WHAT'S ON AT Z-ARTS, MANCHESTER
What's On at Z-arts, Manchester
Below you will find what's on at Z-arts in Hulme, Manchester, the only arts centre in the UK dedicated to offering best-practice in creative provision for children and families, with a leadership role in networks including Big Imaginations, MADE, and Family Arts Campaign.
Opening their doors in 2000 in the former Zion building, their 230 seat theatre hosts shows, productions, events, family escape rooms and premieres for different ages each season, including international touring theatre shows.
Z-arts also homes a studio theatre, a recording studio, music space, dance studio, and offers numerous dance, drama, and arts & crafts classes, workshops, and activities. They offer numerous outreach programmes with local communities and educational establishments.
Below you will find what's on at Z-arts in Hulme, Manchester, the only arts centre in the UK dedicated to offering best-practice in creative provision for children and families, with a leadership role in networks including Big Imaginations, MADE, and Family Arts Campaign.
Opening their doors in 2000 in the former Zion building, their 230 seat theatre hosts shows, productions, events, family escape rooms and premieres for different ages each season, including international touring theatre shows.
Z-arts also homes a studio theatre, a recording studio, music space, dance studio, and offers numerous dance, drama, and arts & crafts classes, workshops, and activities. They offer numerous outreach programmes with local communities and educational establishments.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Z-arts, Manchester
What's On at Z-arts, Manchester
The Library of Enchantment
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 11 September 2026 - Wednesday 31 March 2027
Ever wanted to step inside a story? The Library of Enchantment is a fun-filled thrilling family-friendly escape room, full of seafaring adventures, time travelling tricks and a pesky old bookworm who's always up to meddlesome mischief! Can...???? Autumn Social - Meet the Producers ????
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 11 September 2026
?Over the past 6 months, a group of early-career producers have been honing their skills and expanding their networks through a specialised training programme run by?HOME,?Lowry,?Company Chameleon?and?Z-arts. Now, they?re ready to meet YOU...???? Autumn Social - Meet the Producers ????
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 11 September 2026
?Over the past 6 months, a group of early-career producers have been honing their skills and expanding their networks through a specialised training programme run by?HOME,?Lowry,?Company Chameleon?and?Z-arts. Now, they?re ready to meet YOU...???? Autumn Social - Meet the Producers ????
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 11 September 2026
?Over the past 6 months, a group of early-career producers have been honing their skills and expanding their networks through a specialised training programme run by?HOME,?Lowry,?Company Chameleon?and?Z-arts. Now, they?re ready to meet YOU...???? Autumn Social - Meet the Producers ????
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 11 September 2026
?Over the past 6 months, a group of early-career producers have been honing their skills and expanding their networks through a specialised training programme run by?HOME,?Lowry,?Company Chameleon?and?Z-arts. Now, they?re ready to meet YOU...SEND Schools - Adventures in Wonderland Visits
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 11 September 2026 - Friday 23 July 2027
Join us for a specially adapted SEND-friendly Adventures in Wonderland, thoughtfully designed to create a calm, welcoming, and accessible experience for SEND schools. Price: ?10.00 per pupil (adults go free)Availability: FridaysSession tim...A Message for the Future
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 12 September 2026
Explore your magical future garden where you?ll meet a punk poet Dandelion, a rock n roll Minibeast and an operatic super Herb!Performances ? Saturday 12 September, 10:15am, 12pm & 2pmRunning time ? 1 hourAge recommendation ? Ages 0 ? 3A M...Baby Book Club
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 15 September - Tuesday 1 December 2026
Baby Book Club is a wonderful way to spend time together with your baby (0-2 years) and develop their love of books, stories and reading.  Baby Book Club helps parents develop skills in how to make reading fun for their babies and help ...Adventures in Wonderland - Trips for KS1 & Early Years
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 15 September 2026 - Thursday 22 July 2027
Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure! An enchanting play experience which invites children to explore Wonderland, using imagination to create their own fantastical adventure. Follow the White Rabbit into scene...Play & Make
