What's on in Manchester
What's on in Manchester
Friday 31 July 2026
The Rocky Horror Show
The Rocky Horror Show
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids-Brad and his fiancee Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way t...Fun Home
Fun Home
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
The regional premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical sensation about family, identity and the moments that shape us. 'I think we're alike in a certain way...' Join cartoonist Alison Bechdel on a journey through childhood memories, famil...RADAR Festival
RADAR Festival
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
The progressive rock and metal festival is back with a stella line-up: FRIDAY 31 JULY -THY ART IS MURDER +CHELSEA GRIN +SIKTH +VIANOVA + GRAPHIC NATURE + PINTGLASS + GHOST IRIS + HACKTIVIST +CAGE FIGHT + CLT DRP + SIXTH WONDER + ROZEMARYS...Thy Art Is Murder
Thy Art Is Murder
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Combining classic and authentic death metal elements that invoke the renegade, spirit-crushing, monstrosity of early Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, and Decapitated with the precision rhythmic assault of Meshuggah and the breakdown-infused b...R&B Only Live
R&B Only Live
O2 Ritz, Manchester
R&B ONLY LIVE is a live music experience produced by COLORS Worldwide, dedicated to celebrating R&B music from past to present. It's a DJ-driven event where audiences can sing, dance, and enjoy a nostalgic journey through R&B music's great...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...The Clockmaker's City
The Clockmaker's City
Z-arts, Manchester
British Youth Music Theatre presents The Clockmaker's City, written by Jonathan Ainscough (writer & co-lyricist) and Yshani Perinpanayagam (composer & co-lyricist). Bursting with a cinematic, percussive score and dynamic movement, this bran...Palace Theatre Tour
Palace Theatre Tour
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Opened in 1891, The Palace Theatre is one of Manchester's oldest and most beautiful theatres. With a glorious history hosting stars of stage and screen including Judy Garland, Gracie Fields, Les Dawson and Charlie Chaplin, today, the Palace...Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Welcome to Bubble Planet, where bubbles are bigger and more magical than ever. Let your inner child run free and follow your imagination in this spherical universe full of soap bubbles, air bubbles, and even virtual reality. Explore every ...Siames
Siames
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Argentine electropop rockers Siames are known for their animated music videos. ...In Pour Taste - A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience
In Pour Taste - A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Two of Melbourne's fastest-rising and extravagantly overdressed comedians, Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh, will be joined by an illustrious wine expert to guide you through tasting five wines and at least five jokes. Everyone from savvy...The Library of Enchantment
The Library of Enchantment
Z-arts, Manchester
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 ...Horizon of Khufu - Journey to Ancient Egypt
Horizon of Khufu - Journey to Ancient Egypt
Transmission House, Manchester
The Pyramids of Egypt have arrived in the UK for the first time! This immersive and groundbreaking expedition takes you back to the golden age of ancient Egypt, allowing you to explore the depths of the iconic pyramids, meet the goddess Bas...Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Science & Industry Museum, Manchester
An out-of-this-world premiere exhibition, now open at the Science and Industry Museum. Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new BBC Horrible Science TV series. Walk in...Ai Weiwei - Button Up!
Ai Weiwei - Button Up!
