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

Crowd listening to music at Islington Mill as part of Fat Out Fest
MusicChapel Street
Fat Out Fest 2024

Fat Out Fest, a Salford festival championing the experimental and the underground in music and visual art, returns with three-days of music, exhibitions and workshops.

from £ 0
'I bet you haven't even had the surgery'
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
AIR Open 2024 at Rogue Studios

Air Open is back for its seventh year, with a fantastic array of innovative artworks in any medium you can imagine, on display at Rogue Artist Studios.

free entry
MusicManchester
Porches at Band on the Wall

Porches, the synth-pop project of New York–based musician Aaron Maine, plays at Band on the Wall following the release of his sixth album, Shirt.

The Warehouse Project
MusicManchester
Repercussion at Depot Mayfield

Marking the official start of The Warehouse Project’s 2024 season, Repercussion is back with a huge day-to-night party celebrating dance music in all its forms.

from £54.00
I Am Not Your Negro
CinemaManchester
James Baldwin and Britain at HOME

In this series of screenings, presented in partnership with the University of Manchester’s ‘James Baldwin and Britain’ project, HOME examines his ongoing influence on British culture.

from £7.95

Where to go in Manchester

Manchester Factory international Festival - People enjoying Festival Square in the city centre
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Factory Square

Factory Square is a huge beer garden, on the banks of the River Irwell, with top-quality drinks and street food selections.

Manchester
Restaurant
Fenix

Modern Greek Mediterranean cuisine from the team behind Tattu.

Universally Manchester Festival 6-9 June 2024
Manchester
The University of Manchester

Celebrating its 200th year in 2024, The University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK, and boasts come incredible cultural institutions, found on campus, across Manchester and…

Alborz
Levenshulme
Restaurant
Alborz

Much-loved Persian restaurant on Stockport in Levenshulme, reopened after a lengthy lockdown-related hiatus.

Manchester
Restaurant
Jaan

New food concept from the team behind Another Hand, based at Exhibition and serving up exceptional Persian cuisine.

Manchester Visitor Guides

Bars in Manchester

The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.

Tasting Menus in The North

Looking for the finest luxury multi-course restaurants in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best tasting menus in the city - just make sure you have deep pockets.

Photo of the Halle orchestra at Bridgewater
Music Venues in Manchester

Manchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.

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.

Federal Cafe Bar
Breakfast in Manchester

Manchester is strong with the breakfast force, and has some impressive form where brunch is concerned. Here’s our pick of the city’s morning glories.

Blossom on trees in Manchester
Parks and Gardens in Manchester

There are more green spaces in Manchester than you might think. We've picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.

Society Manchester
Spotlight on

Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford

Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.

Take me there