What's On in Liverpool This Week: Gigs, Family Fun & Hands-On Events

It starts in typical fashion: someone in the pub pipes up, “What’s on this week, then?” You’re halfway through your pint and everyone’s looking at you like you’ve memorised the calendar. Sound, here’s your lifeline – the best bits happening in Liverpool, served fresh with no faffing.

Giggles and Showbiz

First up, if you’ve ever fancied yourself as an absolute riot in a dressing gown, Present Laughter is still running at the Playhouse Theatre this week. A good excuse to swap Netflix repeats for proper live theatre – and you don’t need to tidy the house first.

Something to Say

On Thursday 22 October, the More than Words: Black History Month Panel and Performance takes over the Everyman. There’s a boss mix of talks and live performance for anyone who likes their nights out with a bit of meaning.

Spirits and Squeals

If you’re feeling brave, Ghosts & Spirits arrives on Friday at the Everyman. Expect spine-tingling stories – just don’t blame us if you end up jumping at your own reflection in Clayton Square.

Big Names and Big Beats

Stepping up for nostalgia, Duran Duran bring the perms and pop hooks to M&S Bank Arena on Friday. If younger relatives sneer, remind them we practically invented club culture.

If you’re more into thundering bass than 80s synth, The UK Drum Show (Saturday and Sunday, Exhibition Centre) promises a weekend full of rhythm, gadgets, and plenty of enthusiastic drum solos.

Something for the Kids

Tiny Scousers aren’t left out. Pop by Tiny Liverpool – Little Liverpool Special at the Museum of Liverpool on Friday morning for crafty fun. For older ones, Steve Backshall’s Deadly Live (Saturday, M&S Bank Arena) should keep them fascinated with wildlife that bites instead of just bugging you for a snack.

Workshops and Weirdness

Those with a scientific bent can check out the Picture-winged Flies Workshop (Thursday, World Museum) – perfect if you look at bluebottle in the kitchen and think, “I wonder what that is?”

Or get hands-on at the Handmade Book Binding Workshop on Saturday afternoon at the Lady Lever Art Gallery. You might even finish a notebook before the family nicks it.

Stepping into History

If you’re after backstage gossip and the odd bit of actorly glamour, Royal Court Heritage Tour is running all winter – perfect for a nosy wander and a fresh pub story.

So save yourself that awkward blank stare next time someone asks what’s on – Liverpool’s serving up more variety than a fry-up at Sayers. Just try not to get fuming if the drum solos keep you up. Ta-ra for now.

What’s On in Liverpool This Week: Duran Duran, Ghosts, Drum Mayhem and More