Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
New year, new start, and what better way to welcome in 2023 than by planning and experiencing all sorts of exciting family events in Manchester and the North?
First up, it’s time to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in Chinatown, with spectacular celebration events taking place from Saturday 21 January in Piccadilly Gardens, and a Chinese market open every day until Sunday 29 January.
And here’s one for the music-lovers: Izzy Gizmo at Stoller Hall brings an energetic, live performance to Manchester on 4 February 2023. For children aged 3-7 and their families, this show is packed with music, storytelling and heaps of fun.
On 11 February, head to the charming and funny Cardboard Carnival at The Edge and experience 45 brilliant minutes of playful puppetry and creative joy with none other than plain, simple, Cardy – well – cardboard, set to the delicious backdrop of stunning musical melodies.
Next up in February – it’s time to BOOGIE! Families are invited to dress very smartly and party like Marty, in the arty and marvellous Marty and the Party taking place at HOME Manchester from 23 – 25 February 2023.
The Smartest Giant in Town returns to The Lowry from 21-26 February 2023 – a unique and touching adaptation of the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Families will be laughing throughout in this beautiful adventure with the smartest, kindest giant in town.
Open all year round is the interactive Fairy Tales wonderland at Z-Arts, in an innovative and enchanting exhibition that takes children aged 0-8 and their grownups to a magical world, full of storytelling and immersive play.
Here are our picks
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1. Izzy Gizmo at Stoller Hall
Izzy Gizmo Izzy Gizmo at Stoller Hall at The Stoller Hall, Manchester, 4 February 2023, from £5.50 - Book now
Experience an energetic, live performance at The Stoller Hall in this delightful show for 3-8-year-olds packed with music, storytelling and heaps of fun.
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2. Cardboard Carnival at The Edge
The Edge Theatre Cardboard Carnival at The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre, Chorlton, 11 February 2023, from £6.00 - Book now
Experience forty-five brilliant minutes of playful puppetry and creative joy with none other than plain, simple, cardboard set to the delicious backdrop of stunning musical melodies.
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3. Marty and the Party at HOME Manchester
HOME Marty and the Party at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 23–25 February 2023 - Book now
Dress very smartly and party like Marty, in the arty and marvellous Marty and the Party taking place at HOME Manchester!
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4. The Smartest Giant in Town at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Ellie Kurttz. -
5. Turn It Up: The Power of Music at the Science and Industry Museum
Science Museum Group © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum Turn It Up: The Power of Music at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, Until 21 May 2023, from £6.00 - Book now
A world premiere exhibition comes to the Science and Industry Museum. Suitable for children and adults alike, Turn It Up: The Power of Music is an interactive experience exploring the science of music’s mysterious hold over us, and how it drives us to create, perform, feel and share.
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6. The Lion King at the Palace Theatre
Image courtesy of Johan Persson. The Lion King at Palace Theatre, Manchester, Until 11 March 2023, from £20.00 - Book now
A wonderful reinvention of one of the most successful animated feature films of all time, Julie Taymor’s celebrated stage adaptation of The Lion King comes to Manchester.
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7. Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth
Image courtesy of The Whitworth. Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 18 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
Visit the Outdoor Art Club at the Whitworth Art Gallery, jam-packed with fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.
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8. Fairy Tales at Z-Arts
More in Families
The Singing Mermaid at Waterside CANCELLED
Keep the kids entertained this half term, with songs, puppetry and delight as our favourite singing mermaid tries to escape the cunning circus master!
February Half Term at the Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum (SIM) invites everyone to make some noise this February half-term with a fantastic programme of activities!
Power UP at the Science and Industry Museum
Families of Manchester! Do you just LOVE gaming? This summer, head to Power UP at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester for an out-of-home, extraordinary gaming experience like never before.
Pancake Weekend at the Farm
It’s hard to believe how quickly Pancake Day has creped up on us this year. But here it is, and it’s time to celebrate the best flipping invention ever.
Afrocats Takeover at The Whitworth
Keep the kids entertained this half term with a variety of Indian inspired cultural and creative movement activities, and inspiring arts and crafts workshops for children, young people and families.
The Spongebob Musical at the Manchester Opera House
Dive into a deep-sea adventure this May with Spongebob and friends at The Manchester Opera House.
Geronimo Festival at Arley Hall
Head to the Geronimo Festival 2023 to experience children’s entertainment & activities, music, food stalls, camping, and loads of fun!
The Welcome at Factory International
The Welcome is a huge nine-day celebration to mark the opening of Manchester’s phenomenal new arts space, Factory International. Everybody’s invited.
Culture Guides
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Food and Drink
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Things to do right now
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