From Merseybeat and Beatlemania to the punk and new wave scene associated with Eric’s, and on through the jangly indie of The La’s and The Coral, Liverpool has music in its bricks and mortar. That makes it the perfect location for some of the best metropolitan music festivals in the UK.
Our Confidential Guides list of Liverpool’s best festivals incorporates the lot: nostalgia events celebrating the city’s musical heritage, weekenders showcasing the bright new sounds of the future, and unmissable dates on the calendar of contemporary culture.
Choose from major arts events, feel-good outdoor music festivals with all the vibes of a traditional festival experience without the bother of pitching a tent, urban events where stage-diving takes on new meaning as you dash from venue to venue, and big names on big stages playing right by Liverpool’s own architectural big hitters; what a backdrop.
These city-fests are all easy to get to and from on public transport and have the benefit of allowing you to wake up in your own bed. If you’re coming from further afield, why not check out our guide to Liverpool’s hotels?
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Baltic TriangleBaltic Weekender
More detailsBaltic Weekender is Liverpool’s dance festival, held at venues around the Baltic Triangle. Featuring big-name DJs and local selectors, it’s great value and it always seems to be sunny – fingers crossed for 2025.
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Cavern QuarterInternational Beatleweek Festival
More detailsThe International Beatleweek Festival draws Beatles fans from all over the world. It’s pretty hardcore too – a full week of live music, a day trip, an all-nighter and the Annual Beatles Convention. 2025 sees Beatlemania descend once more from Wednesday 20 August to Tuesday 26 August.
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LiverpoolLiverpool Arab Arts Festival
More detailsLiverpool Arab Arts Festival is the UK’s longest-running Arab cultural festival championing the best homegrown and international artists. With visual arts, music, dance, film, theatre, literature and workshops, it’s a great way to engage with contemporary Arab culture.
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Liverpool City CentreLiverpool Biennial
More detailsLiverpool Biennial is the UK’s largest free contemporary art festival – and one of the reasons the city was named European Capital of Culture in 2008.
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Liverpool City CentreLiverpool Sound City
More detailsLiverpool Sound City is an independent music festival held every spring. It stands out from other music festivals with its forum featuring artist in-conversations and industry workshops, which runs alongside the live music.
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WaterfrontOn The Waterfront
More detailsOn The Waterfront is a four-day open air festival on Pier Head. It kickstarts the summer festival season in Liverpool, with the 2025 music party taking place from Thursday 19 June to Sunday 22 June.
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Sefton ParkRadio 1’s Big Weekend 2025
More detailsBBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend comes to Liverpool for its 2025 showcase of big names, new music, dance and emerging talent. The festival takes place in Sefton Park on Friday 23 May through to Sunday 25 May 2025. Catch headline acts like Biffy Clyro, Blossoms and Haim.
