HOME’s much-loved free family festival is returning this summer with a packed weekend of performances, crafts, music, films and creative fun for all ages.

Little HOME 2026

• Dates: Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August 2026

• Location: HOME Manchester, 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester, Greater Manchester M15 4FN

• Price: Free

Little HOME invites families to enjoy a vibrant weekend filled with free entertainment, hands-on activities and creative experiences across HOME’s theatres, cinemas and outdoor spaces.

The festival will feature a wide range of family-friendly activities including stage performances, street entertainment, film screenings, dance sessions, workshops and interactive drop-in activities.

Festival Highlights

• Tales from the Lighthouse - a musical storytelling adventure filled with songs, stories and the sea

• Skylight Circus Arts - learn juggling, plate spinning, diabolo skills and more

• Creative craft workshops with family favourite Pheobe Foxtrot

• Fun family dance sessions with Afrocats

• Family film screenings in the cinemas and on the outdoor screen

• Interactive family sessions with the National Football Museum

• Drop-in activities from the People’s History Museum

• Cookie and cupcake decorating in HOME Bar & Kitchen

New for 2026

This year introduces a brand-new Chill Zone in the Cinema Bar area, featuring crafts, board games, drawing activities and fidget toys in a relaxed creative environment facilitated by a guest artist.

Outside HOME, families can also enjoy live entertainment, music and pop-up activities throughout the weekend.

Some activities will require advance booking, with the full programme due to be announced soon. Keep an eye on the website here

A brilliant free family festival packed with creativity, culture and summer fun in the heart of Manchester.

Photo credit: Little HOME