What's on in Manchester
What's on in Manchester
Thursday 15 October 2026
Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
We are thrilled to announce a bold new revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's Little Shop of Horrors, is coming to Manchester in Autumn 2026. This cult classic musical will be brought to life in a major new production, continuing the...President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama
Co-op Live, Manchester
Few presidents have walked a more improbable path to the White House. Join us for an inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime event with President Barack Obama. Winning more votes than any candidate in history, President Obama took office at a moment ...Masego
Masego
O2 Apollo, Manchester
An artist who thrives on mixing contemplation with extroversion, smoldering romance with knowing humour, studied musical discipline with exhilarating flights of intuition, Jamaican-American jazz fusion and future soul saxophone player, s...King Lear
King Lear
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
David Threlfall returns to the Theatre after 27 years to play Lear 'You see how full of changes his age is' Shakespeare's most elemental tragedy charts a kingdom where power corrupts, families become enemies and prosperity devolves into war...Jimeoin
Jimeoin
Manchester Academy, Manchester
An Irishman from Australia, Jimeoin has carved a name for himself as one of the true masters of live comedy. He's bringing his brilliantly observed, ever-evolving and hilarious comedy to the UK as part of his latest smash hit tour Ballyh...Candlelight - A Tribute to Coldplay and Ed Sheeran
Candlelight - A Tribute to Coldplay and Ed Sheeran
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Discover the music of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran performed by a string quartet at this awe-inspiring location under the gentle glow of candlelight. ...Candlelight - A Tribute to Queen and ABBA
Candlelight - A Tribute to Queen and ABBA
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Discover the music of Queen and ABBA performed by a string orchestra at this awe-inspiring location. ...Smithsonian Starstruck - An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck - An Immersive Experience
Transmission House, Manchester
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a first-of-its-kind virtual reality adventure that doesn't just show you the universe - it places you inside it. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, th...Lane 8
Lane 8
New Century, Manchester
Once dubbed the king of "dreamy backrub house", Lane 8 has been making hips swing and sandals shuffle since his breakthrough DJ set in the empty dining room of a San Francisco pork restaurant back in 2012. Founder of the This Never Happe...Mary Coughlan
Mary Coughlan
Hallé St Peter's, Manchester
Since she rose to international fame in 1985 with her seminal Irish jazz album Tired and Emotional, Mary Coughlan has been one wild Irish girl determined to live a life less ordinary. A prolific artist by anyone's standards, Coughlan is ce...Machu Picchu - Journey to the Lost City
Machu Picchu - Journey to the Lost City
Transmission House, Manchester
Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City transports you back 450 years ago to the heart of the ancient Inca Empire in stunning virtual reality. You'll climb the breathtaking peaks of the Andes, wander through the Temple of the Sun, walk the f...Alpha Wolf
Alpha Wolf
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Tasmanian metalcore act Alpha Wolf have collaborated with Ice T and toured with Amity Affliction, The Devil Wears Prada, Beartooth, Parkway Drive, Killswitch Engage, and I Prevail. ...Team Viking
Team Viking
HOME, Manchester
Ten years ago, James Rowland's best friend Tom was diagnosed with heart cancer and given three months to live. His last wish was to have a full Viking burial. So James gave him one. Team Viking tells the remarkable, hilarious and heart-lift...Animal Farm (Performed by Sam Blythe)
Animal Farm (Performed by Sam Blythe)
Waterside, Manchester
A must-see epic, more relevant than ever! Over 80 years since the book's publication and 31 since its first performance, Guy Masterson's globally renowned solo adaptation of Orwell's barnyard masterpiece is now performed by the brilliant Sa...Brian Bilston
Brian Bilston
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Brian Bilston has been described as the Banksy of poetry and Twitter's unofficial Poet Laureate - with over 200,000 followers on social media. His first collection of poetry,You Took the Last Bus Home, was published by Unbound. Diary of ...Ian McNabb (The Icicle Works)
Ian McNabb (The Icicle Works)
Carlton Club, Manchester
Part of the Liverpool renaissance movement of the eighties, alongside acts such as Echo And The Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, WAH!, Heat, OMD, Black, Dead Or Alive, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, The Lotus Eaters, and China Crisis, in 1981 I...Mythic Reinvention
Mythic Reinvention
