What's on near Smolensky Gallery
See through the eyes of an astronaut in this epic concert and visual experience, Space Station Earth at Aviva Studios. .
From £15.00
A hilariously funny disabled-led comedy night curated and hosted by Wheels and the Legman at Aviva Studios this April.
Free entry
Three women-led acts, a photography exhibition, and free entry: mjf closes its 2026 edition with quiet confidence.
Free entry
A major new dance work brings Sinéad O’Connor’s uncompromising voice back into the room, responding to a life lived against the grain.
From £10.00
Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Angel’s Bone brings a dark contemporary parable about exploitation, coercion and the abuse of power.
From £10.00
In a live, 24-hour performance, Ai Weiwei will place himself back inside a room that once governed every aspect of his daily life.
From £10.00
A new live staging of Bronski Beat’s The Age of Consent revisits a landmark queer pop album through contemporary voices.
From £10.00
In 1830, the world’s first fully operational, steam-powered passenger railway opened between Liverpool and Manchester. Take a closer look at this breakthrough moment.
From £20.00Where to go near Smolensky Gallery
Experience luxury moviegoing at this three-screen boutique cinema and bar located close to Spinningfields.
Old Granada Studios has announced Low Four: a new studio and music project that will stream and archive live music performance as part of a new generation of music TV programming. The inclusion of a viewing balcony also means that these recordings, along with special events and concerts, will be made open to a few […]
Friendly Coffee Shop that also hosts events in Spinningfields.
The Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel is an elegant hotel with a restaurant to match. We try out the new Northern-themed brunch menu.
High-end restaurant and cocktail bar, with stunning views of the Manchester skyline.
New Zealand-inspired food and drinks, plus a dedicated coffee roastery at this high-profile new restaurant, opening in August.
This family favourite has moved from John Dalton Street to its new home in Spinningfields, with a brand new look featuring modern decor teamed with vintage items sourced by Bill
A Rat Pack-style restaurant with of live music and upscale Italian-American dining, and strictly no phones.
Wagamama’s home in Spinningfields serves up high-quality Japanese cuisine in modern surroundings.
A converted Victorian school house nestled on the edge of Spinningfields, the Great John Street Hotel has a relaxed and decadent atmosphere.
The Lawn Club is Manchester’s answer to an alfresco oasis in the heart of the city.
Four floors of luxury dining in this impressive development from the team behind the world-famous Ivy restaurant.
Manchester District Guides
Culture Guides
It’s the early-May edition of the Food and Drink Guide and here's where to eat and drink while living out your warm-weather dreams.
We’ve got five new Manchester exhibitions this month, from thought-provoking photography to environmental art and community-led projects.
Our latest music picks spotlight a new underground Manchester scene gaining national attention, alongside jazz, contemporary classical and more.
Theatre’s getting political this spring, with a run of new plays tracing how conflict plays out in individual lives.
Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.
There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.
Step away from the usual. Tours and activities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity and offer something refreshingly different.