What's on near Smolensky Gallery
One of Manchester’s essential indie bookshops launches its new gallery with an emerging painter working in the shadow of the Beat Generation.
Free entry
Just announced – Rambert brings Russell T Davies’ acclaimed drama It’s a Sin to the stage, premiering at Aviva Studios before a major UK tour.
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
This world-premiere exhibition offers a hands-on journey through the Solar System, making complex science tangible, playful and participatory.
From £10.00
From Mario to Sonic and Pong to Fortnite, play your way through five decades of the best video games. Fun and educational. Win-win.
From £18.00
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 £20.00
In the centenary year of the 1926 General Strike, People’s History Museum traces a century of industrial action and collective resistance.
Free entry
RNCM students perform new music inspired by Manchester’s protest history, after hours at the national museum of democracy.
From £13.00Where to go near Smolensky Gallery
Experience luxury moviegoing at this three-screen boutique cinema and bar located close to Spinningfields.
The exhibition arm of Manchester indie bookshop UNITOM is a dedicated space for contemporary visual culture in the St John’s neighbourhood.
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.
A Rat Pack-style restaurant with of live music and upscale Italian-American dining, and strictly no phones.
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
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.
Manchester District Guides
Culture Guides
It's heatwave time, so set your small talk phasers to 'weather' and get out there and grab some cold drinks and delicious food.
Community, memory, technology and love collide in this month's selection of thought-provoking theatre.
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.
Five exhibitions worth your time this month - and between them, a lot of ground covered.
Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.
From drone metal to art pop, free festivals to gigs in museums, here's one of our more eclectic music updates.
Step away from the usual. Tours and activities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity and offer something refreshingly different.