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Mythic Reinvention is a major new exhibition celebrating fifty years of storytelling through costume, craft and performance at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Responding to the unique architecture of our Victorian Great Hall, the exhibition tra...RNCM Brass Band
RNCM Brass Band
RNCM, Manchester
Established during the 1990s by brass innovator Howard Snell, the RNCM Brass Band has always been a flagship ensemble of the institution. Geographically the RNCM is ideally placed in Manchester for brass band students and it boasts a teachi...The Luxurious Time: A Queer Love Story
The Luxurious Time: A Queer Love Story
Waterside, Manchester
The Luxurious Time - A Queer Love Story is a true story that recounts the author's life with his partner, as the man he loves succumbs to Alzheimer's disease, posing the question: when dementia strikes can love survive? The play follows the...Dave East
Dave East
Band On The Wall, Manchester
A strong lyricist adept at telling gritty street narratives, Harlem-based MC Dave East has a style heavily reminiscent of '90s New York hardcore rap while sounding fresh enough to compete with the contemporary hip-hop landscape. After build...Friday 16 October 2026
Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular
Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular
Trafford Centre, Manchester
Something wickedly spectacular this way comes...! Dare you enter the haunted Big Top? Gandeys Circus returns, bringing you a brand-new, spine-chilling, and action-packed Halloween Spooktacular-a legendary show filled with frights, delights,...Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
We are thrilled to announce a bold new revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's Little Shop of Horrors, is coming to Manchester in Autumn 2026. This cult classic musical will be brought to life in a major new production, continuing the...Alice Cooper Book Tour
Alice Cooper Book Tour
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
The definitive autobiography and an evening of unforgettable stories from Alice Cooper, the Godfather of Shock Rock and one of the world's iconic musicians, with a career spanning six decades. Alice Cooper announces the release of his defin...Hannah Laing
Hannah Laing
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Dundee DJ Hannah Laing specialises in high energy trance, techno, and hard house with her club night Welcome To The Doof. In 2023, she was nominated for a DJ Mag Best of Britain award and has been regularly featured on BBC Radio 1, includin...Alison Moyet
Alison Moyet
O2 Apollo, Manchester
How time flies. It's been 40 years since Alison Moyet stepped out of Yazoo and fired up a solo career with her #1 debut album 'Alf' and Top 10 hits 'Love Resurrection' and 'All Cried Out'. That unmistakable voice - big enough to fill a stad...King Lear
King Lear
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
David Threlfall returns to the Theatre after 27 years to play Lear 'You see how full of changes his age is' Shakespeare's most elemental tragedy charts a kingdom where power corrupts, families become enemies and prosperity devolves into war...Khalid
Khalid
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Multi-platinum selling global superstar Khalid has taken the world by storm with his blend of smooth R&B fused with electro-pop and 80s-inspired synths since his first single, the RIAA-certified diamond 'Location' - released right before hi...The Wanted 2.0
The Wanted 2.0
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Following their remarkable career with The Wanted, which saw massive hits like Glad You Came, Chasing The Sun, and Heart Vacancy, Max George and Siva Kaneswaran return after the tragic death of Tom Parker as The Wanted 2.0. Promising to...Fish56Octagon
Fish56Octagon
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
TikTok DJ sensation Fish56Octagon, the king of dance music curation across multiple genres, returns. The London electronic dance music disc jockey gained a social media following due to his videos exhibiting his enthusiasm for dance music, ...The Mountain Goats
The Mountain Goats
Albert Hall, Manchester
The Mountain Goats are, for all practical purposes, the endlessly clever and prolific former California nurse John Darnielle and whatever cast of musicians he's working with at the moment, which means the indie folk sound may change from pr...Smithsonian Starstruck - An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck - An Immersive Experience
Transmission House, Manchester
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a first-of-its-kind virtual reality adventure that doesn't just show you the universe - it places you inside it. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, th...BBC Philharmonic Orchestra - British Iconoclasts
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra - British Iconoclasts
RNCM, Manchester
Britten and Tippett shared many traits: both were pacifists; conscientious objectors during the war; homosexuals, at a time when it was publicly outlawed in Britain; and both shared a love of older forms of music. Drawing on one of Corelli'...Gurriers
Gurriers
