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 nostalgia events celebrating the city’s musical heritage and weekenders that showcase the bright new sounds of the future.
Choose from 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?
-
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 2024.
-
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 beach trip, an all-nighter and the Annual Beatles Convention. 2024 sees Beatlemania descend once more from Wednesday 21 August to Tuesday 27 August.
-
Sefton ParkIn The Park
More detailsIn The Park is a huge three-day festival held in Sefton Park on Thursday 11 July, Friday 12 July and Saturday 13 July. 40,000 revellers are expected to attend the open-air music party in Liverpool each day.
-
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.
-
WaterfrontMathew Street Festival
More detailsThe Mathew Street Festival is back after more than a decade. The August Bank Holiday weekend will see a four-day musical party at Pier Head.
-
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 2004 music party taking place from Thursday 20 June to Sunday 23 June.
