6 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (16-18 September)

Here is our guide to the best of what’s on in and around the Greater Manchester region this weekend.

Salford’s Big Day Out

A huge host of family events set to make a great day out in Salford, with plenty to keep the kids entertained. Find out more.

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Ramsbottom Festival

With its eclectic mix of indie, rock and folk music, as well as family arts shows and specially brewed ales, Ramsbottom Festival is set to return this weekend. Find out more.

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Gracie Fields Weekend in Rochdale

A weekend of celebrations to mark the unveiling of the Gracie Fields statue in Rochdale, including a dinner dance and children’s activities. Click here for more information.

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Chester Zoo Wildlife Connections

Two days of intimate wildlife encounters, nature activities, workshops, live music and cinema will take place at Chester Zoo as part of a new festival celebrating all things UK wildlife. Click here for more information.

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Greater Manchester Walking Weekends

People across Greater Manchester will have the chance to step out and discover more about the region’s heritage and countryside with Walking Weekends this weekend. More information.

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Albert’s Schloss: Oktoberfest

Albert Schloss is hosting it’s very own Oktoberfest at the heart of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival starting this weekend. Find out more.

Why not enter one of our competitions to win a meal for two at Infamous Diner, or a Family Ticket to Manchester City Women v Chelsea Ladies’ in the FA Women’s Super League. Find out more.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

5 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (5 – 7 August)

Adrenaline Rush Manchester
Saturday 06 August
Taking place at Heaton Park over either 5k or 10k, get ready for some different and enjoyable, muddy action in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

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MediaCityUK Official Team GB FanZone
05 August – 21 August 2016
MediaCityUK will host live coverage of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on the large screen in the piazza.

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Sadler’s Yard Summer Jam
06 August 2016
Bringing a full day festival, jam-packed with live music, to Manchester city centre, it’s set to be an event to remember.

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Music Tours
Explore the legendary Manchester music scene from Joy Division to Oasis and everything in-between.

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The Whitworth – Outdoor art club
Saturday 11 August
A workshop that brings art, nature and creativity together that takes place come rain or shine. These sessions are all about art and getting creative in the great outdoors – in the Whitworth Park – whatever the weather.

Don’t forget to visit our competitions page for your chance to win tickets to the Amaluna – Cirque du Soleil premier, including meal at Wagamama’s and hotel stay.

5 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (08 – 10 July)

Here is our guide to the best of whats on in and around the Greater Manchester region this weekend.

Wigan International Jazz Festival

Celebrating the 31st Festival in style, Wigan Jazz Festival brings a programme packed with world-class artists. Find out more.

Tennis Family Weekend at First Street

Join First Street this weekend for a couple days of tennis-themed fun, including the Wimbledon Final. There will be magicians, music acts, tennis coaching, films, jugglers, face painting and much more. Click here for more information.

Northern Quarter Makers Market

Enjoy some eats, beats and treats at Northern Quarter’s Makers Market, with a whole host of crafts and creatives alongside some tasty treats and all the best music from DJ Pasta Paul. Find out more.

In a Forest, Dark and Deep at Salford Arts TheatreIn a Forest, Dark and Deep at Salford Arts Theatre

In a Forest, Dark and Deep is a gripping, dramatic tale of sibling rivalry. Betty and Bobby grew up together. They’ve argued their way through childhood and troubled teen years. Click here for more information.

Art Battle Manchester

Going head-to-head across two combat zones, a 600-strong capacity audience will watch painters, tattooists, illustrators and street artists take part in the city’s largest competitive live-painting event yet. Find out more.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

6 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (17 – 19 June)

Here is our guide to the best of whats on in and around the Greater Manchester region this weekend.

The Stone Roses at the Etihad Stadium

One of Manchester’s seminal bands, The Stone Roses play at the Etihad Stadium across the weekend. More info

Manchester Day Parade

Manchester Day returns for families, residents and visitors to get together and celebrate all things Mancunian. More info.

Spinningfields Makers Market

The Spinningfields Makers Markets return to Spinningfields Square and the Avenue over the weekend, creating a hub for the finest food and drink, art & design. More info.

The Mancorialist Exhibition “VI” in Proper Tea at Manchester Cathedral

The Mancorialist – presents its sixth exhibition in Proper Tea at The Manchester Cathedral, to celebrate and capture the lifestyle of the streets of Manchester.  More info

The Other Side of Midnight at Old Granada Studios

Old Granada Studios is hosting a special exhibition, The Other Side of Midnight, revealing the most immersive moments when we live for music. Photo credit: Gavin Mills. More info.

