s a top starting point for attending events in the waterfront, cultural quarter, and the city’s central hotels. It’s well-connected to cities across the UK, with frequent services running throughout the day.
Planning your journey will help you beat the rush and give you more time to explore. Book your train into Lime Street and you’ll be just minutes away from everything Liverpool has to offer this summer.
Get straight into the experience with no parking, no traffic, and no stress.
Ways to save on your train ticket to Liverpool’s Summer Events
Big summer plans don’t have to mean big costs. With Avanti West Coast, there are plenty of simple ways to save on your train fare when travelling to Liverpool’s biggest events.
If you’re travelling as a group, whether for a day at a festival or a jam-packed weekend of exhibitions, look out for Group and Family Tickets. Paired with children under five travelling for free, they’re a great option for those who know summer events are best enjoyed together.
Railcards are another smart option. Whether you're aged 16-30, travelling with a partner, a senior, or as part of a family, there’s likely a Railcard to suit your journey. Now available on your phone, they’re a convenient way to save you a third on your rail fares all year round.
Off-Peak Tickets are ideal if you're happy to travel earlier in the day or stay later after your event finishes. That extra flexibility could mean quieter trains and better value fares.
Finally, the best way to guarantee your seat - and the lowest price - is to book your ticket in advance. Popular dates around big events can sell out quickly, so if you’ve got your festival tickets sorted, your train should be next.
Get the app
With so much happening in Liverpool this summer, the Avanti West Coast app makes it easier to keep your plans on track. You can book tickets in seconds, check live train times, and get instant updates if anything changes on your route.
Download the app before you travel to keep everything in one place - including your tickets - and enjoy a smoother, stress-free journey into the city.