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 15 September - Tuesday 1 December 2026
In this 1-hour workshop, children will explore, express themselves, and enjoy learning through play ? with interactive storytelling, free play, and hands-on crafting. They?ll listen to stories, get creative, and take home something they?ve...School & Nursery Trips to Z-arts
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 15 September 2026 - Thursday 22 July 2027
Book your school or nursery trip to Z-arts here!Everything you need to know for your Early Years or Nursery trip to Adventures in WonderlandEverything you need to know for your KS1 or KS2 trip to Adventures in WonderlandEverything you need...Z-arts Kids Council
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 15 September - Tuesday 1 December 2026
Do you love coming to Z-arts? Want to help make it even better? (It?s like a school council, but just for Z-arts!)You?ll play creative games, take part in drama and art activities, helping us to dream up new escape room ideas from scratch....Art Stars
Z-arts, Manchester
Wednesday 16 September - Friday 4 December 2026
A fun, relaxed introduction to art where you can explore a range of creative techniques, make your own creations, and make new friends along the way. Every session is a chance to experiment, get messy, and discover what you love to make. S...Play Time
Z-arts, Manchester
Wednesday 16 September - Wednesday 2 December 2026
You?re never too old to play! This brand new session is all about giving children the space to meet face to face, play together, connect, and chill in a safe, nurturing environment. In one of our big, bright spaces, you?ll find areas for p...Storytime
Z-arts, Manchester
Wednesday 16 September - Wednesday 2 December 2026
Join us for a storytime session in our Children?s Library every Wednesday morning!Storytime is an interactive session for babies, toddler and their grown-ups, it?s a fun and relaxed event where we bring the stories from our Children?s Libr...
Rhyme Time
Z-arts, Manchester
Thursday 17 September - Thursday 3 December 2026
Rhyme time is a fun group singing session for babies and toddlers (0-4 years) and their grown-ups.  Singing together and repeating rhymes helps your child develop listening, visual and memory skills, which will help them develop. Rhyme ...3D Making
Z-arts, Manchester
Thursday 17 September - Thursday 3 December 2026
Have fun making crafts, models, and sculptures using lots of different materials, working together on creative projects, and trying out new ideas. Skills & Benefits: When:?Thursdays at 4:15pmAge: Year 3 ? Year 6 (ages 7 ? 11)What should I ...Dance Stars
Z-arts, Manchester
Thursday 17 September - Friday 4 December 2026
Focus on improving our posture, flexing our muscles, and boosting our stamina like dance champs!We will be exploring various new dance styles each week to build these skills. These dance styles will include Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz,...Imagine & Move
Z-arts, Manchester
Thursday 17 September - Thursday 3 December 2026
Unlock your creativity through movement and imagination ? each week we?ll play games, learn movements and perform together. Skills & Benefits:When: Thursdays at 5:15pmAge: Reception ? Year 2 (ages 4-7)What should I wear: Something comforta...Creative Care (Reception - Year 2)
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 18 September - Friday 4 December 2026
No membership required. Join Kirsty for ?Creative Care: Art for Kids with Additional Needs,? ? an Inclusive Creative Art Session that Celebrates Diverse Ways of Thinking & Learning. Explore various art techniques, from painting and drawing...Family Jam
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 18 September - Friday 27 November 2026
Come and join our Friday night Family Jam!Our monthly music events are back, with different artists performing a special early evening set especially for children and families. You can unwind after a hectic week with music for the whole fa...Family LEGO Club
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 18 September - Friday 4 December 2026
Join us for LEGO Club from 4.15-5pm every Friday, where we?ll be getting all our LEGO out for you to play with and build whatever you like!We?re so excited to see the kids enjoying Lego Club, and we want to make sure it stays fun and safe ...Singing Stars
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 18 September - Friday 4 December 2026
Do you love singing? Come and join Singing Stars ? our newest session, chosen by Bright Sparks members themselves!We?ll sing together as an ensemble, explore songs old and new across genres from pop to soul, and even get a say in what we s...Street Dance
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 18 September - Friday 4 December 2026
