What's on in Manchester
What's on in Manchester
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
The Umbilical Brothers
HOME, Manchester
Do you love staring at screens? Are you staring at a screen right now? You should get out more. Specifically to a show that has an enormous screen smack-bang in the middle of it. The Umbilicals take the energy of live performance and...The Ogretones - Shrek Tribute Band
The Ogretones - Shrek Tribute Band
O2 Ritz, Manchester
Leave your pitchforks at the door and step into the swamp... The UK's #1 Shrek tribute band, The Ogretones, are an 8-piece live band featuring Shrek, Fiona and Donkey & Friends with legendary performances that will transport you straight...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...Un-Convention Manchester
Un-Convention Manchester
Band On The Wall, Manchester
The 116th Un-Convention music conference and showcase will once again bring together hundreds of pioneering artists, managers, labels, promoters, and festivals from over 50 towns and cities across the UK to explore the current state of the ...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...K-Trap
K-Trap
Manchester Academy, Manchester
South London rapper K Trap has been unstoppable since emerging on the scene back in 2017, his mixtapes and veracious lyrics and collaborations have cemented his position as an undeniable pioneer. With UK Top 20 albums to his name, he reache...Airbag
Airbag
Manchester Academy, Manchester
For fans of Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Marillion, Astra, and Ozric Tentacles, Argentine hard rock sibling trio Airbag boast magnificent singing and prog atmospheres which compete for the lion's share with dark and captivating guitars, and...Chetham's Philharmonic Orchestra
Chetham's Philharmonic Orchestra
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Chetham's Philharmonic boast some of the most outstanding young musicians in the UK. ...Personal Trainer
Personal Trainer
Band On The Wall, Manchester
Amsterdam's Personal Trainer is a rock band built around singer/songwriter Willem Smit. Live, they have an ever-shifting line-up with members from bands like Canshaker Pi, Pip Blom, Bull, Steve French, The Klittens, Home Counties and many m...Backstage with English National Ballet
Backstage with English National Ballet
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the curtain at an English National Ballet production? Now's your chance to find out! With more than 100 dancers and musicians involved, there's a lot happening behind the scenes. Join us on this sp...Joanna Harries & Aleksandra Myslek
Joanna Harries & Aleksandra Myslek
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Praised for her "stylish" singing (Opera Magazine) and the "emotional force" (The Times) of her performances, mezzo-soprano Joanna Harries studied at the RNCM and RCS before becoming a young artist at the National Opera Studio. A keen recit...
Friday 23 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...The Brown Suite
The Brown Suite
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Get ready to turn up the volume and step into The Brown Suite, a thrilling new dance show where legendary music, electrifying movement and irresistible soul come together. Welcome to 1970s New York. The music is loud, the dancefloor is aliv...Westlife
Westlife
Co-op Live, Manchester
The UK's biggest-selling album group of the 21st century, celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2026. The Irish pop kings will deliver a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary 25-year career from timeless ballads to global c...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...The Shamrocks
The Shamrocks
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
The roaring, rousing atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs will be brought to stages across the country as Emmy Award-winning group The Shamrocks embark on their debut UK tour. After wowing audiences across the globe - from the Sydney Opera ...The Proclaimers
The Proclaimers
O2 Apollo, Manchester
Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid emerged 35 years ago with their debut album This Is The Story and Top 3 single Letter from America. Since then, their enduring appeal across generations has have over the years see...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...The Mary Wallopers
The Mary Wallopers
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Described by The Guardian as "invoking the raucous ghosts of The Dubliners and The Pogues to startling effect", The Mary Wallopers are a folk group from Dundalk, Ireland, breathing new life into both well known & rare ballads. Travelling th...Chetham's Symphony Orchestra
