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

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

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

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.
Fiona Jenkins

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
Ben Williams

Seasonal Guides

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North
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.
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…
The Little Prince
Things to do over February half-term

Looking for things to do with the family over the February half-term holiday? We’ve got you covered.
Valentine’s Day

Don’t leave Valentine’s Day to the last minute. You’ll find plenty in our guide, from top restaurants to outside-the-box activities.
Chinese New Year in Manchester
Chinese New Year in Manchester

Colourful cultural adventures abound as Manchester rings in the Lunar New Year. Here’s our round-up of what’s on.
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.

Destinations

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.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
Literature Events in the North

It's like the Woolies pick'n'mix counter this month in live literature land – so much choice, we're not sure where to start digging in.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

DaDaFest’s 40th anniversary line-up, contemporary reimaginings and outlandish fringe, check out our top theatre picks for spring onwards.

We shelter here sometimes promo image. Featuring My Dog Sighs inside and abandoned building.
Cinema in the North

David Lynch, International Women's Day and Manchester Film Festival are amongst our cinematic highlights this March.

Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
Exhibitions in the North

Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.

GROVE
Music in the North

We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.

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.