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.

Yayoi Kusama, courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Victoria Miro and David Zwirner.

Festivals 29 June–16 July 2023, from £10.00

Manchester International Festival

Manchester is all set to become the world’s stage this summer, and the programme for MIF23 has got us more than a little excited.

Classical Music 29 June–9 July 2023, from £10

MIF23: Kagami by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Tin Drum

As part of MIF23, watch a ground-breaking mixed reality concert created by legendary composer and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto and Tin Drum.

Music 19–28 May 2023,

Manchester Jazz Festival 2023

Manchester Jazz Festival is back this May with 10 days of live music from some of the best northern, national and international musicians operating in the world of contemporary jazz.

Exhibitions Until 21 May 2023, FREE

Familiar Phantoms at The Whitworth

Head to The Whitworth for the premiere of a major new film by artists and long-time collaborators Larissa Sansour and Søren Lind.

Music 29 April 2023 7:30 pm, from £55.50

The Flaming Lips at The Apollo

The Flaming Lips perform their 2002 landmark album, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, in its entirety and for the very first time in England.

Music 26 March 2023 3:00 pm, from £12.50

Mansfield Park at RNCM

Join the RNCM for the first operatic adaptation of one of Jane Austen’s novels in Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park.

Theatre Until 22 July 2023,

Everyman & Playhouse Spring/ Summer Season

A busy and brilliant season – expect contemporary takes on the classics, world premiere adaptations of bestsellers and fantastical family shows. There’s plenty to enjoy in Liverpool’s theatres this spring.

Exhibitions 12–16 July 2023, from £10.00

MIF23: Find Your Eyes at Manchester Academy

Fusing photography with choreography and theatre, don’t miss this live photography show, created by the award-winning British photographer Benji Reid. Happening as part of MIF23.

Activity 3–4 June 2023, FREE

We Invented The Weekend

Expect everything from disco boats to DJs, street sports, vintage markets, live music and performance, right across MediaCity and Salford Quays this summer. A free festival for everyone.