June
3-5 June
International Mersey River Festival
Waterfront
Billy Ocean headlines the main stage at this three-day celebration of Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. The event also includes Tall Ships, narrowboats and jet ski demos.
4 June
Championship Boxing
Echo Arena
Titans will clash when Merseyside fighter Liam Smith takes on Predrag Radosevic for the WBO Super Welterweight Championship belt.
10-11 June
Positive Vibration – Festival of Reggae
Constellations
This Reggae party will bring Caribbean flavour to the Baltic Triangle with music, food and drink, art and creative workshops on the menu.
14 June
Elton John
Echo Arena
Pop icon Elton John returns to Liverpool for the first time in eight years to play his new album ‘Wonderful Crazy Night’ alongside hits from his back catalogue.
15 June
Ben Folds with yMusic
Philharmonic Hall
Piano-driven pop meets classical music as Ben Folds performs tracks from his latest LP ‘So There’ as well as previous albums, with the yMusic ensemble.
15-17 June
Brazilica
City centre
Three days of samba hijinks will light up the city centre as Brazilica comes to town, with its main stage in Derby Square.
17 June
Charity and Liverpool’s Home Front
Museum of Liverpool
The second exhibition in Museum of Liverpool’s First World War series, which runs until October, explores the role of local charities during the conflict.
18-19 June
Africa Oye 2016
Sefton Park
The UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture is back. This year’s line-up includes Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band and Gambian virtuoso Sona Jobarteh.
25 June
Then, Now and Neon Lights
Unity Theatre
The final show before the Unity Theatre undergoes refurbishment is a reflective piece from the group’s youth theatre consisting of music and stories inspired by the arts venue.
25-26 June
Summer Arts Market
St George’s Hall
A bumper arts and craft fair showcasing the work of more than 100 local artists and designers, complete with craft workshops for youngsters.
July
2 July
The Choir That Rocks Live
Echo Arena
The 400-strong North West division of the Rock Choir will belt out feel-good songs from its repertoire, encouraging the audience to sing along.
7 July
Vasily Petrenko Celebrates 10 Years with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Philharmonic Hall
Vasily Petrenko marks his 10th anniversary at the helm of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with a signature programme which includes works such as Rachmaninov’s Symphony No.3 and Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No.1.
8 July
Frank Turner at X & Y Festival
Sefton Park Palm House
Frank Turner heads to Sefton Park’s Palm House to headline the pop, rock, and indie-themed X & Y Festival.
8-17 July
Brouhaha International Festival
Various venues
European, African, Caribbean and Indian cultures unite for a 14-day shindig including live performances, carnival parades, workshops and more.
9 July
John Moores Painting Prize 2016
Walker Art Gallery
A selection of works shortlisted for the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize, which celebrates contemporary British painting, goes on display until late November.
11 July
Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Philharmonic Hall
Celebrated singer-songwriter Elvis Costello reunites with The Imposters for the first time since their acclaimed 2013 tour to perform tracks from his back catalogue.
11-17 July
Cats
Liverpool Empire Theatre
One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history comes to the Empire for a six-night run.
16-24 July
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival
Various venues
The Arab Arts Festival returns to Liverpool for a 15th year with a bill that includes artists, dancers, musicians, writers, and more.
29 July
Ball of Fire
Epstein Theatre
‘Ball of Fire’ charts the life and times of Everton FC great Alan Ball, chronicling his rise to footballing success with narration from Blues legend Ronnie Goodlass.
30 July
World Cup 66 Minute By Minute
FACT
Relive England’s greatest footballing triumph as a special screening brings together match footage, stories, appearances from football heroes, and memorable songs related to the Three Lions’ 1966 World Cup victory.
