Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
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.
We are so grateful for the support we’ve received from National Lottery players, The National Lottery, DCMS and Arts Council England to create our new Destination Guides. #HereForCulture
Contact Reopening Season
Following the extensive transformation of their iconic Oxford Road venue, Contact has announced a vibrant and progressive reopening programme. Read our preview of the upcoming season.
European Poetry Festival European Camarade at International Anthony Burgess Foundation
The unique annual European Camarade is back, bringing together some of the finest modern poets of the thriving Manchester scene with writers from across Europe to create brand-new work especially for the night.
Lucie McKnight Hardy, Vanessa Onwuemezi and Sarah Schofield at Blackwell’s
Join Lucie McKnight Hardy, Vanessa Onwuemezi and Sarah Schofield at Blackwell’s on University Green as they each launch new short story collections with a touch of the uncanny.
Northern Lights Writers’ Conference 2021 at Waterside and online
Northern Lights Writers’ Conference is perfect for picking up tips and useful contacts in the publishing world – and you can choose to attend the eighth NLWC virtually or in real life, at CIT’s Waterside base.
Cassils: Human Measure at HOME
Curated by Bren O’Callaghan, renowned transgender visual artist Cassils brings their first UK solo exhibition and contemporary dance piece to HOME.
The Edge Reopening Season
Live theatre returns to The Edge this September and the opening season promises to be one to remember when its doors open for the first time in 18 months, and to a completely refurbished building.
Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2021 at Victoria Baths in Manchester
Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is back, showcasing over 150 designer-makers in its new home – Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths.
Not Just Bollywood at HOME
Now entering its fifth year, HOME’s Not Just Bollywood returns with a celebration of the late Irrfan Khan and a particular focus on Bengali film.
PUSH Festival 2021 at HOME
Thrilling and challenging, HOME’s annual festival is a glimmering reminder that new performance continues to be developed, despite ‘you-know-what’.
Dracula: The Untold Story at Leeds Playhouse
Using their cinematic storytelling techniques and cutting-edge technology, imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse deliver a gothic horror for our time, politically loaded and relevant.
Peaceophobia at Q-Park First Street Car Park
Part car rally and part theatre show aiming to challenge the political, social and cultural narratives associated with young Muslim men.
Love N Stuff at Oldham Coliseum
The team at Oldham Coliseum head back into the rehearsal room for the first time since the pandemic. Written by Tanika Gupta, this is a heartwarming laugh-out-loud funny show about love and marriage.
Trouble At’ Mill: Queen’s Mill Word Fest in Castleford
Trouble At’ Mill: Queen’s Mill Word Fest is a new literary festival taking place in Castleford, on the banks of the River Aire, featuring performers Toria Garbutt and Matt Abbott.
That Sketch Show at The Edge
A topical, musical sketch show that takes a vigorous, irreverant swipe at some of the latest news headlines.
Double-Ender at various venues
In two fast-paced laugh-out-loud monologues, writer-performers Joshua Val Martin and Jez Dolan share candid stories of Queer people in a rapidly changing city.
Culture Guides
Cinema in Manchester and the North
Black History Month, spooky screenings and the return of film festivals all feature in this month’s cinema guide.
Exhibitions
Rewilding, the importance of play, and subverting the male gaze – this month’s exhibition highlights propel us into the gallery-going season.
Literature
Events for readers meet events for writers, with plenty of book launches, open mics, literature festivals, writing conferences and poetry showcases to pop into your diary for the remainder of September pushing into October, both online and in person.
Classical Music in Manchester and the North
We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
A guide to Food and Drink in Manchester and the North, including plenty of new bars and restaurants and exciting new menus from old favourites.
Tours and Activities
Summer is here and we’re so excited to be out in the world touring, making, playing and doing all the things Manchester and the North has to offer.
Destination Guides
Welcome Back Manchester. It's Time To Restart.
Things to do right now
Powered by
