Whether you’re a big Oasis fan or not, you can't deny the band’s arrival in Manchester for five big homecoming shows is a big deal. Marking the first time Liam and Noel Gallagher have reunited on stage in close to 16 years, the band will be headlining Heaton Park for a series of gigs that starts this weekend with shows on Friday and Saturday (July 11 and 12). They will continue their residency in their hometown with three further shows across next week, with the last performance here on July 20. But whilst it is a big moment for Manchester and music history, not everyone wants to jump on board the Oasis hype train - and that’s fine. While it may feel all-but-impossible to avoid anything to do with Liam or Noel, there are still a fair few events taking place in the city and Greater Manchester that you can enjoy without donning a bucket hat or shouting out the lyrics to Wonderwall. We can’t promise these events will be completely Oasis-free, but they are certainly alternatives to the afterparties, exhibitions, and pop-ups that have been specifically themed around the band and their big Manchester shows. Here’s our list of five things taking place this weekend that you can check out if you’re wanting an alternative to Oasis. As always, be sure to check details with event organisers before making plans as things can often change at short notice. And, as an extra heads up, due to the Oasis gigs, public transport and the city centre in general are expected to be busier than usual on Friday and Saturday. Over at Aviva Studios , Manchester International Festival continues to bring a host of performances, takeovers, and family-friendly events celebrating the vast arts and culture scene of the city. Festival Square, which is free to attend, will feature some amazing shows, with tonight's highlights including drag superstar Lucky Roy Singh (July 11, 6pm) and the fabulous Miss Chief Cabaret (July 11, 8.30pm) which will feature show-stopping drag, burlesque, live music and mischief from the likes of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Banskie. On Saturday, there will also be the Born To Be Wild Child family party (10am), jazz disco from Bethlehem Casuals (July 12, 2pm), music from the brilliant Ewan Sim (5pm), a showcase of LA-based hip-hop dance from Krump Dance (6pm) and a takeover from legendary club night Funkademia (6pm). Sunday will feature a family-friendly Joy On The Square (12.30pm), an artist talk on what it means to be Black in the UK right now (3.30pm), and the South Asian Music Summit from 6pm featuring panels, workshops and performances. More details and full line-up here. Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ. Whilst technically not in Great Manchester, if you really want to avoid Oasis altogether then a trip to Cheshire could be on the cards for a weekend of food and drink - and it's not far away at all. The Foodies Festival will be taking place at Tatton Park from Friday to Sunday and will feature a host of Michelin-starred chefs serving up some of their signature specials, as well as hosting masterclasses and talks. There will also be plenty of independent and artisan traders selling some of their most popular products. Not only that, but some familiar faces from the Great British Bake Off will be making appearances at the Cake & Bake Theatre, whilst a Kids Cookery Theatre and a chilli eating competition will also add something truly for everyone. The food festival will also feature performances from Symphonic Ibiza (July 11), The Wanted 2.0 (July 12) and Blue (July 13) across the weekend. Tickets, from £6.13 with booking fees, can be bought here. Tatton Park, Cheshire, Knutsford, WA16 6QN. Whilst Oasis will be the big draw this weekend, there will also be a huge match between England and Wales taking place as part of the Women’s Euros this Sunday (July 13). And there really can’t be a better venue to watch it at than Boxx2Boxx , which is run by Lioness legend Jill Scott. Located on Palatine Road in Wythenshawe , the cafe will be showing the game on the big screens for a big watch party. They will also be serving up their full alcohol menu alongside soft drinks, coffee and a hot food and bar snacks menu. Tickets, which include the first drink for free, are available from £5.94 via Eventbrite here. Boxx2Boxx Coffee, 399 Palatine Road, Wythenshawe, M22 4JS. July 15 will mark the anniversary of Emmeline Pankhurst’s birthday, who was born in 1858. Every year, on the Sunday closest to her birthday, the Pankhurst Centre celebrates in big style with a party to honour the impact Emmeline and the suffragette movement had on the city and beyond. The party on Sunday (July 13), which is free to attend, will allow visitors to explore the museum and make a friendship bracelet, as well as enjoying a slice of cake. There will also be music from violinist Amanda Schrem from 1pm. Whilst the event is free, people are still required to order tickets online for timed entry within a half-hour slot. This is to safely maintain capacity. You can get tickets here. Pankhurst Centre, 60-62 Nelson Street, Manchester, M13 9WP. Coinciding with Manchester’s summer of music, the MCR Live ‘25 hub will be up and running in Piccadilly Gardens with a host of street food stalls, bars, surprise acts and DJ takeovers. Not only that but there will be block parties in the Northern Quarter (Edge Street and Thomas Street, 12pm to 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday) whilst this Saturday and Sunday will also mark the first weekend that the Music for the Senses art trail is in the city centre. Made up of 60 guitars to find across shop windows and locations within the city, as well as a collection of new and pre-existing murals, installations and other surprises, it’s a chance to explore Manchester in your own time and learn more about the city’s music scene. But the event won't be a totally Oasis free zone. Do expect a couple of references to the band here and there. MCR Live '25 Hub, Piccadilly Gardens, M1 1AF.