Clifton Country Park

Don’t forget our Walk of the Week is Clifton Country Park in Salford. More info.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

What’s on in Greater Manchester this Bank Holiday Weekend

King Street Festival
28 – 30 May
Manchester city centre’s iconic shopping street, King Street, is celebrating its new mix of premium retailers, luxury brands and upscale eateries and hotels with a long weekend of VIP shopping experiences over the Spring bank holiday. Find out more.

Bank Holiday Weekend at The Fitzgerald
26 – 29 May
The Fitzgerald is the place to be this bank holiday weekend – with everything from Acid Jazz to Disco, Funk and Soul. Find out more.

Solis Rooftop Parties
27 – 30 May
Expect acoustic performers, street food stalls, gin bar, Pimms, cocktail bar, trumpets, saxophone and DJs providing the finest sunshine to sunset vibes. Click here for more information.

Easter at Hula West Didsbury
26 – 29 May
There will be Zombies flowing all weekend long with 2 for £10 on all cocktails until 10pm, and a mix of dance floor fillers to hip-hop, reggae and everything in between from a stellar DJ line-up from Thursday through Sunday. Find out more.

Gentleman’s Afternoon at Harvey Nichols
28 May
Celebrating the launch of the new Menswear destination at Knightsbridge, Harvey Nichols are taking over the Manchester Menswear department with gin, grooming and guest pop-ups.

Boogie Nights presents: Medlar @ The Whiskey Jar
28 May
One of the biggest names in disco & funk music performs at The Whiskey Jar. See more at Visit Manchester.

Alberts Schloss Grand Weekend Retreat
29 May
Join Alberts from brunch till dawn, including a flamboyance of Promenaders, DJs and Live Guests all day long. Click here for more information.

No Hassle at Gorilla
29 May
Expect to be dancing the night away with the No Hassle resident DJ’s playing you the best house and techno all the way into the early hours of Monday morning. Find out more.

The Hidden Forest II
29 May
Party at the Hidden Forest for 12 hours of house and techno music, including top house and techno DJs Cabanne, Seb Zito, Anton Fitz, Martin Loose Cuts. Click here for more information.

Zutekh vs TPOT – Bank Holiday Party
29 May
Zutekh and TPOT DJs come together for a courtyard takeover party at South Nightclub this bank holiday weekend. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.

Odyssey Bank Holiday Sunday @ The Milton Club
29 May
The stylish atmosphere of The Milton Club paired with a great mixture of RnB, house and club classics will ensure the night is unforgettable! Find out more.

For more information about what’s on in Manchester go to visitmanchester.com.

9 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (20 – 22 May)

Here’s our guide to the best of what’s on in and around Greater Manchester this weekend.

Great CityGames

The Great CityGames, Manchester is once again set to bring world class athletics to the city’s streets. The event will still provide a unique opportunity to see top athletes from across the globe complete in an urban environment. Find out more.

May Feast and Flower Market

With a huge variety of fresh food, flowers and live music to enjoy, the May Feast and Flower Market on Exchange Square has something for everyone. Click here for more information.

Whit Friday Band Contest 2016

Every year dozens of Brass Bands compete in the picturesque villages of Saddleworth in this unique and traditional event. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.

NatWest T20 Blast at Emirates Old Trafford

Lancashire Lightning will hope to become the first county to retain the coveted NatWest T20 Blast trophy when they kick of their campaign at Emirates Old Trafford this Saturday against Derbyshire Falcons. Find out more.

Cocktails in the City

Explore studios, workshops and dressing rooms to discover a whole new array of bars, cocktails, games and experiences at Old Granada Studios. Click here for more information.

HOME 1st Birthday Weekend

HOME are throwing a weekend-long party full of art, workshops, performances, film previews, family theatre, DJ’s and dancing plus great food and drink. Click here for more information.

Morrisons Great Manchester Run 2016

Europe’s leading 10k running event, broadcast live on the BBC, will return to the heart of the city on Sunday 22 May and is an event not to be missed. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.

An Inspector Calls at The Lowry

Hailed as the theatrical event of our generation, winning more awards than any other play in history, this landmark production from the National Theatre has thrilled audiences in the West End, on Broadway and throughout the world; and has now arrived at The Lowry. Find out more.

