Things to do in Manchester and the North

Unmissable things to do in Manchester and the North

Discover acclaimed music and stand-out exhibitions, groundbreaking theatre, family, cinema and literary events in Manchester and throughout the North.

Comedy Until 31 July 2022,

Greater Manchester Fringe 2022

Greater Manchester Fringe Festival offers a fascinating and diverse programme of performance with ticket prices that won’t break the bank.

Exhibitions Until 29 August 2022, from £6.00

The Tudors: Passion, Power and Politics at Walker Art Gallery

A treat for the eyes and curious minds, the Walker Art Gallery’s spring exhibition of Tudor portraits is sure to delight audiences.

Exhibitions Until 30 October 2022, FREE

Jaume Plensa: In small places, close to home at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The much-loved sculptor Jaume Plensa’s drawings are on display at Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s Weston Gallery and 18th century chapel, revealing his preoccupation with the human condition, and community.

Literature 28 November 2022 7:00 pm, from £15.00

Forward Prizes at Contact and online

It’s the 30th anniversary of the Forward Prizes for Poetry, the most influential awards for new poetry in the UK and Ireland, honouring fresh voices alongside internationally established names – and this year the glittering awards ceremony will take place right here in Manchester.

Activity 30 July 2022 9:30 pm, FREE

Festival for the Future at West Cheshire Museums

Learn about the positive impacts you can make on the planet and your local area whilst having fun with the Festival for the Future.

Exhibitions Until 14 August 2022, FREE

Sebastião Salgado: Amazônia at the Science and Industry Museum

Sebastião Salgado’s exhibition ‘Amazônia’ is coming to Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum, with over 200 breathtaking photographs of the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants, in areas most at risk from climate change.

Families 30 July 2022 12:00 pm, from £15.50

Peppa Pig: My First Concert at The Bridgewater Hall

Introduce your youngest piglets to orchestral music the fun way: Peppa Pig: My First Concert at The Bridgewater Hall, taking place on Saturday 30 July 2022.

Cinema 9 July 2022 6:00 pm, from £7.95

The Piccadilly Rats: Live In Moderation Q&A at HOME

Legendary Manchester buskers The Piccadilly Rats find their way onto the big screen with this brand new documentary.

Literature 13 July 2022 7:00 pm, from £2.00

Carcanet online book launch: Rookie by Caroline Bird

We’re excited for the launch of Rookie: Selected Poems by Forward Prize-winning poet Caroline Bird, when she will be reading from the new collection, out with Manchester-based Carcanet Press, and chatting about it with fellow poet Rachel Long.