Spring bank holiday in Manchester and the North

Creative Tourist

The Spring Bank Holiday is back in style, with a tonne of exciting events and venues to explore in Manchester and further afield. It’s looking like the weather will treat us well this year so we can all enjoy a little drink, meal or stroll in the sun. But just in case… there are plenty of indoor activities below, alongside the outdoorsy ones, making for a fabulous long weekend come rain or shine.

For more ideas, take a look at our culture guides which feature exhibitions, music, cinema, theatre, literature and family events in more detail, plus our food and drink guide for our latest tips on the best restaurants across the North.

Our top picks

Ducie Street Warehouse

Ducie Street Warehouse, Ground Floor, Warehouse, Ducie St,, Manchester, M1 2TP - Visit now

Ducie Street Warehouse has announced an extra special Brunch party this bank holiday weekend. On Saturday 28 May the warehouse will host an Ibiza Calling Disco Brunch party with Guy Williams and Mr Dorris with performances from Ghetto Fabulous.

You’ll also have two chances to try the exceptional Ducie Street roast. Pencil it in for Sunday 28 May or Monday 29 May. And Reform Radio will be back on duty behind the decks to conclude Ducie Street Warehouse’s May Weekender.

Ducie Street Warehouse

Freight Island

Freight Island, Mayfield Depot, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PY - Visit now

On the Sunday Bank Holiday, on 28 May, Freight Island will welcome the much-celebrated É Soul Cultura for an all-day-to-night festival, hosted and curated by none other than Luke Una. He will be joined by a huge crew of party people, including Artwork, Greg Wilson, DJ Paulette, Colin Curtis and many more top talents. The free event is available to book here.

Freight Island

North Taproom

North Taproom, Vita East Circle Square, Nobel Way, Manchester , M1 7FA - Visit now

Visit the brand new North Taproom this long weekend, serving drinks in all shapes and sizes, with a choice of 24 beers on tap (the current mango sour is a must try!).

Nathan Whittaker

Free family things to do in Manchester

If you’re looking to keep the whole family busy, the world’s at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.

Toddler standing on grass with a paintbrush in hand turning to the right to look at the camera. He is wearing a navy blue rainsuit with a burgundy and navy blue long sleeved tiop underneath. He is standing in front of large cream coloured sheets that have been strung up on a washing line. The sheets have mud marks making on.

Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford

If you don’t feel like doing anything too strenuous, there’s always the beer gardens. When the sun is shining, they’re where you want to be; here’s our guide to the best in Manchester. Remember to drink plenty of water between pints, and for goodness sake wear sun cream.

Society Manchester

Places To Eat Outside in Manchester

If the weather decides to stay sunny, you might be looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester. Here’s our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.

20 Stories eat outside in Manchester

Parks and Gardens in Manchester

If its nice weather, it’s either in the beer garden, or stomping around a park long enough to justify the time spent in the beer garden.

Blossom on trees in Manchester
Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Tilly and the bear
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Poet Maria Sledmere.
Literature Events in the North

Bookish goings-on are perfect for picking up presents for others and treats to get yourself through the cold, dark days ahead.

Walker & Bromwich, Love Cannon, 2006, lambda print Photo:
Exhibitions inthe North

Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.