Cities of Hope

A Street Art convention which brings 9 of the worlds best artists to Manchester with the objective to force witness to 9 key social justice issues. Find out more.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

9 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (05-07 February)

Here’s our guide to the best of what’s on in and around Manchester this weekend.

Chinese New Year

A whole host of events are taking place across the weekend to mark the start of the Chinese New Year of the monkey, including Chinese food markets, light shows, performances, and the famous dragon parade. Click here for more information.

Hacienda Classical

 

The DJ’s who shaped The Haçienda’s sound, Mike Pickering and Graeme Park will perform a continuous set of Haçienda classics alongside the 40-strong Camerata orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall. The Hacienda Classical will also return to Manchester to play the Castlefield Bowl on July 2, 2016. Find out more.

Awakenings Manchester

The world’s largest and most famous techno brand, Awakenings comes to the iconic Victoria Warehouse this weekend. Click here for more information.

 

Shrek the Musical at The Lowry

Direct from the West End, Shrek the Musical is a must-see show for all of the family. Head down to The Lowry to see the all the much-loved DreamWorks characters brought to life live on stage, in this all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Find out more.

The Big Game at Hard Rock Cafe

Be amongst the action this weekend at the Hard Rock Cafe where they will be screening the American Football Final on all their plasma televisions and a large projector. Head to Visit Manchester for more information.

WIT at Royal Exchange Theatre

Pulitzer-prize winning WIT is a striking and sharply funny reflection on the frailty of existence and the complex relationship between knowledge and love, starring Julie Hesmondhalgh. Find out more.

Queer Contact Festival 2016

Commencing this weekend, Queer Contact Festival celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender arts and culture in Greater Manchester as part of LGBT History Month. Expect theatre, music, dance, cabaret, comedy, spoken word, and visual art. Click here for more information.

Manchester Giants vs. Worcester Wolves

The Manchester Giants take on the Worcester Wolves at home and this match is a superhero fancy dress special, with costumes encouraged. Find out more.

NME Awards Tour at Manchester Academy

Catch some of the best of the music industry’s finest offerings during the NME Awards Tour 2016, which arrives at Manchester Academy this Saturday. Headlining the tour is Bloc Party with Drenge, Ratboy and Bugzy Malone in support. Click here for more information.

Competition

Win a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine at Pier Eight

Dine in the stylish and contemporary Pier Eight restaurant overlooking the dramatic skyline of Salford Quays and Media City. Enter your details here to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Competition closes 11 February 2016.

What’s On in Greater Manchester this February

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year in Manchester
4 – 7 February
Manchester hosts its largest party yet to welcome in the ‘Year of the Monkey’, with thousands of red Chinese Lanterns decorating the city’s central shopping streets. Find out more.

Chinese New Year at Selfridges
4 – 7 February
Selfridges are joining this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations with a variety of in-store performances including live music, dancing and illustration. Click here to find out more.

Chinese Lantern Festival at intu Trafford Centre
5 February – 21 April
Celebrate Chinese New Year in dazzling style as the intu Trafford Centre light up the sky with colourful and bright Chinese lanterns. For more information click here.

Something for the family

Magic, Witches and Devils at the John Rylands Library
21 January – 21 August
Experience how supernatural forces shaped the lives of everyone from kings and queens to clergymen and maidservants. Find out more here.

Shrek the Musical at The Lowry
2 – 20 February
This February, see Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on a spectacular musical adventure live at the Lowry. For more information click here.

Play Factore parents go free for Chinese New Year
6 February – 31 March
A great day out for families with little explorers, enjoy Play Factore for less when parents go free for Chinese New Year. Click here to find out more.

Steam, Sweat and Sewers
13 – 21 February
Revel in the stench and filth of a Victorian sewer and get messy at the goo making workshop and enjoy all the fun of the fair at the traditional fairground. Find out more here.

Arts & Culture

A Closer Look: Military Pride at IWM North
1 – 29 February
Hear the personal stories of lesbian and gay service personnel Jo Kirk, who serves in the RAF, and Patrick Lyster-Todd, who served in the Royal Navy. Find out more here.

Queer Contact Festival 2016
4 – 14 February
Part of LGBT History Month, the eight annual Queer Contact Festival is packed with music, theatre, dance, comedy, spoken word and more. Find out more here.

