At the end of Oak Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter are the remains of Smithfield Market, its neo-Romanesque arches a reminder of the wholesale fish, vegetable and fruit markets that once thrived here – now they enclose a fairly mundane apartment complex (the Chinese Arts Centre is in the same block).
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
Known as “Zambia’s Beatles” during their ’70s and ’80s heyday, WITCH are bringing their infectiously joyous music to Manchester this December.
A relaxed and friendly choir for over fifties, Golden Voices Choir brings people together from all walks to life to sing, laugh and have fun.
Sing a range of songs in the Folk and World Music Choir, learn how to get the most out of your voice whilst making new friends.
Following their sold-out show at Band on the Wall in 2023, Ukrainian global folk powerhouse DakhaBrakha return in January 2024.
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
Cap off the year with a flamboyant bang as the Homoelectric crew throw another huge party at Manchester’s top tier venue, New Century.
from £25.34
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
Late night Northern Quarter bar
The Smithfield Social is a charming Northern Quarter destination owned by local lad Liam Fray of Courteeners fame, offering brunch, lunch and a wide selection of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks.
The Bay Horse Tavern is a laid-back pub based in the dead centre of the Northern Quarter, with a wide range of drinks and food options.
Tea and cakes done in fine Northern Quarter style at this popular cafe.
Essentially three bars under one roof, Cane & Grain encompasses a rib joint and tap room, hidden speakeasy, and Tiki-themed Liar’s Lounge.
A hidden-away bar in Manchester’s Northern Quarter which prides itself on cocktails, food and live sport.
Three storey bar and restaurant on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, from the team behind the Wilderness record store and bar in Withington.
A three storey Northern Quarter bar which serves a selection of beer, cocktails and food. Regular quiz nights, open mic sessions and resident DJs.
57 Thomas Street is the third outlet belonging to Manchester’s best-known microbrewery, Marble Beers. Unlike the lavish decoration of the Grade II-listed Marble Arch (which also doubles up as a brewery) or the traditional pub layout of the Marble Beer House in Chorlton, this tiny Thomas Street digs has room for just two things: beer and food.
Highly-rated bar based in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter, seconds away from Common.
V Revolution cafe specialises in Vegan “junk food” – it’s a fun concept with wickedly good results.
Disorder is a new bar and restaurant in the Northern Quarter, based where the old Walrus venue was, with Bryan Barber as executive chef.
Keep warm with festive feasts, Hollywood stars and 90s nostalgia across the North's cinemas this December.
Provocative new writing, glitzy burlesque and big budget shows, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
It might be curl-up-with-a-book season, but there's lots to get out and about for and plenty of events where you can stock up on new reads.
Spotlighting global artists who all, in one way or another, break the mould, we preview the best gigs happening this side of Christmas and beyond.
Festive frolics, monstrous theatre and magical outdoor adventures all feature in our latest picks of things to do with the family.
While rainy late autumn may not be the most energising of seasons, there is plenty of new art to see and inspire this month!
We're unapologetically entering into the Christmas spirit here at Tours and Activities with some alternative festive fun.
The best food and drink options in Manchester and the North for the upcoming winter months.
