Saan1
Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor
Saan1 is an independent art and community space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, showcasing work by artists from Manchester’s Hong Kong community.
What's on near Saan1
Until
The Comedy Vault
Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.
free entry
Until
Shadow and Void: Buddha10 at esea contemporary
‘Shadow and Void: Buddha10’ combines historic Buddhist sculptures with contemporary, multisensory artworks that offer a space for reflection
free entry
Until
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club
An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.
from £5.00
Until
Folk and World Choir at Band on the Wall
Band on the Wall bring people together to make, as well as watch, music. Join them to learn folk tunes from all over the world.
The Weather Station at Band on the Wall
In support of The Weather Station’s new album, Humanhood, Tamara Lindeman and her band perform at Band on the Wall.
from £19
Moin at Band on the Wall
Rock-informed, techno-adjacent musical collagists Moin perform at Band on the Wall this spring.
from £16.50
Kelly Lee Owens at New Century
On the back of her critically acclaimed fourth album, Dreamstate, Kelly Lee Owens brings her dreampoppy electronica to New Century.
from £28
Until
Beat The Frog at The Frog and Bucket
Beat the Frog is a legendary amateur comedy night, taking place each and every Monday. Many famous names prove it’s the real deal.
free entryWhere to go near Saan1
Manchester
Frog Flowers
The northern quarter’s Frog Flowers is part florists, part artist’s studio – and is one Manchester shop that ticks all the boutique boxes.
Manchester
Bonbon Chocolate Boutique
A pop-up chocolate shop we hope will never pop off.
Manchester
Abel Heywood
Named after Manchester’s one time publisher, radical and mayor Abel Heywood, this Hynes-owned pub and hotel is somewhat more conventionally polished than its namesake.
Manchester
Smithfield Market
The neo-Romanesque arches of this former wholesale food market still stand as a reminder to the Northern Quarter’s mercantile past.
Manchester
Renae
Opening in stages, renae begins its journey with the launch of its ground-floor neighbourhood music-led bar on Friday 28th March 2025. This laid-back yet stylish space will blend a cosy daytime shop with an intimate bar that flows from day into night, serving craft beers, natural wines, and cocktails at accessible prices.
Manchester
57 Thomas Street
57 Thomas Street is the third outlet belonging to Manchester’s best-known microbrewery, Marble Beers. Unlike the lavish decoration of the Grade II-listed Marble Arch (which also doubles up as a brewery) or the traditional pub layout of the Marble Beer House in Chorlton, this tiny Thomas Street digs has room for just two things: beer and food.
Manchester
Fierce Bar
Highly-rated bar based in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter, seconds away from Common.
Manchester
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social is a charming Northern Quarter destination owned by local lad Liam Fray of Courteeners fame, offering brunch, lunch and a wide selection of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks.
Manchester
Cane & Grain
Essentially three bars under one roof, Cane & Grain encompasses a rib joint and tap room, hidden speakeasy, and Tiki-themed Liar’s Lounge.
Manchester
Terrace NQ
Late night Northern Quarter bar
Manchester
Rivet and Hide Manchester
Manchester’s newest destination for denimheads, Rivet and Hide stocks a collection of quality, Americana-inspired men’s casual wear and raw selvedge denim – including prized Japanese brands like Momotaro, The Flat Head, and Pure Blue Japan.
Manchester
Richard Goodall Gallery
There’s no better place in the country to find and buy examples of music-oriented illustration and photography than the Richard Goodall Gallery
Manchester District Guides
Culture Guides
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.
Cinema in the North
Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.
Food and Drink in the North
Not long now, spring is on its way but wave goodbye to winter with some of the North's best food and drink.
Theatre in the North
Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.
Exhibitions in the North
Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.
Family things to do in the North
As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.
Literature Events in the North
Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.