Get ready to move! In Street Dance, we build confidence, stamina, and seriously cool moves ? exploring the styles that make street dance so iconic, from breakdance and waacking to house and hip hop. We?ll create dance battle scenarios and ...Toddler Make and Believe
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 18 September - Friday 4 December 2026
Come along and get creative with your little ones in our weekly Toddler Make and Believe session ? arts and crafts, stories, and songs in a fun and relaxed environment!Skills & Benefits:When: Fridays, 10:30am & 11:30amAge:?Pre-school / Tod...Z-artists
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 18 September - Friday 4 December 2026
Get inspired, learn something new, and create your own amazing work!In Z-artists, we explore different artists and art forms, developing our own skills and experimenting with a range of styles along the way. Most of all, create your own am...Family Art Stars
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 19 September - Saturday 28 November 2026
Families that learn together, grow together. We are very excited to continue our Family Art Stars sessions every Saturday! Come down, muck in and make some art as a family, spending quality time and learning new techniques. No skill is req...Creative Care: Art for Kids with Additional Needs
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 19 September - Saturday 5 December 2026
An Inclusive Art Session that Celebrates Diverse Ways of Thinking & Learning!Join Kirsty for a calming, inclusive art session that celebrates diverse ways of thinking and learning! We?ll explore a range of art techniques ? from painting an...Drama Stars
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 19 September - Thursday 3 December 2026
Get ready to have fun and explore the world of drama! We?ll be playing games, exploring creative ideas, and using pictures and sound as inspiration to craft our very own scenes. This is your time to be bold, be creative, and have an amazin...Musical Theatre
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 19 September - Saturday 28 November 2026
In Musical Theatre we build skills in stage entertainment ? exploring creativity through song, character role-play, and everything that goes into a real production! This term we?re working on a brand new musical, diving into its themes, se...
Z-access Day
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 19 September 2026
Enjoy an afternoon of inclusive workshops with Z-access Day!In partnership with local organisations supporting children and families with additional needs, Z-access Day is a joyful experience for everyone. What can I expect from Z-access D...Dance in the Dark
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 26 September 2026
Come in your PJs for a playful night-time adventure with dance, music, and fun interaction for ages 3+?and their?families. Performances ? Saturday 26 September, 12pm & 2pmRunning time ? 50 minutesAge recommendation ? Ages 3+A captivating?d...Family-friendly escape room - Mission: Mad Hatter
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 26 September 2026 - Saturday 27 March 2027
Mission: Mad Hatter is a family escape room experience at Z-arts Manchester ? a 75-minute Wonderland adventure for ages 9+.?The teapot is warmed, the table is set? but the guests are gone!?Can your team of riddle-cracking and quick-thinkin...Mission: Mad Hatter
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 26 September 2026 - Saturday 27 March 2027
?The teapot is warmed, the table is set? but the guests are gone!?Something strange has happened in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter?s tea party guests have vanished through the Looking Glass, and the clock is ticking. They need a team of riddle...Alice in Wonderland Jr
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 9 - Saturday 10 October 2026
The most junior section of Manchester Musical Youth, ?Apprentices? return following last years smash hit production of Finding Nemo Jr with the classic ?Alice in Wonderland Jr?. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where every...The Magic Stick
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 17 October 2026
A family show full of Indian dance, storytelling and stage magic?Performances ? Saturday 17 October, 2pmRunning time ? 45 minutesAge recommendation ? Ages 6 ? 12When eight?year?old Diya receives a mysterious Magic Stick, she discovers she ...The Enormous Turnip
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 October 2026
Join Mr and Mrs Chickweed and save the day as they pull The Enormous Turnip out of the ground before it takes over the planet!Performances ? Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October, 11am & 2pmRunning time ? 1 hourAge recommendation ? Ages 3 ? 10 b...Dennis the Menace's Year of Mischief
Z-arts, Manchester
Wednesday 28 October 2026
