Manchester Theatre News & Reviews

The Best Manchester Gigs This Week

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK CALENDAR

With over 4000 shows listed on Manchester Theatres, it can be hard to decide which show to go and see - as you will probably know if you are one of the 200,000 members who receive our Sunday night "What's on in Manchester over the next seven days" e-mails [subscribe here].

Additionally, you can also find our top theatre shows, classical concerts, comedy gigs and tribute shows here...

Our Top 10 What's on in Manchester Gigs This Week

Ne-yo & Akon

Three Manchester nights for the R&B legends.

Co-op Live, Manchester
Fri 1 - Weds 6 May 2026.
Tickets & More Info

Alex Warren

The second of two nights from the "Ordinary" Californian singer-songwriter who is one of the most followed Gen Z celebrities on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

Clubland Live

The annual dance festival returns to Manchester with Ben Nicky, Cascada, and Darren Styles, headlining local legends such as Alex K, Flip N Fill, Ultrabeat, Ian Van Dahl, Karen Parry, Kelly Llorenna, LMC and Michelle (from Platinum).

Big Thief

The Brooklyn indie folk rockers come to Manchester for two nights.

AVIVA Studios Warehouse, Manchester
Tue 28 Apr 2026.

Tickets & More Info

Puressence

One of the most underrated Manchester bands of all time make a sold-out Academy comeback gig ahead of their Castlefield Bowl headliner.

Roland Gift

A solo tour from the Fine Young Cannibals frontman.

Paul Carrack

"The man with the golden voice" - The Sheffield soul star has enjoyed a successful solo career alongside singing lead vocals for Mike + The Mechanics, Ace, Squeeze, and Roger Water's Bleeding Heart Band.

Outwards Festival

Oribital headline an all star line up at Outwards Festival with some of the legends of Manchester dance music, including ACR, Black Grape, and The Orb.

Manchester Forever

A celebration of the 90s Manchester rave scene.

Ninja Sex Party

American musical comedy synth rock duo.

O2 Apollo, Manchester
Fri 1 May 2026.

Tickets & More Info

Fola

Nigerian Afrobeats star Folarin Odunlami rose to fame in 2022 following the release of his song "Ginger Me".

TeeDee

An all day set from the Sheffield house DJ.

Rum & Reggae Experience

A Bank Holiday reggae festival featuring General Levy and Josh Skints alongside Djs.

Vieze Asback

Teletech bring the Dutch dark rave techno DJ to town.

Ist Ist

Often compared to Joy Division and displaying an arrogance akin to the greatest Manchester bands, the Mancunian rockers are constructing their own post-punk mould.

Tom Smith

A solo date from the Editors frontman.

Odyssey

Go back to your roots with the chart-topping icons of 70s and 80s Disco.

EXTC

Terry Chambers, the drummer for XTC, is back on the road with EXTC (his band named and approved by Andy Partridge), bringing the XTC songbook to audiences worldwide - including many songs never previously performed live.

Smash Into Pieces

Multiple award-winning Swedish rock-export Smash Into Pieces have past half a billion Spotify streams & YouTube views.

The Twilight Sad

The beloved Scottish post-punk band make their long-awaited return.

Katherine Priddy

The Birmingham-based folk artist has quickly become one of the most exciting names on the British scene..

Hamish Hawk

Edinburgh born indie singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk creates musical pen-portraits as vivid in lyric as they are in melody.

Gary Davies - Disco for Grown Ups 80s Party

The legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ presents an 80s party.

Auntie Flo

Arthur Lee’s ionic 60's Los Angeles psychedelic folk rockers still feature original guitarist Johnny Echols

Claire Rousay

San Antonio experimental musician who masterfully incorporates textural found sounds, sumptuous drones and candid field recordings into music that celebrates the beauty in life’s banalities.

Kiioto

The new project from two of Manchester's most loved musicians, Lamb's Lou Rhodes and Urban Cookie Collective's Rohan Heath.

The Showhawk Duo

Guitarists Jake Wright and RNCM-educated Mikhail Asanovic have dazzled audiences worldwide with their spectacular approach to playing dance music on acoustic guitars.

SlapFunk & Animal Crossing - An Inner City Festival

An all day Bank Holiday festival featuring 19 hours of music from over 40 DJs, including Paris underground trio Apollonia and Japanese techno pioneer Fumiya Tanaka.

Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone

Bristol folk Americana singer-songstress Lady Nade pays tribute to Nina Simone.

Splean

One of the most popular bands in Russia, the St Petersburgh folk rockers were cancelled in their home country for expressing their opposition to the war in Ukraine.