May is almost upon us which means more fun in store! The novelty of going out hasn’t worn off yet (and we don’t think it will any time soon) and with these events and activities happening this month, it proves that in April we were only just getting started. So without further ado, here are all the best things to do in Liverpool this May.
1. See brand new writing and performing talent from across the North West at this theatre festival
Liverpool Theatre Festival is back with Little LTF festival of new works this May. The second annual Little LTF will be staged undercover in an intimate marquee setting at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church from May 3-8. The festival, a sister event to the main Liverpool Theatre Festival which returns this August for a third year, was founded by award-winning Liverpool theatre producer Bill Elms and is dedicated to nurturing up-and-coming talent and showcasing new works for the first time. Twelve shows will be premiered over six days and genres represented in the diverse and inclusive programme include cabaret, comedy, disability arts, ghost stories, drama, family entertainment, LGBTQ, and musical theatre.
2. Experience a Coldplay tribute candlelight concert in Liverpool’s stunning Palm House
Fever’s Candlelight series just got even more enchanting – and tropical. Returning to the Palm House in the beautiful Sefton Park, this series of magical candlelit performances will delight your eyes and your ears with classical music in the stunning, plant-filled glass house. On May 16, you can enjoy an amazing view of a pianist, violinist and percussionist playing renditions of Coldplay’s biggest hits within the park’s glasshouse, brimming with colourful wildlife including orchids and botanicals. Coldplay fans, we bet you’ve been waiting for Something Just Like This, eh. Tickets are available now.
3. Get a dose of nostalgia and rock out to music across three floors at this Krazy House reunion
On the bank holiday Sunday (May 1), you can see Electrik Warehouse host another Krazy House reunion, which will see the iconic Liverpool nightlife venue on Wood Street return for one night only. Since rebranding from Krazy House to Electrik back in 2018 when Pub Invest Group saved the venue from closing for good the venue has continued to be Liverpool’s best alternative music venue. The reunion event will see all the famous three floors return to the previous Krazyhouse layout – K1 will be playing metal, nu-metal and industrial music; K2 will play indie and rock; and K4 will play emo and pop-punk. Continuing the nostalgia, Pot Noodles will also be back.
4. Head up to the top of the Royal Liver Building for unbelievable views
After being cooped up over winter, it’s quite nice to stretch your legs and head out exploring for a change of scenery. Whether you’re a local or new to the city, why not venture up one of Liverpool’s tallest buildings and discover more about this amazing city? Start your journey at the Royal Liver Building‘s visitor centre, and learn about the building’s history as well as its place in local heritage, before heading up to the 10th and 15th floors for sweeping views of Merseyside and beyond, plus feel the sea breeze. Book your tickets here.
5. Tuck into food at this new waterfront restaurant that pays homage to Liverpool’s Canada connection
This season, it seems more businesses will be springing up in the city including a new restaurant docking up on the waterfront that gives a nod to Liverpool’s nautical history. Led by independent bar operator Ma Pub Group, who run Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery and Tempest on Tithebarn, this latest dining venue known as Nova Scotia will be their third Liverpool site. Set in the stunning Mann Island building in the shadow of the spectacular Three Graces on the city’s iconic waterfront, Nova Scotia is influenced by the little-known 19th century Liverpool dockside village that was once in the area, which served Canada and the ‘lumber’ trade.
6. Make a trip to the theatre for an impressive performance of this Shakespeare play
Witness incredible and breathtaking performances this month as Liverpool’s theatres play host to a number of shows worth booking tickets for. This May will see Northern Broadsides bring their bold, refreshing style to Shakespeare’s most musical and much-loved comedy As You Like It to the Everyman Playhouse for the very first time. When the high-spirited Rosalind and devoted cousin Celia escape the court into the forest in disguise, they bump into the recent object of Rosalind’s affection, Orlando. This leads to an elaborate game of fluid identity where all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.
