What's on in Manchester and surrounding area
What's on in Manchester and surrounding area
Wednesday 15 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....Rachel Fairburn + Harry Stachini
Rachel Fairburn + Harry Stachini
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
A comedy headline double bill. Following her hugely successful 'Side Eye' tour, Rachel Fairburn (BBC Two's Live at the Apollo, All Killa No Filla) is heading out on her new 'Vexy Beasts' UK tour from 3rd October 2026. Come join her as she w...The Easy Rollers
The Easy Rollers
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
A roaring seven-piece jazz outfit - ready to transport you back to the golden age of jazz - deliver their sensational cabaret-style show Drop Me Off in Harlem, featuring hits from The Jazz Age (1920-1933) through to The Swing Era (1933-194...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...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 ...Shockout Academy Graduate Showcase
Shockout Academy Graduate Showcase
RNCM, Manchester
The Shockout Graduate Showcase is a dynamic evening of movement that brings together this year's graduating class alongside students from across the school. Featuring original works created in collaboration with individual professional chor...Adventures in Wonderland
Adventures in Wonderland
Z-arts, Manchester
Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure with Adventures in Wonderland at Z-arts! Created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books, step into Alice's shoes and have your very own magical Adventure i...The Bob Ross Effect
The Bob Ross Effect
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
A happy little show about the big things in life. Artist, animal-lover and unlikely sex symbol Bob Ross brought art to millions through his TV phenomenon, The Joy of Painting. 30 years on from his death, The Bob Ross Effect is a...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...StreetHunt Games: Outdoor scavenger hunt
StreetHunt Games: Outdoor scavenger hunt
Great Northern Square, Manchester
Will you crack the case? Whether you're planning a day out or a team event with a difference, this is Manchester as you've never experienced it. Friends, couples & families - Something fun, surprising and story-driven. Corporate & group boo...StreetHunt Games: Outdoor treasure hunt
StreetHunt Games: Outdoor treasure hunt
Science & Industry Museum, Manchester
Will you crack the case? Whether you're planning a day out or a team event with a difference, this is Manchester as you've never experienced it. Friends, couples & families - Something fun, surprising and story-driven. Corporate & group boo...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...Anastasia - The Musical (by Manchester Musical Youth Main Stage)
Anastasia - The Musical (by Manchester Musical Youth Main Stage)
Z-arts, Manchester
Manchester Musical Youth Main Stage present the timeless 'Anastasia' A dazzling show transporting you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of ...Laugh Therapy
Laugh Therapy
Creatures Comedy Club, Manchester
Ready for a dose of comedy to cure what ails you? Join us for a night where comedians become your "therapists," offering hilarious insights and advice to brave audience members who share their personal problems. Whether you're in the hot se...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. ...Lowry 360
Lowry 360
Lowry, Salford
A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of LS Lowry's iconic work, Going to the Match, in the UK's first free permanent immersive experience. Created in collaboration with Barcelona's renowned Immersive studi...Midweek Lunch on East Lancashire Railway
Midweek Lunch on East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Lunch in style on your trip along the ELR with this fabulous two-course, midweek luncheon. Whatever the occasion, it's the perfect opportunity to experience our vintage Pullman-style carriages and sensational menu. Organising a group excurs...Thursday 16 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....THE DRIFTERS
THE DRIFTERS
St Helens Theatre Royal, St Helens
Continuing the legacy of George and Faye Treadwell, the latest line-up of The Drifters are back on tour in the UK with a brand-new show, performing all the classic hits of the soul legends from the last six decades, such as 'Saturday Night...Breaking Benjamin
Breaking Benjamin
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Forming in 1998, and led by vocalist and guitarist, Benjamin Burnley, Pennsylvania hard rockers Breaking Benjamin have forged their own path through their angst-fuelled lyrics, crunching guitars and swelling choruses, that has seen them sel...Lucy Beaumont
