Guide
What's On in Liverpool in August 2026
A checked guide to Liverpool events in August 2026, covering free family days, exhibitions, theatre, football and International Beatleweek dates.
These dates have passed. What's On in Liverpool in September 2026 has what is on now.
If you are planning August in Liverpool, book the fixed dates first. The Liverpool Empire, FACT, Anfield, Bluecoat and the Cavern all have events that finish or take place on one day.
This guide was checked against organiser and venue pages on 30 July 2026. Availability, timings and access arrangements can still change, so follow the linked event page before travelling.
The short version
- Theatre: Moulin Rouge! The Musical ends its Liverpool Empire run on Saturday 8 August.
- Free family days: use Beach Fest, Tickle the Ivories, FACT's family workshop and Bluecoat's markets.
- Football: Liverpool have two Anfield friendlies before the league home match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday 29 August.
- Late August: International Beatleweek brings several days of concerts and club shows.
Running through August
Beach Fest at Chavasse Park
When: until Monday 31 August
The sandy beach area is free to enter. Rides and games cost extra and use card payments, so this is only a free outing if you can walk past the token booth without negotiations. Liverpool ONE lists weekday opening from noon and weekend opening from 11am on the Beach Fest page.
Tickle the Ivories at Liverpool ONE
When: until Friday 11 September
Five public pianos are spread across Liverpool ONE. They are free to play without booking, although performers can reserve a slot. Check the official piano locations because placements and scheduled performances can change.
Free exhibitions at FACT
When: until Sunday 16 August
FACT's current free exhibitions include work by Rachel Maclean, ONLY SLIME and Sahjan Kooner. The venue lists gallery opening from Wednesday to Sunday and provides access notes for individual works. Use FACT's current programme before going.
Until Saturday 8 August
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Where: Liverpool Empire, Lime Street
The touring musical finishes on Saturday 8 August. The venue lists evening shows at 7.30pm, with selected Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. The running time is two hours and 45 minutes including the interval, and the age guidance is 12+. Book and check access details through the Liverpool Empire event page.
Saturday 8 August
Do Something Saturdays
Where: FACT, 88 Wood Street
When: noon to 3pm
This is a free, drop-in family workshop linked to Sahjan Kooner's exhibition. No booking is required. Read the FACT family workshop page for the latest activity and arrival information.
Sunday 9 and Sunday 16 August
Liverpool pre-season matches at Anfield
Liverpool play AS Monaco at 2.30pm on Sunday 9 August and Como 1907 at 6pm on Sunday 16 August. Ticket availability may change. The club's official fixture announcement has the confirmed kick-off times.
Allow extra time around Walton Breck Road and use our Anfield matchday guide before choosing a bus or meeting point.
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Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August
Liverpool Book Market
Where: Bluecoat, School Lane
When: 11am to 5pm
Local booksellers take over Bluecoat for two free-entry market days. It is easy to combine with Bold Street or Liverpool Central, without pretending a book market needs a military itinerary. Dates and opening hours are on the Bluecoat listing.
Late August
International Beatleweek
The Cavern Club's annual festival uses the Cavern, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and other city-centre venues. Some events are included in packages, some have individual tickets and some club sessions have separate admission. Start with the organiser's Beatleweek page rather than buying from a social-media advert.
A confirmed waterfront event is the International Beatleweek Festival Showcase at the Museum of Liverpool on Saturday 29 August. Doors open at 7pm and the performance runs from 8pm to 11pm. The official showcase listing carries ticket details.
Saturday 29 August
Liverpool v Nottingham Forest
Where: Anfield
When: 12.30pm
The Premier League match was moved to a 12.30pm kick-off for television coverage. That brings the main travel rush into the morning. Liverpool FC's fixture change notice has the confirmed time.
Simply Vibrant Makers Market
Where: Bluecoat
When: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, 11am to 4pm
The free-entry market features artists and makers from Merseyside. Check the Bluecoat event page before setting off.
Sunday 30 August
Man in the Mirror
Where: Liverpool Empire
When: 2.30pm
This Michael Jackson tribute concert runs for about two hours and 15 minutes including the interval. Use the Liverpool Empire listing for tickets and access information.
Before you book
- Buy from the organiser or venue, not an unverified resale account.
- Check age limits and access information before paying.
- Leave extra travel time on Anfield matchdays.
- For free events, check whether only entry is free and activities cost extra.
- Use our Liverpool public transport guide if you are joining two areas in one day.