Things To Do
Things to do in Manchester
Looking for things to do in Manchester this week? We've got you covered
While it may not be the nation’s capital, Manchester is one of the most exciting cities in the UK. It’s also one of the most historic – having birthed everything from the Industrial Revolution to the Haçienda music scene – and it boasts world-class restaurants, bars, coffee shops and music venues. If you need help finding things to do in Manchester — with mates, with a date, with kids or going solo — this handy, regularly updated guide will come in handy, serving you the best gigs, exhibitions, club nights, food spots and hidden gems across Greater Manchester, for every kind of day or night out you could hope for.
Music and Nightlife
See an intimate show from rap legend Talib Kweli
- Where: Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HN
- When: Monday 23 February
As one half of the duo Black Star with Mos Def, as a solo MC in his own right, or as a collaborator with the likes of Kanye West and Madlib, Talib Kweli is undeniably a hip-hop legend, known for his powerful lyricism and political consciousness. He’ll be swapping Brooklyn for Spinningfields as he takes the stage at the Blues Kitchen on Monday.
Get tickets to Talib Kweli at Blues Kitchen
Be bewitched by Icelandic breakout star Laufey
- Where: Co-Op Live, Etihad Campus, 1 Sportcity Way, Manchester, M11 3DL
- When: Wednesday 4 March
Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, better known just as Laufey, is the biggest Icelandic star since Bjork. Beginning as a classic cellist and going on to appear on The Voice Iceland, she pivoted to a jazz-pop sound which has earned her two Grammy wins and multiple sold-out tours. Following up her critically-acclaimed breakout album ‘Bewitched’, she released her third album ‘A Matter of Time’ last year, and she’ll be taking it to the Co-Op Arena next Wednesday night.
Get tickets to Lauren at Co-Op Live
Get your ska on with Less Than Jake
- Where: Manchester Academy, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PR
- When: Thursday 5 March
Less Than Jake from Gainesville, Florida are one of the key bands of the ‘90s ska-punk movement, with iconic albums like ‘Hello Rockview’ and ‘Anthem’ being beloved by ska and pop-punk fans alike. While they’ve been going since 1992, they still put on a great live show full of punk energy. If you’re looking to relive the ‘90s and practice your skanking, or if you just want to see what ska-punk is all about, Less Than Jake promises a good time.
Get tickets to Less Than Jake at Manchester Academy
Catch viral TikTok songwriter Naethan Apollo on his first UK headline tour
- Where: Manchester Academy 3, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PR
- When: Friday 6 March
With a hip-hop-inflected spoken-word style and explorations of topics from self-love to anti-fascist politics, Naethan Apollo is a TikTok troubadour who has managed to amass a devoted following. He’s now coming to the UK for his first headline tour on these shores — make sure you learn the words, because there’s sure to be an intense shout-along.
Get tickets to Naethan Apollo at Manchester Academy
Lose your mind to boundary-pushing bass DJ LYNY
- Where: Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth St, Manchester, M1 5WW
- When: Saturday 7 March
LYNY is the moniker of Alec Leinhauser, a 24-year-old producer and DJ from Chicago. His bass music takes influence from hip-hop, trap and R&B, while pushing the sound into new, intense territories. For those who like to move, Gorilla will be the place to be next Saturday night.
Get tickets to DJ LYNY at Gorilla
Sing your heart out at Bunny’s Karaoke
- Where?: Bunny’s Karaoke, 100-102 High St, Manchester, M4 1HP
- When: Opening times here
Bunny’s Karaoke is Manchester’s best karaoke bar. Open every night until 3am and with free karaoke all night, it’s the perfect place for a raucous weekend night out or a cheeky post-work singalong. Get your picks ready!
Comedy and Theatre
Enjoy some Scottish hilarity from Stuart Mitchell
- Where: Stoller Hall, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1DA
- When: Wednesday 25 February
Hailing from Linlithgow, Stuart Mitchell gave up a cushy job in finance to pursue his comedy dreams. It paid off; he’s now one of the UK’s hottest comedians, racking up TikTok views with his brilliant crowd work and sharp wit. He’s now heading out on his first full UK tour, with a stop at Stoller Hall at the Chetham’s School of Music.