Hacienda Classical
5 – 12 February
A truly unique event merging orchestra and Hacienda nightclub classics, don’t miss this musical masterpiece at the Bridgewater Hall. Find out more here.

UK Art Lantern Festival
5 February – 20 April
Travel through a wide range of lantern displays ranging from traditional Chinese lanterns depicting the terracotta army, flora and fauna and architectural displays to Disney characters displays and Great UK landmarks. Find out more.

The Solid Life of Sugar Water at Royal Exchange Theatre
9 – 13 February
A play about love, loss, recovery and how a couple communicate in the wake of a tragedy, The Solid Life of Sugar Water follows the journey of a young couple as they attempt to reconnect with each other following a stillbirth. Click here for more information.

Valentine’s Day with the Halle
14 February
Treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a romantic trip to the Bridgewater Hall for a selection of classic musical love stories. Click here for more information.

Brought to Life Exhibition at HOME
22 January – 6 March
This exhibition features explicitly honest portraiture that has not been retouched or altered offering a contemporary narrative of veterans who are as brave as they are humble. Find out more.

Telescope Demonstration Night
24 February
The evening will start with the simplest telescopes before moving upwards to the two main telescopes types ‒ refractors and Newtonians, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. Click here for more information.

Endgame at HOME
25 February – 12 March
A one act play with only four characters but plenty of laughs, darkness and downright absurdity thrown into the mix. Click here to find out more.

Bury Photographic Society
27 February – 16 April
An exhibition of the society’s work in 2015, visitors can get involved and vote for their favourite picture. Click here for more information.

Let it Be at Manchester Opera House
29 February – 5 March
Jump into the swinging sixties and relive Beatlemania in this fantastic tribute to one of the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands live at the Manchester Opera House. Find out more here.

Sporting Events

Cancer Research Manchester Winter Run
28 February
20% off the Cancer Research UK Manchester Winter Run on Sunday 28th February, with the code VISITMANCHESTER! A unique 2.5km, 5km or 10km run featuring loads of wintry fun, including a Giant Snow Zone, Penguin Party and Polar Bear Hugs at the finish. Click here for more information.

Frampton vs. Quigg World Championship Boxing at Manchester Arena
27 February
Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg will meet for the IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight titles at Manchester Arena. Click here for more information.

National Squash Championships
8 – 14 February
Get in on the action and head to the Nationals, which return to Manchester in February with the UK’s top players competing for the prestigious British title. Click here for more information.

Nightlife

Awakenings Manchester
6 February
The world’s largest and most famous techno brand, Awakenings comes to the iconic Victoria Warehouse bringing with it 19 artists playing across 4 arenas. Click here for more information.

NME Awards Tour at Manchester Academy
6 February
Catch some of the best of the music industry’s finest offerings during the NME Awards Tour including headliners, Bloc Party with Drenge, Ratboy and Bugzy Malone in support. Find out more.

For more information about what’s on in Manchester go to visitmanchester.com

7 things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (13 – 15 November 2015)

Here’s our guide to the best of what’s on in and around Manchester this weekend.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester’s famous Christmas Markets return for the festive season from this weekend. Featuring nearly 350 stalls spanning 10 distinctive market sites; they will transform the city centre in to a festive wonderland. Find out more here.

The Ideal Home Show at Christmas

Back for 2015, The Ideal Home Show at Christmas is returning to EventCity, bringing everything to prepare for the festive season – and including appearances from Gino D’Acampo, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Katie Piper and Olly Smith. For more information, click here.

Louder than Words Festival of Music and Literature

Now in its third year, the Louder than Words Festival has something for anyone with a love for music, and the way words are used to inform, create and discuss that music. Click here for more information.

Reindeer Parade

This Saturday, Santa will be arriving into Oldham town centre, leading his reindeer around the town on their way to the Spindles Town Square, where he will be opening his brand new grotto. To find out more, click here.

Wythenshawe Hall Open Day

Welcoming visitors of all ages, the open day will let visitors take a step back in time and learn about the local heritage. The Friends of Wythenshawe Hall, dressed in period costume, will be on hand to answer any questions. Find out more here.

The Last Tango at the Manchester Opera House

Fresh from their sell-out hit shows Midnight Tango and Dance ‘Til Dawn, Strictly Come Dancing superstars Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace have created their most moving production yet. To find out more, click here.

