Spring bank holiday in Manchester and the North

Creative Tourist

The Spring Bank Holiday is back in style, with a tonne of exciting events and venues to explore in Manchester and further afield. It’s looking like the weather will treat us well this year so we can all enjoy a little drink, meal or stroll in the sun. But just in case… there are plenty of indoor activities below, alongside the outdoorsy ones, making for a fabulous long weekend come rain or shine.

For more ideas, take a look at our culture guides which feature exhibitions, music, cinema, theatre, literature and family events in more detail, plus our food and drink guide for our latest tips on the best restaurants across the North.

Our top picks

Ducie Street Warehouse

Ducie Street Warehouse, Ground Floor, Warehouse, Ducie St,, Manchester, M1 2TP - Visit now

Ducie Street Warehouse has announced an extra special Brunch party this bank holiday weekend. On Saturday 28 May the warehouse will host an Ibiza Calling Disco Brunch party with Guy Williams and Mr Dorris with performances from Ghetto Fabulous.

You’ll also have two chances to try the exceptional Ducie Street roast. Pencil it in for Sunday 28 May or Monday 29 May. And Reform Radio will be back on duty behind the decks to conclude Ducie Street Warehouse’s May Weekender.

Ducie Street Warehouse

Freight Island

Freight Island, Mayfield Depot, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PY - Visit now

On the Sunday Bank Holiday, on 28 May, Freight Island will welcome the much-celebrated É Soul Cultura for an all-day-to-night festival, hosted and curated by none other than Luke Una. He will be joined by a huge crew of party people, including Artwork, Greg Wilson, DJ Paulette, Colin Curtis and many more top talents. The free event is available to book here.

Freight Island

North Taproom

North Taproom, Vita East Circle Square, Nobel Way, Manchester , M1 7FA - Visit now

Visit the brand new North Taproom this long weekend, serving drinks in all shapes and sizes, with a choice of 24 beers on tap (the current mango sour is a must try!).

Nathan Whittaker

Free family things to do in Manchester

If you’re looking to keep the whole family busy, the world’s at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.

The University of Manchester Community Festival 2023

Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford

If you don’t feel like doing anything too strenuous, there’s always the beer gardens. When the sun is shining, they’re where you want to be; here’s our guide to the best in Manchester. Remember to drink plenty of water between pints, and for goodness sake wear sun cream.

The New Oxford

Places To Eat Outside in Manchester

If the weather decides to stay sunny, you might be looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester. Here’s our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.

20 Stories eat outside in Manchester

Parks and Gardens in Manchester

If its nice weather, it’s either in the beer garden, or stomping around a park long enough to justify the time spent in the beer garden.

Blossom on trees in Manchester
Easter Holidays in Manchester and the North
Spotlight on

Things to do over the Easter Holidays

Looking for some ideas to keep little and big kids as busy as the Easter bunny? Check out our guide.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.