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

Theatre 24 October–16 November 2019, from £7.00

Light Falls at the Royal Exchange

Artistic Director Sarah Frankcom will say goodbye to the Royal Exchange with this extraordinary new play by Simon Stephens, featuring original music by Jarvis Cocker.

Music 24 October 2019, 6:30 pm–9:00 pm, from £5.50

BBC Philharmonic: Mumford/Mendelssohn/Mahler at The Bridgewater Hall

From Jeffrey Mumford’s poeticism to Gustav Mahler’s majesty, we’re looking forward to a wonderfully varied concert from the BBC Philharmonic at The Bridgewater Hall.

Cinema 1–29 October 2019, from £5

Loading Docs at the Old Bank Residency

This October, Now Showing Club goers will be rewarded with a double whammy of documentaries as the Old Bank Residency welcomes an international collaboration with New Zealand’s Loading Docs.

Cinema 20 October–18 November 2019, from £9

The Original Ass Kickers: Hong Kong Cinema’s Female Action Heroes from Shaw Brothers and Beyond at HOME

As part of HOME’s 2019 celebration of women in global cinema they offer a selection of films that together are our salute to Hong Kong cinema’s female fighting stars, the original cinematic ass kickers.

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Dance 12–27 October 2019, FREE

EDIT.05: Igor + Moreno – Limited Celestial Space at The Lowry

Contemporary dance company Igor + Moreno bring their first ever gallery installation, a brand-new show and three of their celebrated works to Salford.

Theatre 24–26 October 2019, from £12.00

Black Men Walking at Oldham Coliseum

On a second UK tour following its huge sell-out success last year – don’t miss out on this celebrated performance inspired by a Black men’s walking group based in Sheffield.

Music 23 November 2019, 10:00 am–11:00 pm, from £8.50

Delia Derbyshire Day: An Electric Storm at Spirit Studios

Featuring commissioned works by innovative new artists, Electric Storm 50 celebrates the life and work of pioneering electronic composer, Delia Derbyshire.

Cinema 29 October–3 November 2019, from £9.00

FilmFear at HOME

FilmFear is back as HOME team up with Film4 for another season of new and classic scary movies, premieres and director Q&As.

Families 26–27 October 2019, FREE

Halloween in the City 2019

Looking for something a bit more exciting than pumpkin carving this Halloween? Halloween in the City brings a packed weekend of terrifyingly good family events to Manchester city centre.