January doesn’t have to mean hiding at home with fizzy water and The Traitors.
Manchester’s packed with things to do without a pint in your hand – thoughtful, social, creative, immersive things that hold up perfectly well on their own.
From exhibitions and performances to workshops, courses and ideas-led evenings, this is our guide to alcohol-free things to do in Manchester this January.
Manchester’s musical legacy comes to life in this walking tour around the city, which will take you from the 1960s to the present day.
Don’t want to miss out on the social side of bars? Try this cosy, alcohol-free hideaway in the Northern Quarter. Think zero-proof drinks, vegan comfort food and a welcoming buzz.
A calm, open-door refuge in the Northern Quarter – meditation, movement and mindful practice for anyone seeking a pause from the city.
Want something more hands-on? The Portico Library offers a chance to try something new and creative – from bookbinding to artist-led workshops and talks.
Low-pressure, optionally alcohol-free fun – Dungeons and Flagons bring friendly board game nights to venues across Manchester.
For booze-free hangs, Manchester’s cafés step up. We’ve been out scouting the city’s best new openings, while also heading back to a few trusted stalwarts that never let us down
Eat well for less this January – Manchester’s best restaurant deals, all tried, tested and genuinely worth your time.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Take me there
We’ve got five new Manchester exhibitions this month, from thought-provoking photography to environmental art and community-led projects.
Our latest music picks spotlight a new underground Manchester scene gaining national attention, alongside jazz, contemporary classical and more.
Theatre’s getting political this spring, with a run of new plays tracing how conflict plays out in individual lives.
Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.
Spring is here, so sign yourself up for some much-missed al fresco dining at these highly recommended (and mostly new) Manchester restaurants.
There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.
Step away from the usual. Tours and activities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity and offer something refreshingly different.
