What's on in Manchester and surrounding area
What's on in Manchester and surrounding area
Friday 17 July 2026
Something Rotten
Something Rotten
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
An hilarous musical starring Jason Manford, Richard Fleeshman and Marisha Wallace. This 5 star, must-see production is everything you want in a musical and no doubt you'll be returning for a second helping! IN A WORLD WITHOUT MUSICALS, TWO ...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...Thespians - Greece The Musical (But not that one)
Thespians - Greece The Musical (But not that one)
HOME, Manchester
MISCHIEF, the team behind the multi award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, rewrite ancient history with a brand-new musical comedy, THESPIANS, the first musical created by 'the funniest theatre troupe in Britain' (The Telegraph). 534 BC....Rhythm of the Dance
Rhythm of the Dance
Stockport Plaza, Stockport
Rhythm of the Dance has brought audiences around the world to their feet for over two decades and is returning with a brand new production. Rooted in Ireland's rich culture and heritage, Rhythm of the Dance takes a different perspective on ...Boys Like Girls
Boys Like Girls
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Boys Like Girls emerged from the Boston underground with a sound that cut through the noise-anthemic, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. Since their debut, the band has defined and defied boundaries, delivering dynamic records and high...Pat Metheny
Pat Metheny
Aviva Studios, Manchester
Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Pat Metheny embarks on a world tour with new ensemble Side-Eye III+ Pat Metheny has stood at the forefront of modern music for more than five decades. Beginning on trumpet at age eight and switching to gui...Jess Robinson - Elton Reimagined
Jess Robinson - Elton Reimagined
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Elton John's greatest hits are reimagined by multi award-winning comedian and singer Jess Robinson (Radio 4's Dead Ringers, Channel 4's The Last Leg), renowned for her pitch-perfect impressions. Channeling a variety of legendary female ar...Lucy Porter
Lucy Porter
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Lucy Porter has been an Edinburgh Fringe favourite for over 20 years. She's appeared on countless TV shows including QI, Live at the Apollo and Would I Lie to You, as well as being a regular on Radio 4's News Quiz, The Unbelievable Truth...Swiftogeddon - The Taylor Swift Club Night
Swiftogeddon - The Taylor Swift Club Night
Freight Island, Manchester
Swiftogeddon is a night run by fans, for fans to come together and worship at the altar of Taylor Swift: non-stop Swifty all night: deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits. The greatest songwriter of her generation? That'...The Clone Roses + Definitely Mightbe + The James Experience + Happy Mondaze
The Clone Roses + Definitely Mightbe + The James Experience + Happy Mondaze
The Citadel Theatre, St Helens
Following their hugely successful 25th Anniversary Tour in 2023 culminating in a 6000+ sellout headline show at Manchester's' Heaton Park, The Clone Roses return, performing all the Madchester anthems we all know and love. The band have pe...Black Parade - 00's Emo Anthems
Black Parade - 00's Emo Anthems
Sunbird Records, Blackburn
The U.K's biggest emo party! Come dance to all the biggest emo bangers from: My Chemical Romance, Paramore, A Day To Remember, Jimmy Eat World, Pierce The Veil, Panic! At The Disco, Taking Back Sunday, Mayday Parade, Enter Shikari, All Amer...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...Murder Mystery Train
Murder Mystery Train
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Nothing works up an appetite like exercising those brain cells. So bring your best detective skills and join the award-winning After Dark Murder Mysteries for a night of mystery and murder on one of East Lancashire Railway's stunning her...All The Single Ladies
All The Single Ladies
The Met, Bury
"All The Single Ladies" is the latest comedy from MaD Theatre Company which explores the modern phenomenon of the 'Sandwich Generation' where people find themselves looking after their adult children as well as their ailing parents. Cath ...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 ...CHLOE CHARLOTTE
CHLOE CHARLOTTE
The Deaf Institute, Manchester
Chloe Charlotte is an indie pop artist from the UK who uses her experiences and feelings in life to create music for her fans to feel connected and heard. She writes from the heart, about relationships, friendships, growing up and navigatin...Dire Streets - Tribute to Dire Straits
Dire Streets - Tribute to Dire Straits
St Mary's Chambers, Rossendale
Dire Streets bring to life the classic songs of one of the world's greatest guitar bands with a level of musicianship and attention to detail that makes them the stand out Dire Straits tribute in the UK. The two-hour theatre show includes ...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 ...Drive A Steam Train Experience
Drive A Steam Train Experience
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Bring your childhood dreams to life as you step onto the footplate of a full-sized, fully operational heritage steam train and take control of the magnificent engine. A steam train driving experience on the East Lancashire Railway is exactl...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...Saturday 18 July 2026
Something Rotten
Something Rotten
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
An hilarous musical starring Jason Manford, Richard Fleeshman and Marisha Wallace. This 5 star, must-see production is everything you want in a musical and no doubt you'll be returning for a second helping! IN A WORLD WITHOUT MUSICALS, TWO ...Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
Lowry, Salford
Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll's most remarkable groups. Formed in Liverpool, in 1999, the tribute group have gone on to perf...Kell Brook v Eisa Al Dah
Kell Brook v Eisa Al Dah
AO Arena, Manchester
After capturing attention across the region, Destiny in the Desert has been rescheduled and moved from Dubai to the UK, bringing a historic night of boxing to Manchester. Set to take place at the iconic AO Arena, this special edition trans...Madness
Madness
Haydock Park, Newton-le-Willows
Madness may have been at the forefront of the late '70s ska revival, but the band quickly moved beyond the constraints of two-tone. By the time the '80s were in full swing, their embrace of everything from Motown to pure pop had made them o...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...Thespians - Greece The Musical (But not that one)
