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.

Our top picks

Theatre 14 September–14 October 2017, from £10.00

Our Town at the Royal Exchange

Thornton Wilder’s play about everyday life is far from ordinary, and captures something eternal and cosmic.

Music 4 October–11 December 2017, FREE

RNCM Autumn Season

Featuring a legendary chanteuse, an exploration of science in music, a bombastic orchestra recital and a classic film with musical accompaniment, the RNCM’s Autumn Season is action-packed and offers something for everyone. Read on for our top picks.

Festivals 25–29 October 2017, from £10.00

Gothic Manchester Festival 2017

Gothic Manchester Festival is back in style this October. Goths, steampunks and assorted ‘weirdo mosher freaks’ can let their hair down with a series of film screenings, literary events and the annual conference.

Theatre 22 September–7 October 2017, from £10

People, Places and Things at HOME

Emma is an actor trying to overcome addiction, but what else can help her cope with life’s problems?

Sports 20–23 September 2017, from £10:00 - 15.00

We’re Not Really Here – A Football Opera at Contact

The excitement of a goalmouth scramble and the pressure of a penalty shootout are put under the spotlight in this new theatre show about football fandom.

Music 24 September 2017, from £12.00

BBC Philharmonic: Mahler – Symphony No. 3 at The Bridgewater Hall

Juanjo Mena will be joined by a vast ensemble of musicians and singers for Mahler’s Symphony No.3, as he begins his final season as the BBC Philharmonic’s Chief Conductor.

Exhibitions 21–24 September 2017, from £9.75

Abandon Normal Devices 2017, Castleton

Experience art in caves, valleys flooded with light, and the ancient mythologies of the underground world this September at Abandon Normal Devices 2017.

Exhibitions 14 September–12 November 2017, FREE

Katab: Quilting Stories from India at Manchester Craft & Design Centre

An exhibition that looks likely to challenge perceptions of ‘traditional craft’ in the world of today, while deepening our understanding of an old form of Indian quilting and the women behind it.

Festivals 8–24 September 2017, FREE

New Mills Festival 2017

Featuring music, poetry, film, talks, walks, exhibitions and more, New Mills Festival provides something for everyone in the heart of the Peak District. Highlights this year include concerts by Dutch Uncles and Holy Moly & The Crackers, which book-end this 16-day-long celebration.

Dance 28–30 September 2017, from £12.50

Rambert – Ghost Dances Plus Other Works at The Lowry

Spirits of the dead take over the stage in an electrifying dance piece at the centre of this unmissable triple bill at The Lowry.

Music 25 September 2017, from £45.00

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds at Manchester Arena

One of the most critically acclaimed acts in the world, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds stop off at Manchester Arena as part of their eight-week-long European tour – promoting their 16th studio album, Skeleton Tree.

Exhibitions 14–24 September 2017, FREE

Hidden Altrincham Festival 2017

This year’s edition of Hidden Altrincham makes clear that the leafy Greater Manchester town is far from just a food lover’s paradise. It’s throbbing with creativity too.

Exhibitions 10 June–24 September 2017, FREE

Lowry at Home: Salford 1966 – Unseen photographs by Clive Arrowsmith at The Lowry

What can we tell of a man from his kitchen sink or old-fashioned cooker? A great deal it would seem judging by a new exhibition of rare, previously unseen photographs at The Lowry…

Theatre 25–30 September 2017, from £10.00

Gypsy Queen at Hope Mill Theatre

Gypsy Queen follows the story of two boxers who, rather than beating each other’s brains out, fall in love.

Theatre 6–23 September 2017, from £13.00

Rita, Sue and Bob Too at Octagon Theatre

Rita, Sue and Bob Too is a modern classic that has as much to say today as it did thirty years ago.

Culture Guides

Cinema

From big brash musicals to terrifying horror and silent movie masterpieces – there’s something for everyone in our latest Cinema Guide.

Exhibitions

This month’s top picks all share a notably political emphasis – using art to highlight the many vast divisions that have underpinned society over the last 100 years.

Families

Tip top experiences for families that stretch our perceptions and minds right now – experimental new technology to radical re-imaginings, awe-inspiring outdoor arts and the last two glorious festivals this summer.

Literature

There’s plenty to see and do this autumn in live literature land – not least because Manchester Literature Festival is back in town, and tickets are selling like hot cakes so you need to get in there quick-sharp!

Music

As the festival season draws to a close, live music returns to the city’s concert halls and venues. Why not check out Manchester Folk Festival – new in 2017 – plus major events like Transformer and Manchester Psych Fest.