What's on in Manchester
What's on in Manchester
Friday 22 May 2026
The Karate Kid The Musical
The Karate Kid The Musical
Palace Theatre, Manchester
The Karate Kid - The Musical brings the legendary 1984 film to life on stage. Don't miss the unforgettable theatrical experience of the season as this heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingl...The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind
The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Europe's most popular Banksy exhibition lands in Manchester, opening from the 13th March 2026 at Depot Mayfield. Step inside the mind of Banksy with an art experience for all, featuring over 200 reimagined works by the acclaimed street ar...Luminiscence
Luminiscence
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Arriving in the UK for the first time, after dazzling over 1 Million people in Europe, the incredible immersive projection concert LUMINISCENCE transforms Manchester Cathedral into a fully immersive world of sound, story, and light. Featuri...Philharmonic Sessions: The Rite of Spring
Philharmonic Sessions: The Rite of Spring
Aviva Studios, Manchester
'Watching an orchestra in this way is a one of a kind experience. The classical music comes alive and is able to be appreciated for what it is - a dynamic, expressive medium'. Manchester Evening News The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra returns t...Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk
O2 Apollo, Manchester
Influential German electronica icons Kraftwerk and the much-celebrated robots return, bringing with them their constantly upgraded Multimedia Tour which began back in 2012 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Part performance, part d...Gary Delaney
Gary Delaney
Waterside, Manchester
Gary Delaney's last UK tour ran for two and a half years across 378 dates. People laughed a lot and kept coming back. His videos have hundreds of millions of views. So now he's doing it all again with a brand new show. All new jokes and utt...Even These Things
Even These Things
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
An epic story of Manchester and Ireland by multi award-winning playwright Rory Mullarkey premieres at the Royal Exchange Theatre, 30 years after an IRA bomb devastated the heart of the city. Three centuries. Three moments in time. In 1846...Glen Hansard (The Frames)
Glen Hansard (The Frames)
Albert Hall, Manchester
Irish singer-songwriter and musician, Glen Hansard is known for his dynamic live shows. Since 1990, he has been the frontman of the Irish rock band The Frames. His 2015 second solo album "Didn't He Ramble" was nominated for the Grammy Award...Tinariwen
Tinariwen
O2 Ritz, Manchester
Tinariwen is a collective of Tuareg musicians from the Sahara region of northern Mali. Considered pioneers of desert blues, the group's guitar-driven style combines traditional Tuareg and African music with Western rock music. ...Jamali Maddix
Jamali Maddix
Cultplex, Manchester
Critically acclaimed comedian Jamali Maddix is back on the road with his brand-new show, Aston. Expect Jamali's trademark brutally honest and unflinching perspectives on the world at large. His last tours have sold-out shows across 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...Lucia & The Best Boys
Lucia & The Best Boys
Manchester Academy, Manchester
For nearly a decade, Lucia Fairfull has been carving out her place as an artist in the UK indie scene. The culmination of that hard graft and bold vision is music rooted in her Scottish upbringing and shaped by the creative community she ha...Ahmet Aslan
Ahmet Aslan
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Zazaki artist Ahmet Aslan creates a sound world of timeless beauty in which you can fully immerse yourself. He achieves this in part through his voice, which is robust and warm yet capable of soaring with emotional intensity. Alongside his ...One Breath Before The End
One Breath Before The End
53two, Manchester
1912 Productions presents the second play from Stephen Leach (Can't Wait To Leave) and directed by Mimi Collins (Water Party, Snakeskin Suit, Orange Flower Water), One Breath Before The End is a moving, acutely intimate piece exploring how ...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 ...Seafret
Seafret
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Indie folk rock duo Seafret consists of singer Jack Sedman and guitarist Harry Draper, from Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Their debut studio album Tell Me It's Real peaked at No. 59 on the UK Albums Chart. ...Nirvana Tribute
Nirvana Tribute
Freight Island, Manchester