Aviva Studios, Manchester
History, power and empire collide in Button Up! - a major new exhibition from the world-leading artist and activist Ai Weiwei Internationally renowned artist and activist Ai Weiwei turns his critical gaze to the last 200 years of global h...Creative Tiny Humans
Creative Tiny Humans
HOME, Manchester
Join us in the Creativity Corner for our baby and toddler group drop in session to enjoy crafts, chats and creativity. Expect making for tiny hands, stories and most importantly PLAY. Join artist and community facilitator Phoebe Foxtrot on ...Summer Fair
Summer Fair
Trafford Centre, Manchester
The Summer Fair returns to The Trafford Centre this July with its ever popular beach and splash pool, bringing together thrilling fairground rides, family attractions and classic summer treats, making it the perfect day out whether you'...Factory 251 Fridays
Factory 251 Fridays
FAC251, Manchester
3 floors of music, all your favs with 899 other party goers. DJs spinning dance & RnB, Indie & Cheese, and Tech, Bass & DnB. ...Live Hip Hop, Afrobeats and RnB + DJs
Live Hip Hop, Afrobeats and RnB + DJs
The Blues Kitchen, Manchester
DJs and live musicians play old and new school hip hop, afrobeats and RnB goodness from Kendrick Lamar and J Hus to Wizkid and Lauryn Hill. ...moviEscape - SAWtopsy
moviEscape - SAWtopsy
Moviescape Stockport, Manchester
Inspired by the hit SAW movie franchise, SAWtopsy at moviESCAPE, Stockport's leading Escape Room offering, is a gory and ominous room with dim, atmospheric lighting, however it does not feature any jump scares - well none that are delibe...Saturday 1 August 2026
The Rocky Horror Show
The Rocky Horror Show
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids-Brad and his fiancee Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way t...Fun Home
Fun Home
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
The regional premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical sensation about family, identity and the moments that shape us. 'I think we're alike in a certain way...' Join cartoonist Alison Bechdel on a journey through childhood memories, famil...RADAR Festival
RADAR Festival
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
The progressive rock and metal festival is back with a stella line-up: FRIDAY 31 JULY -THY ART IS MURDER +CHELSEA GRIN +SIKTH +VIANOVA + GRAPHIC NATURE + PINTGLASS + GHOST IRIS + HACKTIVIST +CAGE FIGHT + CLT DRP + SIXTH WONDER + ROZEMARYS...Skindred
Skindred
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
From hard-hitting metal to reggae, rock to pop, dub to electro, nothing's off limits for Welsh ragga rock pioneers Skindred as their heavy, distortion-laden riff punches melt into vocalist Benji Webbe's frenzied rapping. Explosive metal an...All In A Mouse's Night
All In A Mouse's Night
HOME, Manchester
Goofus Theatre present a magnificent non-verbal tale of puppetry, play and heart through a small mouse with big adventures. A curious mouse, about in the house, could lead to all sorts of strange, magical and fantastical adventures Mouse is...Teletech Festival
Teletech Festival
Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester
Teletech techno festival returns to its home city of Manchester for a fifth time in 2026. Line-up to be announced. ...Tales from the Lighthouse
Tales from the Lighthouse
HOME, Manchester
Written and performed by Oliver Bishop, with original songs by David Gibb, and live music from two-time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Nominee Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, Tales From The Lighthouse is the perfect voyage into the world of theatre, pu...The Jury Experience - Death on the Port Side
The Jury Experience - Death on the Port Side
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
You've been called for jury duty. Step into a thrilling courtroom drama where the audience is the jury. Listen to testimonies, analyze evidence, and ultimately decide... guilty or not guilty? On a summer night, the son of a powerful politic...Rosie Holt
Rosie Holt
Creatures Comedy Club, Manchester
As seen on the Russell Howard Hour and heard on Radio 4, Social Media sensation and Chortle Award winner Rosie Holt returns with her third live tour, The Illegal Aliens Have Landed. Rosie and her MP alter-ego are back, fighting their big...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...Mystery Ensemble - Tribute to Max Richter
Mystery Ensemble - Tribute to Max Richter
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Join Mystery Ensemble for an evening featuring the famous Antonio Vivaldi cycle "The Four Seasons" in the unique interpretation of contemporary composer Max Richter. Max Richter is the composer of music for dozens of feature films and docum...Amber's Presents Pioneers - Detroit Techno
Amber's Presents Pioneers - Detroit Techno