England under 19s v Japan

Come and cheer on the Young Lions who take on Japan in an exciting fixture with two Manchester City players named in the squad.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

What’s on in Greater Manchester this October

To celebrate Ryan Giggs’ decade spanning time at Manchester United, a dedicated exhibition has opened in his honour at the Manchester United Museum & Tour, Old Trafford, titled: Ryan Giggs: The man for all seasons.

Sporting extravaganza around the region

Sale Sharks vs Worcester Warriors
23 October
With the new season under way Sale Sharks welcome Worcester Warriors in their first Aviva Premiership home game at the AJ Bell Stadium on October 23rd with a number of superb corporate hospitality packages and stand tickets available for what should be a fiercely contested fixture. To book match tickets from just £15 (Adult) and £7 (junior) call 0161 667 7510 or email Lisa.Gale@salesharks.com.

Manchester Rugby World Cup Fanzone 2015
9 – 11 October
Albert Square will host Manchester’s Rugby World Cup 2015 fanzone, which will be the ideal place to watch all the action with big screens showing select games.

World Taekwondo GP 2015
16 – 18 October
A host of Olympic, World and European champions including Olympic medallists Jade Jones and Lutalo Muhammad will be competing at the Regional Arena, Etihad Campus.

Pitch to Pixel
23 October 2015 – June 2016
The National Football Museum’s new exhibition gives visitors a chance to enjoy a playable history of football gaming. Free admission.

Performances

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra – Bernstein’s Final Concert
9 October
A tribute to Leonard Bernstein’s final concert, see the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra perform some of the most life-enhancing music ever created.

1984 in Ballet
14-17 October
Based on the classic novel by George Orwell, this masterpiece of dance recreates an iconic story with an imaginative twist perfectly suited to modern audiences.

Hot Chip at Manchester Albert Hall
17 October
Music lovers must not miss out on the chance to see Hot Chip this October. The group who changed the face of electronic music will perform live in Manchester’s Albert Hall.

Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular at Manchester Opera House
2 October
Dance your socks off vintage Vegas style this October when Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular takes to the stage at Manchester Opera House. Expect lots of singalong songs and plenty of dancing.

Kid Ink at Manchester Apollo
20 October
Musician Kid Ink will perform in Manchester this October, performing tracks from the new album Full Speed in the UK for the first time.

Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra: RNCM
22 October
The Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra welcomes back renowned American maestro Franz Anton Krager in a concert marking the 150-year anniversary of the birth of composer Jean Sibelius.

Comedy Night at Manchester Jewish Museum
15 October
After performing in venues across the world, Sol Bernstein brings his unique style of comedy to the Manchester Jewish Museum this October.

Food and drink

Manchester Oktoberfest
21 – 25 October
Manchester’s very own Oktoberfest – with German beer, food and entertainment in a tent with space for 2,000 people in Albert Square.

Spinningfields Maker’s Market
17 – 18 October
The Spinningfields Markets showcase award-winning food, drink, art and crafts producers which are accompanied by live music, performances, cookery demonstrations and activities for children.

Arts and culture

Manchester Literature Festival
12 – 25 October
Held in venues across the city, Manchester Literature Festival will host an amazing line-up of internationally renowned authors, exclusive performances of specially commissioned work, bespoke walking tours and topical discussions.

A Celebration of Manchester’s Secret Spaces
1 – 4 October
A set of guided tours and walks as part of the Manchester Curious Festival of architecture, designed to appeal to a wider audience, making the concept of architecture accessible to all.

Turn over a new leaf at intu Trafford Centre
12 – 18 October
An exhibition of fashion, intu Trafford Centre allows guests to reinvent their style as well as discover key autumn trends at Manchester’s ultimate style event this October.

ExtraORDINARY at The Lowry
Until 18 October
This exhibition at The Lowry will celebrate ‘art in the everyday’ through the work of international artists. By working with everyday objects and the human body, artists are offering viewers accessible and identifiable ways to engage with contemporary practice.

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
9 – 11 October
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair will showcase 175 designer-makers selling beautiful and unique contemporary crafts. Join maker demonstrations, workshops, curator-led talks and much more.

Family fun

Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
3 – 4 October
This fun-filled day will include rides on Thomas the Tank Engine, meeting Sir Topham Hat, and a host of exciting Thomas-themed activities.

For more information about what’s on in Manchester go to www.visitmanchester.com