Events across Stockport are in full swing this summer, bringing creativity, play, and learning to families throughout the borough. From urban beaches and museum trails to workshops and interactive exhibitions.
At the heart of this summer’s programme is Stockroom. Since opening in May, Stockroom has been a huge hit with families and has attracted more than 250,000 visitors. It offers a welcoming children’s library and creative learning space — a great place to read a book, meet friends, and join in with free regular workshops and activities.
Join Stockroom for three days of activity and family fun from 20-22 August, exploring new ways to see the world around us, inspired by the Emotional Biodiversity exhibition which is currently on display
Highlights include:
- Children’s Storytime & craft: Stories about nature, growing, and the bulbs and roots we eat, plus make your own vegetable garden craft.
- Stockport Biodiversity illustration trail & colouring sheets: Discover local flora and fauna across the town.
- Youth Night (ages 11–18): Make seed bombs to spread nature and strengthen Stockport’s environment.
- Seed Bomb session (all ages): Friday afternoon drop-in activity.
- Film screening – The Last: Di Mainstone’s film exploring climate hopes and fears. Listen to the voices from Stockport share their feelings and hopes for the future.
- Summer Scrap Play: Turn everyday items destined for the bin into creative treasures.
This summer, Stockroom’s packed programme also includes:
- Children’s Storytime: every Wednesday at 11am. Drop in, no need to book.
- Lego Club: every Wednesday throughout August.
- Games nights for teens: every Friday.
- Family Foodie Friday: 29 August
Merseybay at Merseyway
FREE
The town’s favourite urban beach returns to Merseyway Shopping Centre, With golden sand, deckchairs and a splash of Hawaiian sunshine in the middle of town. Look out for Extra Fun Fridays with themed crafts, characters and games. On Friday 29th August, enjoy a fun closing party, featuring a giant roaming tortoise and games on the beach..
SmileyWorld Art Trail
Until 15 September
Get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions as Totally Stockport brings a vibrant new art trail to the heart of Stockport. Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery as the SmileyWorld Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun and exciting sculptures, each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons. Download the SmileyWorld Art Trail map.
Hat Works Museum
Until 30 August: FREE
Discover the UK’s only hat museum and dive into local history alongside creative activities - delivered in partnership with Arc, one of the UK’s leading arts and mental health charities.
Creative art activities including colouring-in placemats and a Summer Art Club in the activity room (all materials provided).
‘Arc in the Park’ activity map for creative outdoor fun in nearby Viaduct Park — perfect for drawing, photography, or writing inspired by nature.
Stockport Museum: Grimwood Museum Adventure
Until 31 August: FREE-quiet opening time:18 August
Join this fun, interactive museum trail featuring Grimwood characters and challenges. Complete the trail to earn a free sticker and enter a prize draw for a signed book bundle and National Art Pass.
Bramall Hall: Nevill. T. Bear's Beast & Bug Detective Trail
Until 31 August: entry charges apply
Join Nevill. T. Bear, beast and bug detective, on this new trail around Bramall Hall. Children will enjoy being mini-detectives and finding out about some of the unusual creatures who live under our roof. Each child will receive a magnifying glass to help them in their search and continue their spotting at home.
Find out more
Staircase House
Until 31 August: entry charges apply for adults; children go free
Explore Stockport’s oldest townhouse and see the rare Jacobean cage-newel staircase. Take part in free peg doll craft activities while you visit and spot the replica dolls throughout the house. Plan your visit to Staircase House.
Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery: Cutting edge collage: children and young people's workshop with Jackie Wagg
28 August: FREE – tickets must be booked in advance
100 years ago, Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery was opened as a place to commemorate those who had given their lives in the First World War. To mark this milestone, children and young people are invited to create new artwork for display in the gallery during the centenary period on the theme of ‘Beautiful Things’.
If you’d like to create an artwork, but need some inspiration, come along, get inspired, and create something beautiful with Stockport Artist, Jackie Wagg, for a Stockport-inspired collage session using photos of Stockport,
Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Culture at Stockport Council, said: "It’s fantastic to see so many families out and about enjoying all the events on offer and making the most of our parks and green spaces. Stockroom has been a huge hit with visitors, and with a packed programme of creative events next week as part of their fascinating Emotional Diversity exhibition, there’s something for everyone to explore, get creative, and make lasting summer memories."
While you’re out and about, why not take some time to enjoy all that Stockport has to offer. Don’t miss the colourful murals in the Underbanks — perfect for family photos and soaking up some local artwork. When it’s time to eat, Stockport’s packed with family-friendly cafés and restaurants Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch, a café stop, or something to keep the kids happy, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to fuel your day.
Stockport’s parks and green spaces are also the perfect place to get active outdoors. From woodland trails to open play areas, there’s something for all ages – and many parks have accessible paths and inclusive equipment. Plan your park day.
Find more summer events across Stockport.