Things to Do in Manchester

Creative Tourist

Not many cities have had as much influence on the world as Manchester; its streets are steeped in history, from the industrial to the cultural. But it’s also an ambitious, future-facing city, one that sets trends that ripple across the wider North.

A glance at Manchester’s cultural calendar reveals a city packed with world-leading arts events, taking place everywhere from gargantuan venues like Factory International right through to smaller independent gems tucked away from the city centre.

From interactive exhibitions to international festivals to future-leaning theatre, Manchester does the arts like no other city on earth. Below you’ll find some of the events set to take over the city in the coming months.

What's on in Manchester

Wake at Aviva Studios: Man dances in a mesh crop top and gold shorts with purple and white irridescent lights in front of an audience.
DanceManchester
Wake at Aviva Studios

Expect wild acrobatics, outrageous cabaret and electrifying variety when acclaimed Irish sensation THISISPOPBABY come to play at Aviva Studios.

from £10.00
GROVE
MusicManchester
Sounds From The Other City

One of the country’s foremost festivals showcasing new and emerging talent, Sounds From The Other City is back over Early May Bank Holiday.

from £30
JB Shorts at 53two
TheatreManchester
JB Shorts at 53two

A brand new edition of JB Shorts returns to showcase some of the region’s most well-established and talented performers and scriptwriters.

from £13.00
Two dancers and orchestra on stage
Until
DanceManchester
Dance:Music at the RNCM

Through a treasure trove of concerts, the RNCM’s initiative Dance:Music explores the symbiotic relationship between music and dance.

from £0.00
Wolf in Yellowstone
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
Wild at Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum explores the concept of ‘wild’ nature as a means of tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis in a new exhibition.

free entry

Where to go in Manchester

GET BAKED Opening Day
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
GET BAKED

Newly opened cakery in Stevensons Square, Northern Quarter Manchester. Get Baked brings all the Yorkshire charm and sweetness one of the city’s most popular squares.

Winsome
Manchester
Restaurant
Winsome

Winsome delivers modern British food, cooked beautifully by chef-owner Shaun Moffat and his team.

Image of the outside of Altogether Otherwise at night with people inside
Manchester
Event venue
Altogether Otherwise

Altogether Otherwise is a haven of activity where all are encouraged to make, do, dance, read and enjoy pursuing creativity with no pressure.

Renae Logo
Manchester
Restaurant
Renae

Introducing Renae: A new music-led bar and creative hub in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Chakalaka
Manchester
Restaurant
Chakalaka

The very best of South African cuisine in an intimate, friendly space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The Daisy
Manchester
Restaurant
The Daisy

The Daisy is one of Manchester’s more in-demand basement bars, offering an underground Paris-inspired night out.

Manchester
Restaurant
Sampa

Colourful Brazilian fine dining at Caroline Martin’s intimate restaurant, Sampa.

Hinterland bar and cafe
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Hinterland

Alcohol-free bar and cafe in the heart of Northern Quarter. Serving mocktails, 0% beer and all your alcohol free favourites.

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.
Manchester
Hotel
Chancellors Hotel

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.

Manchester Visitor Guides

Afternoon Tea in Manchester
Afternoon Tea in Manchester

The finest places in Manchester to sip Darjeeling, eat dainty finger sandwiches and slap extra clotted cream on a freshly baked scone.

Malmaison Manchester
Boutique Hotels Manchester

Some of the most unique places to stay in Manchester. We pick out the top upscale accommodations with a twist.

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.

Manchester Restaurant Deals

Manchester's restaurants are bending over backwards to create deals that take the sting out of eating out. Here are the best of the bunch for January.

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North
Spotlight on

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North

From bespoke bouquet workshops and poetry royalty to slap-up Sunday roasts and gin tastings, check out our guide of things to do with your mum this Mother's Day.

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