Things to Do in Manchester

Creative Tourist

Not many cities have had as much influence on the world as Manchester; its streets are steeped in history, from the industrial to the cultural. But it’s also an ambitious, future-facing city, one that sets trends that ripple across the wider North.

A glance at Manchester’s cultural calendar reveals a city packed with world-leading arts events, taking place everywhere from gargantuan venues like Factory International right through to smaller independent gems tucked away from the city centre.

From interactive exhibitions to international festivals to future-leaning theatre, Manchester does the arts like no other city on earth. Below you’ll find some of the events set to take over the city in the coming months.

What's on in Manchester

MusicSalford
Swinton Sounds

Swinton Sounds is a new, family-friendly weekender that brings free music and entertainment to venues across Swinton in Salford.

free entry
La Clique at Depot Mayfield
Until
TheatreManchester
La Clique at Depot Mayfield

Underbelly’s sensational and internationally acclaimed circus show will pitch its spectacular Spiegeltent on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield.

from £19.50
Until
MusicManchester
RNCM Summer Season 2023

Read our highlights from the RNCM Summer Season, from 50th anniversary celebrations to partnership events with MIF23 and Opera North.

MusicManchester
Darkside at New Century

Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington AKA Darkside bring their dreamy mélange of psychedelia, art rock and electronica to New Century.

from £31.42
Gerry Potter (credit Lee Baxter)
LiteratureManchester
Word Central at Central Library

Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press present Word Central, a free event every month featuring open mic performers and a special guest.

free entry

Where to go in Manchester

Manchester
Restaurant
Public

New to Stevenson’s Square, Public is the Northern Quarter’s new local, from the team behind Evelyn’s.

Salford
Gallery
GK Gallery

This Chapel Street gallery and tea room hosts 8-12 week long exhibitions giving emerging artists a chance to showcase their work.

Manchester
Shop
Bags of Flavour

Bags of Flavour is the Northern Quarter’s answer to high end vintage with high quality exclusive garments and accessories.

Altrincham
Shop
IDAHO

Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.

Manchester
Music venue
Progress Centre

Having served two summers of temporary parties, Progress Centre has been reinvented into a new permanent outdoor club in central Manchester, which is hosting a string of massive parties this…

Cheetham Hill
Restaurant
Osaka Local

Wonderful Japanese street food vendor, often found at Grub and other street food events in and around Manchester and the North.

Didsbury
Restaurant
The Wishing Well

A new gastro pub in Didsbury Village, specialising in hearty meals and high-quality drinks. 

Manchester Visitor Guides

Blossom on trees in Manchester
Parks and Gardens in Manchester

There are more green spaces in Manchester than you might think. We've picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.

Zero Waste Shops

Explore the zero waste shops in Greater Manchester and make small, personal steps towards tackling environmental issues like plastic pollution.

20 Stories eat outside in Manchester
Places To Eat Outside in Manchester

Looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester in these hot summer months? Here's our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.

Restaurants in Manchester

The very best restaurants in Manchester's city centre, including ones you know, and future favourites.

UNITOM bookshop
Bookshops in Manchester

Books, what they lack in memes and GIFs, they more than make up for in being well written and worth reading. Our guide to the best places to pick them up in Manchester.

Britons Protection entrance.
Pubs in Manchester

From a beautifully tiled old haunt with a mysteriously sloping floor, to the ultimate beer specialists – here’s our guide to the best boozers in Manchester.

Things to Do in Liverpool
Spotlight on

Things to Do in Liverpool

Our guide to the thriving city of Liverpool, where new creative futures are written against the backdrop of a unique history.

Take me there