Never miss a show. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

Want to feature on Creative Tourist?

Upload an event

What not to miss

A film still, showing a woman's face screaming.

Until 1 Jun

ExhibitionsManchester

Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990

The Whitworth presents ‘Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990’, a landmark show about women’s rebellion and creativity.

free entry

Image courtesy of Ground Control Touring

28 Mar

Music

Mark William Lewis at The White Hotel

A hyped name among London’s underground scene, Mark William Lewis brings his skeletal and introspective indie rock to The White Hotel.

from £15.00

Tales of Other Minds (TOOM): A Quiet Room

8 Apr – 9 Apr

TheatreSalford

TOOM (Tales of Other Minds): A Quiet Room at The White Hotel

Seeking bold, thought-provoking, and alternative performance? A Quiet Room by Tales of Other Minds (TOOM) should definitely be on your radar.

from £15.00

A woman with black curly hair sings on stage in front of a red curtain

Until 16 May

CinemaManchester

David Lynch Season: American Dreams and Nightmares at HOME

HOME host a season of film in commemoration of the passing of the cult filmmaker David Lynch.

from £9.15

25 Apr

MusicManchester

Penelope Trappes at Sacred Trinity Church

Salford’s Sacred Trinity Church becomes a gothic dreamland as Penelope Trappes brings A Requiem to the fitting Chapel Street venue.

from £14

Wake at Aviva Studios: Man dances in a mesh crop top and gold shorts with purple and white irridescent lights in front of an audience.

17 Apr – 21 Apr

DanceManchester

Wake at Aviva Studios

Expect wild acrobatics, outrageous cabaret and electrifying variety when acclaimed Irish sensation THISISPOPBABY come to play at Aviva Studios.

from £10.00

A large sphere floats in a dark room with an ornate wall pattern, flanked by two arched windows and a checkered floor.

Until 13 Apr

ExhibitionsCastlefield

40 Years of the Future: WINDOWS and Degrees of Duality at Castlefield Gallery

Castlefield Gallery’s anniversary programme is coming to an end with two new captivating artist commissions in the gallery and beyond.

free entry

See all events

Spotlight on

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North

From bespoke bouquet workshops and poetry royalty to slap-up Sunday roasts and gin tastings, check out our guide of things to do with your mum this Mother's Day.

Take me there

Seasonal Guides

Mother’s Day in Manchester and the North

From bespoke bouquet workshops and poetry royalty to slap-up Sunday roasts and gin tastings, check out our guide of things to do with your mum this Mother’s Day.

Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994

Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.

Adventure Activities in the North

Explore the best adventure activities in the North of England, taking in abseiling, water skiing and everything in between.

Wild Swimming in the North of England

The definitive guide to wild swimming in the North, taking in lakes, rivers and reservoirs across the region.

Where to go

Manchester

Café or Coffee Shop

GET BAKED

Newly opened cakery in Stevensons Square, Northern Quarter Manchester. Get Baked brings all the Yorkshire charm and sweetness one of the city’s most popular squares. Get Baked is now one of the fastest growing dessert brands in the UK which is ultimately what led to the opening of this sister site in Manchester this year.

Discover Lotherton, a country estate, historic hall and Wildlife World zoo. Our Edwardian estate is truly a great place for a family day out, with plenty to keep children and grown ups entertained! The expansive grounds and gardens are lovely walking spots, with or without four-legged companions. Each season brings new surprises including wild garlic in the spring, a sea of colourful blooms in summer in the formal gardens and stunning autumnal colours later on in the year. We have two playgrounds which means there's plenty of space for running about and letting off steam, with zip wires for older children to enjoy. Our evolving zoo, Wildlife World, is a real highlight of any visit and we'd highly recommend popping by to see the Humboldt penguins splash and swim in their pool. Other colourful characters include Arthur the tapir, our resident porcupines and a flamboyance of pink flamingos. Stop in at the shop on your way to pick up your very own version of one of our Lotherton

Café or Coffee Shop

Lotherton Hall and Estate

A truly great place for a family day out, discover Lotherton, a country estate, historic hall and Wildlife World Zoo.

Manchester

Restaurant

Winsome

Winsome delivers modern British food, cooked beautifully by chef-owner Shaun Moffat and his team.

Manchester

Spa

Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly Spa

The in-house spa at the Marriott Hotel Piccadilly is a sanctuary away from the city outside on its doorstep.

Image of the outside of Altogether Otherwise at night with people inside

Manchester

Event venue

Altogether Otherwise

Altogether Otherwise is a haven of activity where all are encouraged to make, do, dance, read and enjoy pursuing creativity with no pressure.

Northern Quarter

Café or Coffee Shop

The Shoegaze Cafe

Coffee, walls of sound and smart conversation at this pop-up cafe in the Northern Quarter.

Leeds

Event venue

Chapel Allerton Library

Chapel Allerton library is a place where history meets a love of reading, where visitors can borrow books, eBooks, eAudio, and more.

Manchester

Restaurant

Renae

Introducing Renae: A new music-led bar and creative hub in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

See all places

Culture Guides

Theatre in the North

DaDaFest’s 40th anniversary line-up, contemporary reimaginings and outlandish fringe, check out our top theatre picks for spring onwards.

Take me there

Family things to do in the North

Dragon quests, coconut pyramids and topsy-turvy Wonderland adventures... curious?

Music in the North

We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Exhibitions in the North

Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.

image shows pinned butterflies and pretty paper with frames

Tours and Activities in the North

Boozy tours, art workshops and a 'hobby house' that champions all things DIY, get the creative cogs whirring with our latest batch of tours and activities.