Nirvana Tribute is the world renowned No.1 international touring tribute that has toured more than a dozen countries including the US, Europe and Asia. They have been featured in magazines & on television & radio across the globe. Regarded ...Northern Soul: Still Burning (15)
Northern Soul: Still Burning (15)
HOME, Manchester
A new documentary charting the history of Northern Soul from its birth at the world-famous Wigan Casino. Following on from 2012 documentary Keep on Burning - The Story of Northern Soul, this new film further explores the cultural phenomeno...Lily Moore
Lily Moore
The Deaf Institute, Manchester
Despite only just turning 21, the daughter of rock star royalty - the late Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore - has already been making giant steps as an artist. She made her TV debut featuring on the New Year's editions of BBC Top of the Pops...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 ...Saturday 23 May 2026
The Karate Kid The Musical
The Karate Kid The Musical
Palace Theatre, Manchester
The Karate Kid - The Musical brings the legendary 1984 film to life on stage. Don't miss the unforgettable theatrical experience of the season as this heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingl...The Hallé - It's A Livin' Thing: The Music of Jeff Lynne's ELO
The Hallé - It's A Livin' Thing: The Music of Jeff Lynne's ELO
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Experience the legendary Electric Light Orchestra's unique fusion of rock, pop and classical music as you've never heard it before, in this live orchestral celebration of Jeff Lynne's visionary music. Formed in 1970 in Birmingham UK, the El...Doja Cat
Doja Cat
Co-op Live, Manchester
The "Queen of Pop-Rap", GRAMMY Award-winning L.A. rapper and global superstar Doja Cat is best known for the UK no.1 single and International chart topper "Paint the Town Red". With over 65 million records sold worldwide, her Platinum-sell...The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind
The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Europe's most popular Banksy exhibition lands in Manchester, opening from the 13th March 2026 at Depot Mayfield. Step inside the mind of Banksy with an art experience for all, featuring over 200 reimagined works by the acclaimed street ar...Luminiscence
Luminiscence
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Arriving in the UK for the first time, after dazzling over 1 Million people in Europe, the incredible immersive projection concert LUMINISCENCE transforms Manchester Cathedral into a fully immersive world of sound, story, and light. Featuri...Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk
O2 Apollo, Manchester
Influential German electronica icons Kraftwerk and the much-celebrated robots return, bringing with them their constantly upgraded Multimedia Tour which began back in 2012 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Part performance, part d...The Corinthians: We Were The Champions (PG)
The Corinthians: We Were The Champions (PG)
HOME, Manchester
This is the incredible real-life story of the original rebel girls of football - The Corinthians Ladies FC from Manchester - who defied The FA's 50-year ban on women playing to become global champions. Told exclusively by 10 surviving playe...Kingfishr
Kingfishr
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Three unassuming young lads from Ireland have stories to tell, and they know how to tell them well. Meet Kingfishr, the folk-rock band rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about and in-demand acts for 2025. As society frets and fights ov...Even These Things
Even These Things
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
An epic story of Manchester and Ireland by multi award-winning playwright Rory Mullarkey premieres at the Royal Exchange Theatre, 30 years after an IRA bomb devastated the heart of the city. Three centuries. Three moments in time. In 1846...Kingfishr
Kingfishr
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Three unassuming young lads from Ireland have stories to tell, and they know how to tell them well. Meet Kingfishr, the folk-rock band rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about and in-demand acts for 2025. As society frets and fights ov...Mannyfest
Mannyfest
IDRA, Manchester
Over 40 DnB acts headlined by Kings of the Rollers ft Eksman + Camo & Krooked + Pmoney x Whiney + The Sauce ft Strategy. ...The Singing Mermaid
The Singing Mermaid
HOME, Manchester
3 - 8 year olds and their families will love this adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monk's hugely popular book, brought to life with beautiful puppetry and performance and music and songs by Barb Jungr (We're All Going On A Bear Hunt)...Day Fever
Day Fever
New Century, Manchester
