What's on in Manchester
What's on in Manchester
Tuesday 20 October 2026
Manchester City v AEK Athens
Manchester City v AEK Athens
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
City take on AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League. ...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...Brandon Flowers (The Killers)
Brandon Flowers (The Killers)
O2 Apollo, Manchester
We all know the story, fittingly mythological: a Mormon raised in the seedy glimmer of casinos, destined for rock 'n' roll stardom as lead singer of The Killers. But before that, Flowers was a teenager in small-town Utah, taken with the new...Steve Hackett (Genesis)
Steve Hackett (Genesis)
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Prog legend Steve Hackett's timeless guitar-work was woven throughout Genesis' classic 70's catalogue of albums. In recent years he and his outstanding touring line-up of Jonas Reingold (bass, guitar, backing vocals), Rob Townsend (sax...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...Chris D'Elia
Chris D'Elia
Albert Hall, Manchester
New Jersey comedian Chris D'Elia is bringing his "Go For It" Tour to Europe. Known for his wildly sharp improvisation, unpredictable storytelling, and effortless crowd work, Chris has become one of the biggest touring comedians in the world...Transvision Vamp
Transvision Vamp
O2 Ritz, Manchester
Iconic 80's alternative rock band Transvision Vamp enjoyed massive chart success with a string of hits including Baby I Don't Care, I Want Your Love and Revolution Baby. Fronted by Wendy James, her sexually charged and rebellious image won ...Turn Your F*cking Phones Off
Turn Your F*cking Phones Off
Waterside, Manchester
Hannah Maxwell presents her "tremendous takedown of big tech" (The Guardian) which was a total sell out at Edinburgh Fringe 2026, which scooped the Scotsman Fringe First, Bragi Award and The Stage Fringe Five. "Thank Christ, I was worried n...Dan Whitlam
Dan Whitlam
Gorilla, Manchester
Poet, spoken word artist, rapper and actor from South London who gained traction from his music videos on TikTok. ...Ezhel
Ezhel
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Turkish rapper Sercan Ipekcioglu (aka Ezhel) blends trap, hip hop and reggae. His song "AYA" has been streamed more than 80 million times on Spotify. He has been given the title "Freestyle King" by Hip Hop Life. ...Ancient Infinity Orchestra
Ancient Infinity Orchestra
Band On The Wall, Manchester
Leeds-based jazz collective Ancient Infinity Orchestra unfurled in the North of England. The joyous large ensemble has communal music-making at the heart of everything they do. Their melodies blossom with uplifting improvised contributions ...Haunting Trafford
Haunting Trafford
Trafford Centre, Manchester
When darkness falls on Trafford, the screams get louder, the fun gets frightfully bigger, and the haunting begins. This October, Trafford Centre comes alive with eerie experiences devilish delights, and Halloween adventures for the whole fa...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...V E Schwab
V E Schwab
Contact, Manchester
Victoria "V. E." Schwab is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts series, Gallant, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Fr...XS Malarkey
XS Malarkey
53two, Manchester
XS Malarkey is a not-for-profit comedy club, hosted every week by Toby Hadoke, and eagerly maintained by a group of minions who do his bidding on a regular basis. Despite the low door price, the shows feature famous professional comedians ...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...Button Masher
Button Masher
Band On The Wall, Manchester
Jake Silverman, also known as Button Masher, is a GRAMMY-winning arranger, electronic musician, composer and educator. In 2018, Silverman began to experiment with combining Jazz Fusion with chiptune. Since that time, Silverman's genre ben...Easy Comedy
Easy Comedy
Creatures Comedy Club, Manchester
Michael Mannion & Alfie Carter host the top night in the city, every Tuesday, where you can see Manchester's best comedians working out new material and the newest comedians working out their best! ...Manchester City Stadium Tour
Manchester City Stadium Tour
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Enjoy one of the most immersive tour experiences in the Premier League with a guided look around The Etihad Stadium. Experience the Manchester City story in a 360 degrees theatre and enjoy an audio-visual perspective of the players' matchd...After Dark
After Dark
Amber's, Manchester
A Tuesday night clubnight with Funky House, Tech House and Deep House in one room and RNB, Hip Hop, and Rap in the other. ...Wednesday 21 October 2026
English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
Palace Theatre, Manchester
One of the greatest love stories ever told. Irresistible attraction, all-consuming passion, tragic consequences: Shakespeare's heartbreaking tale is reimagined in a ballet that is "as vital, as alive and as stirring as can be" (The Telegrap...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...Paul Smith
Paul Smith
AO Arena, Manchester
Liverpool comedian Paul Smith, who is best known for the many viral social media clips of his lightning quick audience interaction, is hitting the road again with his brand-new tour Happy and this is the biggest, boldest show of his car...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...Daniel Foxx
Daniel Foxx
HOME, Manchester