Thespians - Greece The Musical (But not that one)
HOME, Manchester
MISCHIEF, the team behind the multi award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, rewrite ancient history with a brand-new musical comedy, THESPIANS, the first musical created by 'the funniest theatre troupe in Britain' (The Telegraph). 534 BC....Scott Bennett
Scott Bennett
Lowry, Salford
As heard on BBC Radio 4!As a society we love stuff, it's a statement about who we are and who we want to be. But apparently, this message is at odds with the looming environmental crisis. We're now struggling to balance these worlds, to foc...Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Peep! Peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at East Lancashire Railway. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. There will be lots to enj...That Night In Manchester
That Night In Manchester
Stockport Plaza, Stockport
That Night in Manchester is a brand new musical regaling the audience with a nostalgic and emotional journey through the heady days of the 80s and 90s Manchester indie scene. The audience will be taken back to the vibrant and exhilarating ...Fingers on Buzzers
Fingers on Buzzers
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
A live recording of the popular podcast Fingers on Buzzers from comedian and keen amateur quizzer Lucy Porter, alongside The Chase's very own Jenny Ryan. Whether you're a Pointless armchair aficionado, nostalgic for the days of Going for Go...Justin Moorhouse & (Actual) Friends - Answer Any Question
Justin Moorhouse & (Actual) Friends - Answer Any Question
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
A brilliantly chaotic mix of stand-up, improv and quick-fire comedy, this is a show where absolutely anything can happen. Hosted by the effortlessly funny Justin Moorhouse - one of the UK's most beloved comedians, known for his warm charm, ...Oasiz - A Tribute to Oasis
Oasiz - A Tribute to Oasis
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
When a short clip of Oasiz front man Steve, performing as Liam, went viral on social media with over half a million views, many fans were convinced the clip was actually of Liam Gallagher himself which led to the story being covered in the ...The Clone Roses + Definitely Mightbe + The James Experience + Happy Mondaze
The Clone Roses + Definitely Mightbe + The James Experience + Happy Mondaze
The Citadel Theatre, St Helens
Following their hugely successful 25th Anniversary Tour in 2023 culminating in a 6000+ sellout headline show at Manchester's' Heaton Park, The Clone Roses return, performing all the Madchester anthems we all know and love. The band have pe...The Jerseys - Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
The Jerseys - Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
St Mary's Chambers, Rossendale
Join The Jerseys as they celebrate the timeless music of the one-hundred million album selling Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Incredible falsettos, beautiful a capellas - the authenticity of the sublime harmonies of the 60s and 70s ...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 RUSH
The RUSH
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Manchester-based covers band The RUSH was formed in 2014 by lead singer Gavin Jones, who was the shock eviction of the 2007 X-Factor show, even appearing on Lorraine Kelly breakfast show. They are celebrated for their unique style and powe...Harp & a Monkey
Harp & a Monkey
Band On The Wall, Manchester
Award-winning modern folk song and storytelling trio Harp & a Monkey perform traditional and original songs and stories with a heavy bias towards content from their native Greater Manchester. Critically acclaimed, but often criminally u...Jimmy Nail
Jimmy Nail
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Acclaimed actor, singer, musician and writer - and proud Geordie icon - Jimmy Nail heads out on the road in 2026 with Stories and Songs, a series of intimate retrospective shows reflecting on an extraordinary seven-decade career. From t...Pink Floydian - The Pink Floyd Experience
Pink Floydian - The Pink Floyd Experience
The Met, Bury
Pink Floydian are a 7-piece tribute to the greatest prog rock band of all time. They have been building up a reputation as one of the finest and most authentic Pink Floyd tributes in the UK. They have received praise for their incredibly ac...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 ...Sunday 19 July 2026
Something Rotten
Something Rotten
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
An hilarous musical starring Jason Manford, Richard Fleeshman and Marisha Wallace. This 5 star, must-see production is everything you want in a musical and no doubt you'll be returning for a second helping! IN A WORLD WITHOUT MUSICALS, TWO ...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...Myra DuBois
Myra DuBois
53two, Manchester
The siren from South Yorkshire, Ms Myra DuBois performs live at 53Two with support from "comedian" Frank Lavender. Rotherham's own renaissance woman, venerated televised personality, energy worker, wellness facilitator, intellectual, and em...Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Peep! Peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at East Lancashire Railway. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. There will be lots to enj...Manchester Vocal Ensemble
Manchester Vocal Ensemble
Lowry, Salford
Experience the power of voices like you've never heard before. Manchester Vocal Ensemble, one of the city's most exciting vocal groups, present an electrifying afternoon where iconic songs are transformed through spine-tingling vocal harmo...Bolton Comedy Festival - Big Improv Show
Bolton Comedy Festival - Big Improv Show
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
The Big Improv Show - the improvised comedy show exclusive to the Bolton Comedy Festival returns, starring a cast of award-winning comedic talent once more. Rufus Hound, Suki Webster, Justin Moorhouse and Sally Hodgkiss will be joining forc...Larry Dean
Larry Dean
Stockport Garrick Theatre, Stockport
Thrice Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominee and two-time star of Live At The Apollo, returns with a hilarious brand new show, Hellbent. Recently married, emotionally feral, the Gallus Glaswegian Goon returns with a riotous show about refusi...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...Lowry Showcase
Lowry Showcase
Lowry, Salford
Seven amateur theatre companies come together for their annual celebration of The West End and Broadway. This annual extravaganza of songs from the shows returns to raise funds for another charity close to their hearts. The 2026 show is i...Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
