Things to Do in Manchester

Creative Tourist

Last Updated 4 April 2018

Spend a day in the city and it rapidly becomes apparent just how much it has reinvented its industrial past into a new, trendsetting present – and an ambitious future. There’s plenty of things to do in Manchester too, from award-winning theatre and exhibitions to an exciting food and drink offer and thriving literature and music scenes.

Discover our top picks

Festivals 18–20 July 2019, from £16.5

Distractions

More than 80 international artists, musicians, policy makers, politicians and tech pioneers discuss the future of entertainment as part of Distractions. Andy Burnham talks to us about the future of entertainment in Greater Manchester.

Exhibitions 29 June–29 September 2019, FREE

Expect the Unexpected: A Chance Exhibition at the Lowry

A new exhibition at the Lowry is a reminder to re-connect with the beauty and joy chance poses. To celebrate the unexpected, as well as to expect it.

Exhibitions 17 May 2019–26 January 2020, FREE

Yemen: Inside a Crisis at Imperial War Museum North

Curated with support from award-winning journalist Iona Craig, Yemen: Inside a Crisis at Imperial War Museum North offers a powerful look at one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Cinema 18 July–13 August 2019, from £9.50

Sound and Vision: Pop Stars on Film at HOME

From the relatively early days of cinema, figures from the world of popular music have been cast in acting roles. HOME’s new season is a greatest hits selection.

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Festivals 18–27 July 2019,

REFRACT:19 at Waterside Arts

Back with an even bigger bang – Trafford’s flagship arts festival returns to Waterside for ten-days of experiential performance and cultural delight.

MIF19 Studio ORKA Tuesday Manchester International Festival 2019

Families 10–21 July 2019, FREE

MIF19: Tuesday at Saint Augustine’s Church

A family-friendly odyssey on the uniqueness of human experience by Belgium theatre royalty Studio ORKA

Ibrahim Mahama Photo © White Cube George Darrell. Courtesy of Manchester International Festival

Exhibitions 5–21 July 2019, FREE

MIF19: Ibrahim Mahama at the Whitworth

Considered one of the most ‘internationally visible’ artists working out of Africa today, for MIF 2019 Ibrahim Mahama presents an assemblage of lost objects that reflect upon the history of his home country’s long struggle for independence.

Exhibitions 7 June–18 August 2019,

Peterloo 2019

Manchester Histories prepares to launch a major programme of over 150 events to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre. All of the essential Peterloo events in one place.

Unearthing passion and protest at Manchester Central Library

Activity 6 July–29 September 2019, FREE

Unearthing Passion and Protest Exhibition at Manchester Central Library

Join Grace Surman and Gary Winters alongside their two young children Hope and Merrick at Central Library as they explore the themes of their newly commissioned films based at Dunham Massey and Quarry Bank.