2025 has been a brilliant year for Milton Keynes Theatre so far, with some of the most iconic musicals and plays returning to the city, along with comedy, dance and much more. Happily, the rest of the year promises much more of the same!

Fans of musicals have lots to be happy about this season, with a feast of fantastic musical productions coming to Milton Keynes over the next few months. The season kicks off with the return of the captivating classic Blood Brothers, quickly followed by The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, straight from its West End run. The musical equivalent of the finest vintage champagne returns to Milton Keynes thanks to Top Hat, before The Bodyguard thrills audiences with some of the greatest hit songs of all time!

As the season continues, Milton Keynes Theatre is host to Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of Mary Poppins for 4 weeks. Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before, featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.

Audiences interested in some suspense can look forward to a trio of gripping plays: Inside Number 9 – Stage/Fright brings the genius of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith to the stage, 2:22 A Ghost Story returns, starring Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton, and Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile sails onto the stage for audiences to enjoy another tale featuring the iconic Hercule Poirot.

The theatre also has plenty of other shows in all sorts of genres, meaning there is something for all audiences coming to Milton Keynes soon! Dance fans can enjoy a performance of Cirque Éloize – iD RELOADED (direct from Canada), as well as the global cultural sensation that is Riverdance 30: The New Generation.

If you’re after some great comedy, check out the theatre’s list of one-night performances, including A-List comedians such as Stewart Lee and Dara Ó Briain, as well as a combination of stars in one night thanks to Comedy Cow Presents October’s Prime Cut.

As always, there’s a fantastic list of music-based one-night performances, including Queen by Candlelight, Fisherman’s Friends, The Drifters, Adam Ant, and Michael Starring Ben.

Families can look forward to Bluey’s Big Play, the Olivier award-nominated live stage show that features brilliantly created puppets and is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family! Older audiences can look forward to one-night appearances from cricketer Stuart Broad and actress Miriam Margolyes.

All of these shows come before Milton Keynes Theatre’s yearly pantomime returns, with iconic comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley returning to the city for Goldilocks and the Three Bears. With riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts and international circus acts, Goldilocks and the Three Bears promises to sweep the whole family away with a pantomime spectacular that’s just right!

The start of 2026 promises even more fantastic productions, including FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, Dear England, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, Matthew Bourne’s Production of The Red Shoes, Legally Blonde, and many more.

Find out more and book your tickets at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

MK Heritage Open Days is back again this September. It runs from Friday 12th to Sunday 21st and there is something for everyone as MK celebrates its fascinating heritage with a packed programme of over 250 free family events, guided walks, historic talks, cycle rides, creative workshops, open days, exhibitions, film screenings, storytelling, craft workshops and musical performances – all completely free to attend.

Families can take a trip on the Electra canal boat, learn about our parks with The Parks Trust, take a guided bike ride through the city, enjoy craft workshops, learn to play board games, hear some stories, visit a medieval fayre, explore a museum dedicated to all things Lego, find out all about bees and above all have fun, share quality time and make some memories this September.

Some key attractions opening their doors for free include Milton Keynes Museum, Great Linford Manor Park, Westbury Arts Centre, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre, The Stables Theatre, Bletchley Park, and the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney.

The theme for this year is Architecture and across the city we have 109 events that make the most of MK’s architectural legacy, from ancient churches and farm buildings to the modernist marble-and-glass buildings that form the fabric of our new city.  Visit architectural practices, hear talks on architecture and sustainability, tour some of MK’s most well-known landmarks and celebrate all that our city has to offer with 10 days of family-friendly free activities.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Cllr Shanika Mahendran said: “It’s really encouraging to see so many of our organisations and communities getting involved in Heritage Open Days 2025 again. Hosting 250 events over just ten days is a huge achievement – and there’s something for everyone. With 109 events focused on this year’s theme of Architecture, Milton Keynes is really celebrating its unique design legacy.”

Can’t make any of the scheduled events? Once again there are plenty of self-guided walks and trails to keep you busy at times to suit you.

You can collect your MK HODs brochure from the Milton Keynes libraries, from Get Smart carousels in local supermarkets from the beginning of August, or browse the events online here:
https://www.livingarchive.org.uk/events/category/events

Please keep checking the Living Archive website Events page and our social media to keep in touch with any updates to the MK HODs events.

www.livingarchive.org.uk/events/category/events

Summer time means play time! With delicious summer menus, family films and fab activities for every little adventurer, Xscape Milton Keynes has your summer sorted. Everything you need to make the absolute most of the holidays, all under one gigantic roof!

