OK, so charity shops don’t always have the best reputation for fashion – but Oxfam Originals on Oldham Street has been done with a difference. Its beckoning window displays are often comic and, once inside, you’ll find quirky shirts, perfect for tucking into cut off denims or a high-waisted skirts, characterful jackets, fabulous handbags and much more. They’re super friendly, too.
An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.
from £5.00
Every Tuesday writers of all levels meet in Chapter One to discuss ideas, encourage each other and explore creative writing.
free entry
Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.
free entry
From Hong Kong to Moss Side via Jamaica: be transported through the power of music at esea’s latest, A Phantom’s Vibe
free entry
Killer Comedy Club showcases “the UK’s best upcoming and coming comedians” for a night of roof-raising laughs, with pop-up nights all across the North West.
from £12
Beat the Frog is a legendary amateur comedy night, taking place each and every Monday. Many famous names prove it’s the real deal.
free entry
Described as one of the “UK’s best comedy festivals”, the Women in Comedy Festival MCR returns with its 10th bumper edition of top-notch comedy.
from £3.00
Try your hand at stand up comedy with an eight week intensive course with Dave Williams in the Frog and Bucket’s School of Comedy.
from £300.00
Piccadilly Records is the real deal, a record shop so good that it probably deserves some credit for the regeneration of its surrounding neighbourhood.
Vinyl Exchange is the largest seller and buyer of rare and second-hand records, CDs and DVDs in the North West.
Primely located on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter, Cass Art Manchester offers a vast selection of high-quality art materials at affordable prices.
Opened in 1991, Night & Day Cafe on Oldham Street plays host to an exhausting array of gigs throughout the year.
Shop selling clothing, accessories, and gifts.
Magma Books in Manchester is a bright, shiny publishing trove – a sleek Apple Mac with a raw beating heart
Coffee bar and shop selling gifts and homeware from local designers.
Lomography Gallery Store in Manchester has sadly closed.
Bird and Blend is Tea Blending heaven, located in the heart of the Northern Quarter with new flavours being created all the time.
COW Vintage, once on Piccadilly Place, now on Church Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a beautifully decorated vintage clothes shop.
Pie shop and restaurant in Manchester’s Northern Quarter
A ‘hot yoga’ studio in Manchester city centre.
With literature festival season starting its engines, we select our top picks, alongside some standout launches and readings.
School's back and we're heading towards autumn! Here are some of the best family friendly events and activities to keep the kids busy.
From post punk legends to the leading lights of modern shoegaze, read about the most exciting artists playing in Manchester and the North this autumn.
We’re crowning October the month of painting prizes! From Birkenhead to Huddersfield, biennials are showcasing the best of contemporary painting.
The best new venues and revamped food and drink menus in Manchester and the North as we head into autumn.
A true crime rock musical, contemporary dance and punchy new writing feature in this month’s eclectic pick of live theatre.
Get inspired to make the most of autumn with day trips, pumpkin carving and ghosts in this month's Tours and Activities guide.
Halloween's on the horizon, but there are some big film festivals to dive into first.