7. Hop aboard the Dazzle Ferry and cruise along the Mersey for some sea air
Embark on a Mersey River cruise and enjoy Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront from a whole new perspective. This jaunt aboard the well-known Mersey Ferry allows you to take in the rich history of the Liverpool Waterfront, while a full commentary providing the lowdown on what you’re seeing for a whole 50 minutes. During your ride, discover the well-loved legacy of Liverpool and the river Mersey, with its musical and maritime history. One of our most colourful attractions along the river is the Dazzle Ferry, created by Sir Peter Blake famous for his artwork on The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper album cover, as part of the First World War commemorations. Book your ferry trip here.
8. Head to the World Museum to discover epic monsters, costumes and props from Doctor Who
From May 27, visitors will be able to explore the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition at the World Museum where they will learn about the science within the universe of the longest-running sci-fi TV show which first aired in 1963. The exhibition will feature epic monsters, costumes and props from the show plus visitors will be able to engage with original artefacts and sets used within the series. This imaginative new exhibition is a must-see for any Doctor Who fans as well as science enthusiasts as you explore the past, present and future of the Earth and the vast reaches of the cosmos.
9. Find the most brielliant cheese spots in Liverpool on this cheese crawl
Join The Liverpool Cheese Crawl for two and a half hours of non-stop cheese every Saturday this May : from swanky blue cheese and gooey grilled cheeses to interactive cheese-themed quizzes and competitions. The crawl starts at Liverpool Playhouse Theatre and will be packed full of the finest of Liverpool’s brie-lliant cheeses, with very mature fun facts, and the chance to heckle your quizmaster with your favourite cheese puns that will have your group crumbling faster than a Wensleydale. Meanwhile you’ll feta believe you’ll learn a bit about cheese making, and be introduced to some cheese mongers and shops you just camembert to stay away from. Find your tickets here.
10. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city at these rooftop bars
British Summer time is here, therefore a rooftop drink is definitely overdue. From luxurious restaurants to cosy terraces, Liverpool has some of the most incredible rooftop bars (and some are more hidden than others). Check out our guide to the best rooftop bars in Liverpool for you to book and take in insane views of the city with your family or friends this May.
11. Unleash your creativity with this paint and sip event at The Baltic Social
Not painted at all or since school? Well why not try it again but this time in a fun, judgement-free and relaxed environment? Head to The Baltic Social for an evening of painting, hosted by a professional artist from The Paint Republic where they’ll help you unleash your creativity by loosely instructing you how to paint a picture chosen for the event. Whether you fancy painting beautiful beach huts, blooming wonderful Japanese cherry blossom or a magical May sunset with a glass in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, you might be surprised by what you can paint when you don’t take yourself too seriously.
12. Hear music from your favourite films at this candlelight concert
The most awe-inspiring music from one of the greatest film composers Hans Zimmer of all time brought to you in an intimate candlelight setting. No doubt these tracks will sound familiar, as they give life to iconic films such as The Lion King, Sherlock Holmes, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Enjoy this special concert on May 6 where the most loved film scores are brought to you surrounded by the beauty of The Florrie bathed in candlelight. Find your tickets here.
13. Step into the world of sci-fi, comics, film and television with the return of Comic Con Liverpool
Calling all sci-fi fans, comic book lovers and cosplay enthusiasts as Comic Con Liverpool is returning to the Exhibition Centre once more this month. From May 21-22, it’s your chance to dress up as your favourite characters and spot some famous guests from the large and small screen. Celebrity guests revealed include Originals and Vampire Diaries star Joseph Morgan, Guardians of the Galaxy legends Michael Rooke, and Sean Gunn, Gotham‘s Robin Lord Taylor, Smallville‘s Tom Welling, Glee alumni Matthew Morrison, Kevin McHale and Heather Morris and One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray.
14. Soak up the sun with the return of double decker bus bar The Bus Yard to Crosby Marina
A beachside bus bar has returned to Crosby Marina once more, bringing plenty of fun to this Liverpool area and it’s the kind of bus we are definitely running for! The pop-up food and drink venue, The Bus Yard, which operates from a double decker bus, has arrived back at the coastal spot so we can all enjoy a tipple with sunset beach views without having to hop on a plane. The Bus Yard is also expected to be parked up in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle hosting music events and providing plenty of food and drink at Cain’s Brewery Village from April 29.