Amber's, Manchester
Introducing yet an unannounced Detroit pioneer to Amber's. A techno and deep house don and certified remix professional. A debut like no other, they follow previous sets from Kevin Saunderson, DJ Bone, Juan Atkins, and DJ Stingray. ...The Clockmaker's City
The Clockmaker's City
Z-arts, Manchester
British Youth Music Theatre presents The Clockmaker's City, written by Jonathan Ainscough (writer & co-lyricist) and Yshani Perinpanayagam (composer & co-lyricist). Bursting with a cinematic, percussive score and dynamic movement, this bran...Buff Bingo Drag Brunch
Buff Bingo Drag Brunch
On Bar, Manchester
If your idea of brunch involves dancing on your chair, shouting at bingo cards, and being served by buff butlers, you're in the right place. Buff Bingo Drag Brunch is pure, unfiltered fun-a daytime party that doesn't hold back. Go big with ...Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Welcome to Bubble Planet, where bubbles are bigger and more magical than ever. Let your inner child run free and follow your imagination in this spherical universe full of soap bubbles, air bubbles, and even virtual reality. Explore every ...AN AFTERNOON OF ROCK
AN AFTERNOON OF ROCK
The Deaf Institute, Manchester
An Afternoon of ROCK & METAL brings a daytime rock and metal party to all you over 30s. With a mix of well known rock, hair metal, pop-punk, grunge and nu-metal hits from across the decades, there will be something for everyone. Come and ro...In Pour Taste - A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience
In Pour Taste - A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Two of Melbourne's fastest-rising and extravagantly overdressed comedians, Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh, will be joined by an illustrious wine expert to guide you through tasting five wines and at least five jokes. Everyone from savvy...The Library of Enchantment
The Library of Enchantment
Z-arts, Manchester
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 ...Todd Terry - Hacienda All Night Long
Todd Terry - Hacienda All Night Long
Joshua Brooks, Manchester
Todd Terry - Hacienda All Night Long ...Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Science & Industry Museum, Manchester
An out-of-this-world premiere exhibition, now open at the Science and Industry Museum. Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new BBC Horrible Science TV series. Walk in...Sunday 2 August 2026
RADAR Festival
RADAR Festival
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
The progressive rock and metal festival is back with a stella line-up: FRIDAY 31 JULY -THY ART IS MURDER +CHELSEA GRIN +SIKTH +VIANOVA + GRAPHIC NATURE + PINTGLASS + GHOST IRIS + HACKTIVIST +CAGE FIGHT + CLT DRP + SIXTH WONDER + ROZEMARYS...Animals As Leaders
Animals As Leaders
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
When unknown virtuoso guitarist Tosin Abasi released his debut solo album under the moniker ANIMALS AS LEADERS in 2009, few would have predicted the now ground-breaking, critically-acclaimed, genre defying instrumental Washington D.C. trio'...The Jury Experience - Death on the Port Side
The Jury Experience - Death on the Port Side
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
You've been called for jury duty. Step into a thrilling courtroom drama where the audience is the jury. Listen to testimonies, analyze evidence, and ultimately decide... guilty or not guilty? On a summer night, the son of a powerful politic...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...The Clockmaker's City
The Clockmaker's City
Z-arts, Manchester
British Youth Music Theatre presents The Clockmaker's City, written by Jonathan Ainscough (writer & co-lyricist) and Yshani Perinpanayagam (composer & co-lyricist). Bursting with a cinematic, percussive score and dynamic movement, this bran...Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Welcome to Bubble Planet, where bubbles are bigger and more magical than ever. Let your inner child run free and follow your imagination in this spherical universe full of soap bubbles, air bubbles, and even virtual reality. Explore every ...The Library of Enchantment
The Library of Enchantment
Z-arts, Manchester
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 ...Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Science & Industry Museum, Manchester
An out-of-this-world premiere exhibition, now open at the Science and Industry Museum. Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new BBC Horrible Science TV series. Walk in...Ai Weiwei - Button Up!
Ai Weiwei - Button Up!
Aviva Studios, Manchester
History, power and empire collide in Button Up! - a major new exhibition from the world-leading artist and activist Ai Weiwei Internationally renowned artist and activist Ai Weiwei turns his critical gaze to the last 200 years of global h...Summer Fair