The day-time clubbing event started by Line of Duty actress Vicky McClure, her husband, Welsh actor and filmmaker Jonny Owen, and Jon McClure, the frontman of Sheffield indie kings Reverend & The Makers, has swept the UK since it's launch i...Kumar
Kumar
O2 Ritz, Manchester
For over three decades, Kumar has reigned as Southeast Asia's most fearless comedy icon. Sharp-tongued, brutally honest, and impossible to ignore. With over 300 million views online and a trail of sold-out shows across the globe, Kumar ha...The Haunting of Blaine Manor
The Haunting of Blaine Manor
Waterside, Manchester
Renowned American parapsychologist Doctor Roy Earle, famous for discrediting hauntings and exposing fake mediums, is invited to attend a seance in what is said to be the most haunted building in England, a building with a horrific history, ...Ultimate Power
Ultimate Power
Yes, Manchester
Why go anywhere else when you can go to a place where everyone has a sole aim: to embrace the greatest power ballads ever written, all night long. The Ultimate Power DJs will take you on a ride through the very best of the genre: from forgo...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...Dave Formula & Noko (Magazine)
Dave Formula & Noko (Magazine)
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Magazine's Dave Formula (Keys) & Noko (Guitar) present a full set of work-outs culled from the Manchester band's classic back catalogue. Alongside Dave and Noko, stepping into Howard Devoto's, Barry Adamson's and John Doyle's not inconsider...Plini
Plini
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Described by Steve Vai as "one of the finest, forward thinking, melodic, rhythmically and harmonically deep, evolution of rock/metal instrumental guitarist I have ever heard," Australian guitarist and songwriter Plini Roessler-Holgate was n...Back to the 80's Tribute Festival
Back to the 80's Tribute Festival
Freight Island, Manchester
Manchester get ready for a spectacular Summer 80s Festival of tribute acts ...
Sunday 24 May 2026
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
City take on Villa at the Etihad in the Premier League. ...ZAYN
ZAYN
AO Arena, Manchester
Multi-platinum selling Bradford recording artist, songwriter, producer and philanthropist Zayn Malik is best known for his time in One Direction and for his skyscraping vocals and hybrid style of pop and R&B. With his debut solo album, he b...Pixies
Pixies
Aviva Studios, Manchester
With elements of indie rock and surf rock, 1980's Boston alternative rockers The Pixies have been cited by avowed fan Kurt Cobain as a heavy influence on Nirvana with "Smells Like Teen Spirit" a conscious attempt to co-opt the Pixies' sty...The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind
The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Europe's most popular Banksy exhibition lands in Manchester, opening from the 13th March 2026 at Depot Mayfield. Step inside the mind of Banksy with an art experience for all, featuring over 200 reimagined works by the acclaimed street ar...Dirty Dancing in Concert
Dirty Dancing in Concert
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
You fell in love with their first dance, now it's your turn to relive it. Dirty Dancing in Concert is a cinematic live-to-film concert event that brings the iconic love story back to the big screen, with a twist. Watch the digitally remaste...Jamie Hutchinson
Jamie Hutchinson
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Following his record-breaking Waterslide tour, Manchester comic and podcaster Jamie Hutchinson is back with Can My Mate Come He's Sound, a brand-new hour of unfiltered mayhem, questionable logic and emotional chaos held together by takea...Example
Example
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer extraordinaire, London-born Elliot John Gleave (a.k.a. Example) took his stage name from his initials "e.g.", the abbreviation of the Latin phrase meaning "for example". The first artist signed...London Concertante - Christmas Baroque by Candlelight
London Concertante - Christmas Baroque by Candlelight
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Celebrate Christmas with London Concertante as we perform a programme of stunning Christmas-themed Baroque works. Programme Corelli - Christmas Concerto Handel - Messiah Overture Torelli - Christmas Concerto Bach - Violin Concerto in A...London Concertante - The Seven Sins of Tango by Candlelight
London Concertante - The Seven Sins of Tango by Candlelight
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Discover tango like never before with The Seven Sins of Tango by Candlelight, a brand-new 2026 production featuring two champion dancers and a 10-piece ensemble from the world-renowned London Concertante. Straight from Argentina, this elec...Sasha & John Digweed