Get tickets to Stuart Mitchell at Stoller Hall
Spend an evening with rising comedian Eric Rushton
Where: Fairfield Social Club, 6 Irk Street, Manchester, M4 4JT
When: Friday 27 February
Born in Bury and raised in Staffordshire, Eric Rushton is the king of the awkward deadpan. He was the first recipient of the annual Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award in 2023, dedicated to the best new writers or performers who embody the spirit of the late comedy legend. That’s some accolade, and there’s sure to be big things to come for him; for now, you can catch him on the Manchester leg of his ‘Innkeeper’ tour at the Fairfield Social Club.
Get tickets to Eric Rushton at Fairfield Social Club
Get the inside scoop on one of telly’s most iconic shows with Talking Sopranos
- Where: O2 Apollo, Stockport Rd, Manchester, M12 6AP
- When: Saturday 28 February
Calling all Manc made men and Worsley wise guys! The Talking Sopranos podcast is hosted by Sopranos stars Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bacala), and they dig deep into trivia, anecdotes and analysis of the iconic mafia show. It’s an absolute treat for any fan of the show, and their live show in which they’ll dive even deeper into exclusive stories and audience questions is not to be missed.
Get tickets to Talking Sopranos at O2 Apollo
Dig into religion, consciousness and more with philosopher Alex O’Connor
- Where: The Hall, Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester, M3 4JQ
- When: Monday 2 March
Alex O’Connor, who hosts the Within Reason podcast and vlogs on the CosmicSkeptic Youtube channel, is an online philosophy star. Identifying as an agnostic atheist, his conversations and debates about religion and the nature of God are frequently fascinating, and he’s spoken with heavy hitters in fields from ranging from philosophy and theology to physics, etymology and entertainment. He’ll be delving into his thoughts on some big topics and taking audience questions at Aviva Studios next Monday.
Get tickets to Alex O’Connor at The Hall
Food and Drink
Browse organic goodies at Platt Fields Market Garden
- Where? Platt Fields Market Garden, Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6LT
- When: Sunday 1 March, 10am-3pm
The first Sunday of every month is the MUD (Manchester Urban Diggers) Farmers Market at the idyllic Platt Fields Market Garden in Fallowfield. You’ll find fresh produce, juice, bread, eggs and much more; there’ll also be a pop-up food menu and live folk music. Afterwards, why not wander around the park with its famous heart-shaped lake?
Fill up on £5 cocktails at Freight Island
Where?: Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ
When: Thursdays 4pm-10pm
Every Thursday is Cocktail Club at Freight Island, where you can get £5 cocktails all evening! Each of Freight Island’s bars will have its own secret menu, with all sorts of sumptuous mixes for you to try. You can also make group bookings, making Freight Island a perfect destination for hen/stag dos and work parties.
Check out Freight Island’s menu
Museums and Art Galleries
Explore the wonders of Manchester Museum
Where?: Manchester Museum, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL
When: View opening times here
Manchester Museum was recently named the European museum of the year, and with free entry it’s perfect for those looking for things to do with the family during the summer holidays. You can get acquainted with dinosaur fossils (including Stan the T-Rex!), explore Egyptian or South Asian history, and even get up close and personal with some live amphibians and reptiles in the vivarium. While usually closing at 5pm, on Wednesdays the doors are open until 9pm if you fancy an evening stroll around the exhibits.
Plan your visit to Manchester Museum
Community and Culture
Explore free exhibitions and clubs at Central Library
Where: St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD
When: Opening hours here
Central Library, located in St. Peter’s Square, is one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings. But have you ever explored what’s going on in there? Apart from being a gorgeous space to sit and do some work, it’s also host to the Library Live cultural programme, which hosts all kinds of free things to do. That includes the exhibitions ACTING UP: 40 Years of HIV Activism and Punk: The Art of Rebellion, as well as all sorts of free clubs and events for all ages, such as LEGO Club, Crochet and Chat Club, and Teen Book Club.