Dennis the Menace has a special birthday wish - he wants to break the rules of reading! Beano's Directors of Mischief and Mayhem, Mike Stirling and Craig Graham, help him, revealing their top-secret tips for creating the laugh-out-lo...Monster Disco
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 31 October 2026
Join in, dance and boogie, or just chill and enjoy the vibes, the Monster Disco is for everyone!Performances ? Saturday 31 October, 12pm & 2:30pmRunning time ? 45 minutesAge recommendation ? Ages 4 ? 8 and especially good for the whole fam...The Gruffalo
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 27 - Sunday 29 November 2026
A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood... Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories' magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for ...A Very Merry Minifest
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 5 December 2026
A fun, live Christmas musical experience for children that adults will love too!Performances ? Saturday 5 December, 11am & 2pmRunning time ? 1 hourAge recommendation ? Ages 2 ? 8The gig is jam packed with songs written especially to stimul...Shiny Christmas Fun Day
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 5 December 2026
Get into the festive spirit at Z-arts!Join us for a magical family fun day inspired by our festive show, Shiny Christmas! Enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, immerse yourselves in interactive storytelling, and dance the day away at our sparkli...How to get to Z-arts, Manchester
Z-arts Frequently Asked Questions
Zion Arts Centre, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
There is some on-street parking available near Z-arts (Dearden Street opposite, Ancroft Street round the corner).
There are on street restrictions in place from Mon-Fri 8am-6pm. After 6pm and at the weekend these restrictions are lifted.
Some streets offer 3 hours free parking. Always check the parking signs as they are individual to each street.
Disabled parking bays are available at the front of the venue.
Watch this video for further information.
Oxford Road Station is a 15 minute walk away from Z-arts.
Piccadilly Station is a five minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens bus rank where you can catch one of the regular bus services that will take you to Z-arts.
The nearest tram stations are Deansgate (23 mins walk) or Trafford Bar (22 mins walk).
The capicity of the main theatre in Z-arts is 230.
Please contact Z-arts directly and their team will be able to help you.
If you would like to buy a ticket in person from Z-arts Box Office, they open:
Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 6pm
Fridays 9am - 9pm
Saturdays 9am - 6pm
Closed Sun & Mon (unless there is a show on).
Alternatively, you can see what's on and book online here.
When we know of a duration of a show, we add it to the description of the show on our event pages. For example, on our Wicked event page, after the description of the show we have added the duration of the show in large capital letters. If the time isn't listed, we do not have the information yet. We update our pages daily so it maybe a case of knowing closer to the performance itself, so keep checking.
You can also contact Z-arts and they will be able to advise you.
Please click here for accessibility information at Z-arts.
Whether you have positive or negative feedback you would like to feedback to Z-arts, please click here for more contact information.
Z-arts lost property will be held at Z-arts for one month. After this it is donated to charity or disposed of. Refillable water bottles are disposed of at the end of every day for hygiene reasons.
Click here to contact Z-arts.
Z-arts have their own Z-Cafe for you to grab a sandwich, coffee and cake.
Alternatively, with loads of great places to eat in Manchester and decent pre-theatre menus, you should check out our Manchester Restaurant site here!
Z-Cafe turns into a licensed bar for grown up events.
Alternatively, Manchester is full of great bars and pubs and some decent ones close to the venue. check out our Manchester Bar site here!
Absolutely! If you are attending a theatre show, you can leave it in the buggy park area if there is limited space in the theatre.
For immersive experiences, there is space within the exhibition to park your buggy, but due to space you cannot take them around the full experience.
Either use the map at the side of the FAQ section as it has all types of accomodation or click here for hotels in Manchester.
If you need further information about your visit Z-Arts, click here to visit their website or contact their team directly.
Please note that ManchesterTheatres.com isn't the venue itself. We promote what's on at the Z-arts and all other venues in Manchester and the local region. Feel free to contact us if you need more help though and we'll do our best to support you.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Z-arts, Manchester
