Things to Do in Manchester

Creative Tourist

Last Updated 31 October 2019

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

Cinema Until 30 August 2020, from £9.99

Clemency – Streaming on Bohemia Media

Years of carrying out death row executions have taken a toll on prison warden, Bernadine Williams.

Cinema Until 31 August 2020, FREE

Isolated Canvas

In this new short fashion film, originally conceived for their final presentation as part of a BA in Filmmaking at Manchester Metropolitan University, drag queen/model/performer Banksie explores gender binaries during lockdown.

Music Until 31 December 2020,

Amazon with HOME

Created by composer Alex Ho and theatre-maker Elayce Ismail, this stunning fusion of music, text and visuals sees a trip to the Amazon take an unexpected turn.

Theatre Until 31 December 2020,

My Darling Christopher with HOME

Innovative, visual and inclusive, this short film uses unique theatrical language to shine a light on a Deaf person’s experience of war.

online events I am falling in love with you and its making me do stupid things

Festivals Until 31 December 2020,

Homemakers

HOME have invited theatre and live art makers to create new works at home, for an audience who are also at home.

Music Until 27 August 2020, FREE

RNCM Lunchtime Concerts (online)

RNCM are taking their lunchtime concerts online, with remote recitals by students, staff and alumni live-streamed on Facebook every Monday and Thursday.

Theatre Until 31 December 2020,

ABC (Anything But Covid) with HOME

Tune in to this new short film, by Ugly Bucket, which examines the lengths we’ll go to oblige the pressures of staying productive in lockdown.

Exhibitions Until 31 August 2020, FREE

Manchester Craft and Design Centre: Craft at Home

‘Craft at Home’ is a new online space where you can continue to support Manchester Craft & Design Centre’s resident makers, pick-up bespoke gifts, and get busy with bee related craft.

Theatre Until 31 December 2020, FREE

Homemakers: Tell Me with HOME

How well do you know your friends? Homemakers presents Tell Me, a game for two or more people which you can play at home. Intrigued? Read on…

Dogs Don't Wear Pants at HOME Manchester.

Cinema Until 20 March 2021, from £9.99

Dogs Don’t Wear Pants – Streaming on Curzon Home Cinema

Heart surgeon Juha has lived life at an unengaged distance since his wife’s passing. And although it is often debilitating, his grief also throws up some rather surprising sexual urges.