Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

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.

Find out more
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.

Find out more
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!).

Find out more
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.

Find out more
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.

Find out more
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.

Find out more
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.

Find out more
Blossom on trees in Manchester

Seasonal Guides

Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994
Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.
Contemporary Dance at The Lowry
Alcohol-free things to do in the North

So you’re off the booze and you’re wondering what there is to do in Manchester that doesn’t involve drinking…
New Year’s Eve in the North

From warehouse raves to live funk and soul, vegan street food to fancy dining, here’s our guide to New Year’s Eve in Manchester and the North.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2021
Christmas food and drink

The holidays are coming so that means it’s time to eat, drink and be merry for Christmas 2025.
Tilly and the bear
Christmas Theatre and Concerts

As the big day approaches, you can count on theatres and concert halls across the North to pull out all the festive stops.
Champagne flute swirling in front of a Christmas tree.
Christmas in the North

If you’re looking for alternative or interesting things to do over Christmas in Manchester and the North, look no further.
An illustration people shopping at The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market
Christmas Shopping in the North

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.

Destinations

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

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

Take me there

Culture Guides

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

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, take a look at our latest theatre picks.

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we head into the new year.

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.