What's on in Manchester
What's on in Manchester
Friday 28 August 2026
Pulp
Pulp
Wythenshawe Park, Manchester
Although formed in Sheffield in 1978 by 15 year old schoolboy Jarvis Cocker, the critically acclaimed indie rock band Pulp only first came to fame in the Britpop era, scoring their first Top 40 hit in 1994 with "Do You Remember the First Ti...Kevin Bridges
Kevin Bridges
O2 Apollo, Manchester
Kev.I.n is back, and he's Here If You Need Him. Scotland's comedy powerhouse Kevin Bridges returns to the stage in 2026 with a brand-new stand-up show. After shattering box office records with Overdue Catch-Up (2022), Brand New Tour (2...Manchester Pride - Gay Village Party
Manchester Pride - Gay Village Party
Sackville Gardens, Manchester
Get ready for a weekend of non-stop queer joy, iconic performances, and euphoric energy at the heart of Manchester Pride. Sip cocktails in your fave Gay Village bars, take a spin on the funfair, lose yourself in jaw-dropping street performa...Zain Zohaib
Zain Zohaib
Aviva Studios, Manchester
Pakistani brothers Zain Ali and Zohaib Ali are the grandsons of Ustad Haji Rehmat Ali Khan who performed for 40 years with Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on 2nd Harmonium. They mark a landmark moment in their journey and a must-see event for l...African Heritage Festival
African Heritage Festival
Albert Hall, Manchester
An unforgettable celebration of African (Ghanaian) music and unity. Get ready for an unforgettable night at the African Heritage Festival 2026 featuring electrifying performances from Kofi Kinaata, Wendy Shay, Akwaboah, and the Davison Band...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...Neeve Zahra
Neeve Zahra
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Manchester born singer/songwriter, Neeve Zahra is captivating audiences with her unique voice and beautiful lyrics which are far beyond her years. Championed by the likes of Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2 and CountryLine Radio's Tim Prottey-Jone...The Schitt's Show - A Drag Celebration of Schitt's Creek
The Schitt's Show - A Drag Celebration of Schitt's Creek
HOME, Manchester
A drag tribute to the classic sitcom. It's been 10 years since the Rose empire crumbled and our favourite well-to-do family were forced to become small-town simpletons... Over the following 5 years the people of Schitt's Creek carved a plac...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...Grindr The Opera!
Grindr The Opera!
53two, Manchester
Grindr The Opera! puts the most notorious gay hook-up app into the exaggerated world of opera. With musical styles ranging from baroque to contemporary pop, Grindr: The Opera! is a daring, humorous look at the changing landscape of gay rela...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 ...Friday Night Comedy Showcase
Friday Night Comedy Showcase
Creatures Comedy Club, Manchester
Every Friday, the stage comes alive with top-tier humour, featuring a mix of rising stars and international headliners. A night of laughter and unforgettable fun at the only seven-night-a-week club in Manchester, with a diverse lineup. ...Fieldsy - Irish Ballads and Rebel Songs
Fieldsy - Irish Ballads and Rebel Songs
Irish World Heritage Center, Manchester
Dublin folk singer Fieldsy delivers a nostalgic high energy show with all the Irish classics from The Wolfetones to The Dubliners and more. You will be singing along all night. ...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. ...Sound Of The Crowd - A Night Of Retro Electro
Sound Of The Crowd - A Night Of Retro Electro
Yes, Manchester
If you like New Wave, Synthpop, Italo, Hi-NRG and all things Retro Electro from 1980 until now, then Manchester-based Welsh DJ Dinsdale Godfrey and Liam Moody will take you through the night playing anything from ABC to ZYX. Expect to hear...Saturday 29 August 2026
Courteeners
Courteeners
Wythenshawe Park, Manchester
Led by talismanic singer/songwriter Liam Fray, the Mancunian stadium rockers and former Manchester United ball-boys have evolved from raw anthemic indie rockers to groove-laden indie kings. Each of their seven albums has gone Top 10, with t...Kevin Bridges
Kevin Bridges
O2 Apollo, Manchester
Kev.I.n is back, and he's Here If You Need Him. Scotland's comedy powerhouse Kevin Bridges returns to the stage in 2026 with a brand-new stand-up show. After shattering box office records with Overdue Catch-Up (2022), Brand New Tour (2...Manchester Pride - Gay Village Party
Manchester Pride - Gay Village Party
Sackville Gardens, Manchester
Get ready for a weekend of non-stop queer joy, iconic performances, and euphoric energy at the heart of Manchester Pride. Sip cocktails in your fave Gay Village bars, take a spin on the funfair, lose yourself in jaw-dropping street performa...Zack Knight
Zack Knight
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Born in Grimsby, to a Punjabi Mother and Afro-Asian Father, Zack Knight used influences from both his heritage and upbringing to craft his unique sound; best described as "...R&B infused style with a crossover." Early in his career, Knight ...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...Homoelectric
Homoelectric
Hidden, Manchester
A non-stop off-piste dark discotek for homos, heteros, lesbos, don't knows and disko asbos - the late night disenfranchised. ...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...Tez Ilyas
Tez Ilyas
The Lounge, Manchester
The grumpiest uncle in showbiz is back. Blackburn-born British-Pakistani comedian Tez Ilyas is one of the most most celebrated stars in British comedy, and Sunday Times best selling author (Secret Diary ofa British Muslim Aged 13 3⁄4) ...The Devout - Depeche Mode Tribute Act
The Devout - Depeche Mode Tribute Act
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Fast becoming The World's number one Depeche Mode Tribute Act, The Devout have brought the Depeche Mode experience to another level visually, aurally and musically. The band members are made up of well known artists in their own right:Reza...Grindr The Opera!