Daniel was determined to handle his Big Breakup with the grace of Julia Roberts. He didn't. Join him as he navigates dating in your 30s, Le Creuset addiction and 12-step skincare routines, all while trying very hard to emanate love and ligh...Melanie C
Melanie C
O2 Ritz, Manchester
After the iconic 1996 debut single 'Wannabe' topped the charts in 37 countries, Spice Girls' debut album 'Spice' went on to sell more than 31 million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling album of all time by a female group. The girls...Turn Your F*cking Phones Off
Turn Your F*cking Phones Off
Waterside, Manchester
Hannah Maxwell presents her "tremendous takedown of big tech" (The Guardian) which was a total sell out at Edinburgh Fringe 2026, which scooped the Scotsman Fringe First, Bragi Award and The Stage Fringe Five. "Thank Christ, I was worried n...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...Alabaster dePlume
Alabaster dePlume
New Century, Manchester
Mancunian jazz poet-performer Gus Fairbairn (a.k.a. Alabaster DePlume), who plays the saxophone out of the side of his mouth, is now known across the globe as the saxophonist who creates wonderful, wordless music, however back home he's ...Twin Atlantic
Twin Atlantic
Gorilla, Manchester
Twin Atlantic are an alternative rock band from Glasgow fronted by Sam McTrusty, who spills his guts on everything from marriage, male friendship and the absurdity of social media to parenthood, medication and his mum. Bold, adventurous, an...Haunting Trafford
Haunting Trafford
Trafford Centre, Manchester
When darkness falls on Trafford, the screams get louder, the fun gets frightfully bigger, and the haunting begins. This October, Trafford Centre comes alive with eerie experiences devilish delights, and Halloween adventures for the whole fa...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...Allie X
Allie X
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Avant-garde Canadian indie pop singer and visual artist Alexandra Hughes has drawn frequent comparisons to Ellie Goulding and Chvrches for her "soaring pop, borderline theatrical Disney" songs. ...We Love Wednesdays
We Love Wednesdays
O2 Ritz, Manchester
Manchester's BIGGEST Student Night is now BIGGER & BETTER! Every Wednesday night for unbeatable drinks prices, free merchandise, massive acts and giveaways - NOWHERE does it bigger! ...Min Jin Lee
Min Jin Lee
Contact, Manchester
Acclaimed Korean American author Min Jin Lee, internationally celebrated for the bestselling Pachinko, discusses her long-awaited new novel, American Hagwon. Spanning 1992 to 2007, this sweeping contemporary epic follows three generations o...Rosie Frater-Taylor
Rosie Frater-Taylor
Band On The Wall, Manchester
A compelling live performer and one of the most electrifying forces in contemporary crossover music, Rosie Frater-Taylor is a virtuoso guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter of remarkable emotional depth. Equal parts dedicated student of jazz ...Chris Hawkins - Awesome Friends
Chris Hawkins - Awesome Friends
The Deaf Institute, Manchester
Chris Hawkins (BBC 6 Music) presents a night of new music. ...Iguana Death Cult
Iguana Death Cult
The Deaf Institute, Manchester
Iguana Death Cult's latest evolution finds the Rotterdam band reflecting on hardship and doubt while facing a burning world. The result channels their early punk and garage roots, powered by Tobias Opschoor's razorsharp riffs, Rennert's rel...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...
Thursday 22 October 2026
English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
Palace Theatre, Manchester
One of the greatest love stories ever told. Irresistible attraction, all-consuming passion, tragic consequences: Shakespeare's heartbreaking tale is reimagined in a ballet that is "as vital, as alive and as stirring as can be" (The Telegrap...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...Paul Smith
Paul Smith
AO Arena, Manchester
Liverpool comedian Paul Smith, who is best known for the many viral social media clips of his lightning quick audience interaction, is hitting the road again with his brand-new tour Happy and this is the biggest, boldest show of his car...Hallé Orchestra - Rachmaninov's Symphony No 3
Hallé Orchestra - Rachmaninov's Symphony No 3
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Dream of far-off lands with sensuous, nostalgic music by Szymanowski and Rachmaninov. Conductor Nicholas Collon brings us a fantastic evening of early 20th-century works, from Rachmaninov's brilliantly brooding symphony to Ravel's en...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...Meera Syal
Meera Syal
Albert Hall, Manchester
Dame Meera Syal shares the hilarious and heartwarming true stories that have shaped her life and work as one of Britain's most beloved comedy legends. Growing up in the only Asian family in a West Midlands mining village, Meera Syal wanted ...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...Goldie Lookin Chain
Goldie Lookin Chain
New Century, Manchester
The Newport comedy rap troupe claim influences through their modifications of songs from artists such as So Solid Crew, the Streets and... Paul Gascoigne. Tracks, such as the UK no.3 hit "Guns Don't Kill People Rappers Do", tackle topics su...Manchester Contemporary Orchestra
Manchester Contemporary Orchestra
RNCM, Manchester
Manchester Contemporary Orchestra reflects the bold evolution of compositional voices at the RNCM. No longer confined to traditional orchestral formats, today's composers explore a wider range of ensemble configurations, often incorporating...The Umbilical Brothers