Lucy Beaumont
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Lucy Beaumont has had quite the year. She lost a contestant £79,000 on The Wheel, forgot to revise for Mastermind, and generally confirmed she's terrible at quiz shows. So she's sticking with what she does best - this autumn, she's back ...The Beatles Get Blue - Live Jazz Tribute to the Fab Four
The Beatles Get Blue - Live Jazz Tribute to the Fab Four
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
Experience the timeless classics of the world's most famous band, Liverpool's own, The Beatles, with a cool Cat twist! An unforgettable evening as top-notch Jazz musicians based in Liverpool, breathe new life into your favourite Beatles cla...Altrincham Garrick Show Choir & The Untold Orchestra - 100 Years of Broadway
Altrincham Garrick Show Choir & The Untold Orchestra - 100 Years of Broadway
Altrincham Garrick, Altrincham
Altrincham Garrick Show Choir takes a journey through 100 Years of Broadway! The choir is back for its most ambitious concert to date with tunes from Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, Cats, Sweeney Todd, Grease, Mamma Mia, Wicked and many more....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...Hamlet (by A Place for Us Theatre Company)
Hamlet (by A Place for Us Theatre Company)
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
Step into the world of Hamlet, Shakespeare's masterpiece of revenge, betrayal, and ambition. Now in a brand-new 70-minute outdoor version from multi award winning A Place for Us Theatre Company, at Shakespeare North Ken Dodd Performance Gar...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 ...Shockout Academy Graduate Showcase
Shockout Academy Graduate Showcase
RNCM, Manchester
The Shockout Graduate Showcase is a dynamic evening of movement that brings together this year's graduating class alongside students from across the school. Featuring original works created in collaboration with individual professional chor...Adventures in Wonderland
Adventures in Wonderland
Z-arts, Manchester
Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure with Adventures in Wonderland at Z-arts! Created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books, step into Alice's shoes and have your very own magical Adventure i...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...StreetHunt Games: Outdoor scavenger hunt
StreetHunt Games: Outdoor scavenger hunt
Great Northern Square, Manchester
Will you crack the case? Whether you're planning a day out or a team event with a difference, this is Manchester as you've never experienced it. Friends, couples & families - Something fun, surprising and story-driven. Corporate & group boo...StreetHunt Games: Outdoor treasure hunt
StreetHunt Games: Outdoor treasure hunt
Science & Industry Museum, Manchester
Will you crack the case? Whether you're planning a day out or a team event with a difference, this is Manchester as you've never experienced it. Friends, couples & families - Something fun, surprising and story-driven. Corporate & group boo...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...Anastasia - The Musical (by Manchester Musical Youth Main Stage)
Anastasia - The Musical (by Manchester Musical Youth Main Stage)
Z-arts, Manchester
Manchester Musical Youth Main Stage present the timeless 'Anastasia' A dazzling show transporting you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of ...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. ...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....Craic by the Creek
Craic by the Creek
Whitebottom Farm, Stockport
Craic by the Creek is a music festival bringing some of the biggest names in traditional and contemporary Irish music to the Greater Manchester countryside. 2026 line-up includes: The Tumbling Paddies / The Whistlin' Donkeys / The Rising...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...Fields Of Gold Festival
Fields Of Gold Festival
Tameside Stadium, Ashton-under-Lyne
Sing your heart out to Manchester classics and the UK's favourite tunes performed by some of the country's finest tribute acts at the Fields Of Gold Festival, Tameside Stadium, hosted by Manchester Music Legends Clint Boon and Dave Sweet...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...Cloudbusting - The Music of Kate Bush
Cloudbusting - The Music of Kate Bush
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
'If you missed seeing Kate herself, Cloudbusting are the next best thing!' Simon Mayo, BBC Radio 2Cloudbusting have been championed by BBC ONE as one of the most authentic tributes in the world. Their passion for Kate's music has won over s...Lucy Porter
