At the end of Oak Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter are the remains of Smithfield Market, its neo-Romanesque arches a reminder of the wholesale fish, vegetable and fruit markets that once thrived here – now they enclose a fairly mundane apartment complex (the Chinese Arts Centre is in the same block).
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
‘Shadow and Void: Buddha10’ combines historic Buddhist sculptures with contemporary, multisensory artworks that offer a space for reflection
free entry
Rock-informed, techno-adjacent musical collagists Moin perform at Band on the Wall this spring.
from £16.50
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.
In support of The Weather Station’s new album, Humanhood, Tamara Lindeman and her band perform at Band on the Wall.
from £19
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
On the back of her critically acclaimed fourth album, Dreamstate, Kelly Lee Owens brings her dreampoppy electronica to New Century.
from £28
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 entry
Late night Northern Quarter bar
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.
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.
The Bay Horse Tavern is a laid-back pub based in the dead centre of the Northern Quarter, with a wide range of drinks and food options.
Essentially three bars under one roof, Cane & Grain encompasses a rib joint and tap room, hidden speakeasy, and Tiki-themed Liar’s Lounge.
Three storey bar and restaurant on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, from the team behind the Wilderness record store and bar in Withington.
Saan1 is an independent art space in Manchester’s NQ
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.
Highly-rated bar based in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter, seconds away from Common.
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.
There’s no better place in the country to find and buy examples of music-oriented illustration and photography than the Richard Goodall Gallery
This small shop has a well-curated range of stock that focuses on vintage homeware and gifts. From Japanese hemp socks to botanical paperweights and HAWS plant misters, each object is beautiful, practical and well made.
We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.
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.
Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.
Not long now, spring is on its way but wave goodbye to winter with some of the North's best food and drink.
Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.
Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.
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.
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.