Grindr The Opera!
53two, Manchester
Grindr The Opera! puts the most notorious gay hook-up app into the exaggerated world of opera. With musical styles ranging from baroque to contemporary pop, Grindr: The Opera! is a daring, humorous look at the changing landscape of gay rela...Prose
Prose
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Known for their original blend of acoustic hip-hop and indie, Prose have played with Professor Green, The Enemy and fellow Mancunian JP Cooper, but one of their most famous collaborations is with four-time BRIT Award winner Emeli Sande. Emi...Red Leather
Red Leather
Gorilla, Manchester
Red Leather is an anonymous critically acclaimed rockabilly artist from Reno, Nevada who boasts a compelling gritty, soulful western alt-rock sound. A recovering cocaine and alcohol addict, after busking on Hollywood Boulevard, he rose to ...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...Manchester Comedy Club
Manchester Comedy Club
Area, Manchester
Hosted by Charli Angel,Manchester Comedy Club brings you the best of UK comedy. Enjoy a fantastic mix of jokes, quick wit, and laughter in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Whether you're here for the jokes, the company, or the atmosphere...Saturday Afternoon Comedy Showcase
Saturday Afternoon Comedy Showcase
Creatures Comedy Club, Manchester
Four amazing comedians with a resident host, presenting a mix of up-and-coming talent and international headliners at the only seven-night-a-week comedy club in Manchester. ...Saturday Night Comedy Showcase
Saturday Night Comedy Showcase
Creatures Comedy Club, Manchester
A flagship show featuring four amazing comedians with a resident host, presenting a mix of up-and-coming talent and international headliners. ...Manchester Music Tours - Joy Division Tour
Manchester Music Tours - Joy Division Tour
Vinyl Revival, Manchester
A four hour musical journey covering all things Joy Division and Factory Records! The chance to visit many of the important venues and locations around Manchester and surrounding areas that helped shape and influence the Joy Division sound....Sunday 30 August 2026
Manchester United v Ipswich Town
Manchester United v Ipswich Town
Old Trafford, Manchester
United take on the Tractor Boys in the Premier League. ...The Prodigy
The Prodigy
Wythenshawe Park, Manchester
"This one's for Flinty!" Dedicating the shows to their former frontman Keith Flint, following his tragic death in 2019, the legendary Essex group return. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide, The Prodigy are the undisputed superstars...Manchester Pride - Gay Village Party
Manchester Pride - Gay Village Party
Sackville Gardens, Manchester
Get ready for a weekend of non-stop queer joy, iconic performances, and euphoric energy at the heart of Manchester Pride. Sip cocktails in your fave Gay Village bars, take a spin on the funfair, lose yourself in jaw-dropping street performa...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...Current Joys
Current Joys
New Century, Manchester
Reno, Nevada, multi-instrumentalist, indie rock singer, and songwriter Nicholas Rattigan releases music under the moniker Current Joys. He also is the drummer and lead singer of the indie surf rock band Surf Curse. ...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...Josh Ross
Josh Ross
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Canadian country star Josh Ross has scored Platinum selling hits in his homeland with "Trouble", "Single Again", "First Taste of Gone", "On a Different Night", "Ain't Doin' Jack" and "Hate How You Look". He has cited Steve Earle as a maj...National Youth Concert Band
National Youth Concert Band
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Join the UK's leading youth wind band for an exciting and varied programme of music at the finale of their 2024 season. Led by Music Director Jonathan Parkes, with guest conductor Tim Reynish, the National Youth Concert Band will perform so...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