New Century, Manchester
Dublin's newest alternative addition, Gurriers, embody the emerging Irish genres of post-punk, noise rock and shoegaze. ...Danny Boyle
Danny Boyle
HOME, Manchester
During this discussion, the director of films such as Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Slumdog Millionaire, and upcoming feature Ink will discuss a career that has placed him among the most successful British filmmakers. Following a successful...Mercury Rev
Mercury Rev
O2 Ritz, Manchester
Purveyors of a cosmic brand of the popular American songbook Buffalo New York act Mercury Rev merge jazz, folk, sweeping orchestration, and a dose of 60's rock. Their 1998 album Deserter's Songs remains one of the essential records of the p...This Flight Tonight - A Tribute To Joni Mitchell
This Flight Tonight - A Tribute To Joni Mitchell
Waterside, Manchester
Acclaimed singer/songwriters Zervas & Pepper present 'This Flight Tonight' an intimate acoustic tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell. Featuring songs such as 'California', 'Blue', 'Woodstock' 'Both Sides Now', 'Coyote', 'Big Yellow Taxi', ...Ania Magliano
Ania Magliano
Fairfield Social Club, Manchester
Fresh from starring in the latest series of Taskmaster, Ania Magliano (Live At The Apollo, Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Show Nominee) brings a brand-new show full of jokes, confessions, and occasionally unhinged observations to venues nat...Machu Picchu - Journey to the Lost City
Machu Picchu - Journey to the Lost City
Transmission House, Manchester
Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City transports you back 450 years ago to the heart of the ancient Inca Empire in stunning virtual reality. You'll climb the breathtaking peaks of the Andes, wander through the Temple of the Sun, walk the f...And So I Watch You from Afar + Caspian
And So I Watch You from Afar + Caspian
Manchester Academy, Manchester
A co-headline gig from Belfast instrumental rockers And So I Watch You From Afar and American post rock group Delta Sleep. ...Team Viking
Team Viking
HOME, Manchester
Ten years ago, James Rowland's best friend Tom was diagnosed with heart cancer and given three months to live. His last wish was to have a full Viking burial. So James gave him one. Team Viking tells the remarkable, hilarious and heart-lift...
Saturday 17 October 2026
Manchester City v Ipswich Town
Manchester City v Ipswich Town
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
City take on The Tractor Boys in the Premier League ...Hallé Orchestra - Classical Extravaganza
Hallé Orchestra - Classical Extravaganza
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Showstopping hits and magical musicianship - enjoy some of the world's favourite classical pieces. A rousing fanfare - Shostakovich's flashy and exciting Festive Overture, alongside Haydn's landmark Trumpet Concerto, performed by Ro...Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular
Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular
Trafford Centre, Manchester
Something wickedly spectacular this way comes...! Dare you enter the haunted Big Top? Gandeys Circus returns, bringing you a brand-new, spine-chilling, and action-packed Halloween Spooktacular-a legendary show filled with frights, delights,...Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
We are thrilled to announce a bold new revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's Little Shop of Horrors, is coming to Manchester in Autumn 2026. This cult classic musical will be brought to life in a major new production, continuing the...Mo Gilligan
Mo Gilligan
AO Arena, Manchester
Mo Gilligan is a British stand-up comedian known for his observational comedy. After several years of uploading comedy clips to social media, he found global success in 2017. He hosted The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan, which debuted in 201...Fat Freddy's Drop
Fat Freddy's Drop
O2 Apollo, Manchester
Fat Freddy's Drop is a New Zealand seven-piece band from Wellington, whose musical style has been characterised as any combination of dub, reggae, soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, and techno. Originally a jam band formed in the late 1990s by m...King Lear
King Lear
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
David Threlfall returns to the Theatre after 27 years to play Lear 'You see how full of changes his age is' Shakespeare's most elemental tragedy charts a kingdom where power corrupts, families become enemies and prosperity devolves into war...Gareth Malone - Sing-along-a-Gareth
Gareth Malone - Sing-along-a-Gareth
RNCM, Manchester
It's time to lift our voices once more as Gareth Malone, together with his band and a group of stellar singers, guides us through an evening of song. Featuring the tunes he's performed over the last 15 years on television, this feel-goo...Russell Watson
Russell Watson
Waterside, Manchester
As a child Russell Watson could always carry a tune, but he never dreamed he'd become an opera singer. Today, he's counted among the world's finest classical voices. Born and raised in Salford, Watson worked an array of jobs and started sin...Courtney Barnett