Have a blast

Dive into a world of endless fun! Feel the irresistible pull of adrenaline-fuelled fun at Gravity, enjoy arcade classics at Funstation and make a splash at Volcano Falls. Mystery seeker? Decode thrilling puzzles at Escape Hunt. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experience the ultimate free fall sensation at iFLY, strike it big at Hollywood Bowl, or conquer the slopes at Snozone. Here, there’s something exciting to discover around every corner!

Dig into summer menus

Get stuck into our restaurants’ delicious summer menus, perfect for family dining! Turn up the heat with fiery favourites from Nando’s, enjoy wagamama’s fresh flavours, or build the ultimate summer sub at Subway. And don’t forget the obligatory dessert from Creams! With sunshine vibes and tasty bites for everyone, the Xscape family pit stop is just as fun as our fab activities. Come hungry, soak up the flavour, leave happy!

Catch a family flick

This summer sees the release of loads of fab family films, so it’s the perfect time to grab the popcorn and settle down to a movie at Cineworld! From animated adventures like The Bad Guys 2, How to Train Your Dragon, Elio and Smurfs, to the hilarious laugh-out-loud Freakier Friday, there’s something for everyone on the big screen. Grab your popcorn and let the summer movie magic begin!

Find out more: https://www.xscapemiltonkeynes.co.uk/en

Dreaming of a summer escape without leaving town? This summer, Milton Keynes residents are invited to become tourists in their own city with a staycation season at Unity Place.

From rooftop jazz nights and hands-on creative workshops to family crafting, Unity Place is offering a vibrant programme of events designed to help you unwind, connect, and make the most of the summer – right in the heart of the city.

With something for music fans, food lovers, creatives, and families alike, Unity Place is a go-to destination for summer in Milton Keynes, both indoors and out.

Summer nights made better with our very special Unity Live Lounge session featuring Acoustic Soul with Manny

• When: Thursday 24th July | From 7pm
• Where: Unity Sky Lounge
• What: A soulful evening with mellow acoustic sounds, cocktails, rooftop vibes, and live table service.

Join us for a Jamaican Independence Day themed Sip & Paint

• When: Friday 8th August | 6pm – 8pm
• Where: Unity Sky Lounge
• Price: £29 per person
• What: A creative workshop celebrating Jamaican Independence Day, with step‑by‑step art guidance, a glass of bubbly on arrival, and a relaxed evening on the rooftop.

Plants, panoramic views and creativity, what’s not to love?

• When: Thursday 14th August | 7pm – 8:30pm
• Where: Unity Sky Lounge
• Price: £35 per person
• What: Get your hands dirty with a botanical twist. Guided by the experts at Tiny Terra, this workshop helps you craft your own glass garden with all materials provided and panoramic rooftop views included.

Family-Friendly Henna Workshop

• When: Wednesday 20th August | 11am – 12:30pm
• Where: Unity Place
• Price: Adults £8, Kids £6
• What: Unwind and ignite your creativity in our Henna Candle Decorating Workshop, perfect for families and craft lovers aged 5 and up. You’ll learn how to embellish plain candles with intricate, henna-inspired designs, and why not enjoy lunch in our Urban Food Market to round off the experience.

Unity Live Lounge – Jazz Night 3.0 with Jamie Glew Osborn Trio

• When: Friday 29th August | From 7pm
• Where: Unity Sky Lounge
• What: A stylish evening of modern jazz trio vibes, cocktails, live music and relaxed rooftop ambience. Open door and free entry; ideal for date nights or after-work unwind.

Summer Vibes Outside Too

Unity Place’s Urban Food Market isn’t just a hub for indoor happenings, it’s also home to spacious outdoor seating, perfect for sunny lunches or simply enjoying the atmosphere. On sunny weekdays throughout summer, an ice cream pod will be rolling out and serving up cold treats to help guests cool off in style.

To complement the warmer weather, you’ll also find a new menu of iced drinks available now at Rye’s Deli and The Bakers Room, including freshly brewed iced coffee, iced teas, and exciting new matcha and chai options.

Adam Holbrook, Head of Placemaking, said: “Summer at Unity Place is all about bringing the community together, whether that’s families enjoying free films, friends catching live matches, or creatives trying something new on the rooftop.

“With everything from live soul to jazz, paint nights to terrariums, and even Henna for the whole family, there’s something for everyone, and it’s all right here in the heart of Milton Keynes.”

To find out more about Unity Place’s upcoming events visit:
https://www.unityplace.co.uk/whats-on-milton-keynes/