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 the North.

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Festivals 27 November–3 December 2020, FREE

DaDaFest International 2020: Translations – online

With a vibrant showcase featuring 14 brand-new works by D/deaf and disabled artists, DaDaFest International 2020 goes online for its first-ever digital festival.

Exhibitions 25 November 2020–18 April 2021, FREE

Grayson’s Art Club at Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester

Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry presents a major exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery featuring work made by the nation during the initial weeks of lockdown.

Families Until 1 November 2020, FREE

Story Seekers at IWM North

Intrepid adventurers wanted: Get hands-on with real artefacts, discover brave real-life stories and ignite big imaginations.

Families 7 November 2020–17 January 2021, from £23.00

A Christmas Carol at Storyhouse

You will go to a Christmas show this year…packed with song, laughter and festive joy, head to Chester for a cracking adaptation of Dickens’ timeless tale.

Classical Music 12 November 2020 7:00 pm, from £5

Psappha: New Traditions (3×3) at Hallé St Peter’s

‘New Traditions’ will see Psappha showcase contemporary music for stripped-back ensembles, including works by Luciano Berio and Helmut Lachenmann.

Exhibitions Until 3 January 2021,

Art Comes HOME at HOME, Manchester

HOME reopens its main gallery with three simultaneous exhibitions of new work by Nick Burton, Joy Yamusangie and duo Mike S Redmond & Faye Coral Johnson.

Literature 4 November 2020 7:30 pm, from £4

The New Abject at Northern Short Story Festival online

Join Comma Press at the launch of The New Abject, an anthology just in time for Halloween, featuring contributing authors Ramsey Campbell, Matthew Holness and Lucie McKnight Hardy.

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Music Until 1 November 2020, FREE

Fat Out Fest 2020 (online)

On Halloween weekend, Fat Out Fest 2020 will celebrate alternative and queer culture with experimental performances, films and panel talks.

Music 12 November 2020 7:00 pm, from £10

Believe in Magic: 30 Years of Heavenly Recordings at YES

Join Heavenly Recordings for their book launch, featuring Jeff Barrett, Robin Turner and Stuart Maconie, plus a live set from Katy J Pearson.

Exhibitions Until 1 November 2020, FREE

Jonathan Baldock: Facecrime at Bluecoat in Liverpool

Inspired by ancient forms of written communication, encounter Jonathan Baldock’s towering ceramic sculptures that stand whispering among themselves in Bluecoat’s main gallery.

Activity 12–21 February 2021, Tickets TBC

Manchester Science Festival

Expect another action-packed programme of inspiring, entertaining and playful experiences for all ages as Manchester Science Festival returns.

Cinema Until 30 November 2020, FREE

Sheffield Doc/Fest

Having taken place in Sheffield annually in June, this year Sheffield Doc/Fest extends its activities throughout the rest of the year – both in Sheffield and virtually.

Theatre Until 31 December 2020,

ACTUALQUEST with HOME

The Homemakers series of virtual theatre continues with this interactive, fantasy musical set in and around your own home.

Cinema 15–30 November 2020, from £5

Manchester Animation Festival

Manchester Animation Festival moves online with an eclectic programme catering to animation professionals, enthusiasts and fans alike.

Exhibitions Until 3 January 2021, FREE

2020 Banner Display at People’s History Museum

Visit People’s History Museum’s 2020 display of political banners from across the years – including several that will go on public show for the first time.

Culture Guides

Cinema in Manchester and the North

Both in-person and online, there are film festivals galore in this month’s Cinema Guide.

Exhibitions

With galleries finally back open, there’s an abundance of stellar offline exhibitions to satisfy those keen to get back to seeing art in the flesh.

Families

Need some inspiration for online activities and creative family fun? Look no further than our top picks online for families across Manchester and the North.

From book launches to festival readings and open mics to creative writing workshops, activities and events in Live Literature Land continue virtually as mochas and pints have to accompany substantial meals, not just a garibaldi or a bag of Monster Munch.

Music

Discover the best upcoming music events taking place on a stage or a screen near you.

Theatre

Whether you’re looking to get wrapped up and catch an outdoor show or stay home and watch some digital performance – our guide to theatre in Manchester has got you covered.