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Manchester

What's On in Manchester – Events This Week & Things To Do

Manchester right now: 28 events this week · 2 categories

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Manchester moves fast. Between the Northern Quarter's latest gallery openings, festivals in the City Centre, gigs at the Deaf Institute, and new restaurants on Curry Mile, there's always something worth your time. But here's the thing, it all gets buried. Social media noise, fragmented event listings, neighbourhood groups that assume you've already heard.

That's where we come in. Every week, we filter the signal from the noise. Real events, genuine openings, and moments that matter, curated specifically for your part of Greater Manchester. No scrolling required. Just the best of your city, delivered to your inbox.

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Events in Manchester This Weekend

2026 Manchester Internatinal Food And Artisan Market

· Shopping & Markets

2026 Manchester International Food and Artisan Market features local producers and small businesses at Heaton Park.

Ramona Club x Apls 2 (Jonjo Williams)

· Nightlife & Music

Ramona Manchester hosts free club nights with DJ Jonjo Williams on Fridays and Saturdays.

Josh Weller: Work in Progress || Creatures Comedy Festival

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Josh Weller performs a new stand-up comedy show at the Creatures Comedy Club.

David Correos: Noise Zealand || Creatures Comedy Festival

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian David Correos performs his new show 'Noise Zealand' at the Creatures Comedy Festival in Manchester.

Creatures Comedy Festival Showcase

· Nightlife & Music

Creatures Comedy Festival Showcase features festival acts and local favorites at Creatures Comedy Club.

Comic Con Manchester

· Shopping & Markets

Comic Con Manchester, a major pop culture convention, draws over ten thousand fans to the Bowlers Exhibition Centre annually.

View all events this weekend →

Events in Manchester This Week

Creatures Festival Pass

· Nightlife & Music

Creatures Comedy Club offers a £20 festival pass for multiple stand-up shows across various venues.

Under One Roof - Thurs 23rd July

· Nightlife & Music

Outdoor accessible rave event for everyone at The Yard Manchester this summer.

Speed Dating - Salford - Ages 50-65

· Nightlife & Music

Adult speed dating event hosted at The Alchemist for individuals aged 50-65.

2026 Manchester Internatinal Food And Artisan Market

· Shopping & Markets

2026 Manchester International Food and Artisan Market features local producers and small businesses at Heaton Park.

Ramona Club x Apls 2 (Jonjo Williams)

· Nightlife & Music

Ramona Manchester hosts free club nights with DJ Jonjo Williams on Fridays and Saturdays.

View all events this week →

Explore Events by Category

Looking for something specific in Manchester?

What Readers Are Saying

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Upcoming Events by Category

Culture & Arts

The Rocky Horror Show

· Palace Theatre Manchester · Culture & Arts

The Palace Theatre Manchester hosts the cult classic musical 'The Rocky Horror Show' with iconic songs and theatrical performances.

Miss Saigon

· Palace Theatre Manchester · Culture & Arts

Miss Saigon, a musical with powerful performances and emotional storytelling, plays at the Palace Theatre Manchester.

View all Culture & Arts events →

Family & Kids

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show

· Palace Theatre Manchester · Family & Kids

Peppa Pig and her family perform a musical adventure at the Palace Theatre Manchester.

View all Family & Kids events →

Food & Drink

The Gee Cross Summer Festival

· Food & Drink

Community-built summer festival offering special events for the village.

View all Food & Drink events →

Nightlife & Music

Creatures Festival Pass

· Nightlife & Music

Creatures Comedy Club offers a £20 festival pass for multiple stand-up shows across various venues.

Under One Roof - Thurs 23rd July

· Nightlife & Music

Outdoor accessible rave event for everyone at The Yard Manchester this summer.

Speed Dating - Salford - Ages 50-65

· Nightlife & Music

Adult speed dating event hosted at The Alchemist for individuals aged 50-65.

Ramona Club x Apls 2 (Jonjo Williams)

· Nightlife & Music

Ramona Manchester hosts free club nights with DJ Jonjo Williams on Fridays and Saturdays.

Josh Weller: Work in Progress || Creatures Comedy Festival

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Josh Weller performs a new stand-up comedy show at the Creatures Comedy Club.

View all Nightlife & Music events →

Shopping & Markets

2026 Manchester Internatinal Food And Artisan Market

· Shopping & Markets

2026 Manchester International Food and Artisan Market features local producers and small businesses at Heaton Park.

Comic Con Manchester

· Shopping & Markets

Comic Con Manchester, a major pop culture convention, draws over ten thousand fans to the Bowlers Exhibition Centre annually.

View all Shopping & Markets events →

Manchester Places And Events Guides

Things to do in Manchester

If you're looking for what's on in Manchester, this site helps you find things to do whatever your interests. Events in Manchester span live music and theatre to food festivals, family activities, and shopping events. Whether you're seeking something for the weekend or exploring what's happening this week, you'll find comprehensive listings across the city and surrounding areas of Greater Manchester.

Manchester's event scene reflects its diverse neighbourhoods and cultural heritage. The City Centre hosts major festivals and concerts, while the Northern Quarter draws crowds for live music and independent venues. You can explore food events on the Curry Mile, catch theatre productions at Manchester Central Library, or browse markets and retail at the Trafford Centre. Sports enthusiasts can visit fitness facilities on Oxford Road, and family-friendly activities run throughout the year across parks and cultural spaces.

The site makes it easy to browse events this week and this weekend by category: Food & Drink, Family & Kids, Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Fitness & Outdoors, and Shopping & Markets. Filter by neighbourhood, venue, or event type to find exactly what suits you. Whether you're new to the city or a regular, you can discover local activities near you and plan ahead with event guides and venue information.

Common Manchester Questions

How can I find out what's on in Manchester this weekend?

Visit The City Brief's this weekend listings to discover events across Manchester. Browse by category, Food & Drink, Culture & Arts, Nightlife & Music, Family & Kids, Fitness & Outdoors, and Shopping & Markets, or filter by neighbourhood, including the City Centre, Northern Quarter, Ancoats, and Salford. Plan your activities with theatre performances, live music, markets, and dining experiences in mind.

What kinds of events happen in Manchester during the week?

Manchester hosts diverse weekday events. Theatre productions and cultural exhibitions occur at Manchester Central Library, featuring a basement theatre alongside its reading spaces. Food and drink events, markets, and dining experiences are common, particularly around the Curry Mile and Deansgate. Culture & Arts events span museums, galleries, and performances, whilst Fitness & Outdoors activities utilise Sugden Sports Centre and Manchester Aquatics Centre. The City Brief covers these weekly, helping you discover what’s on.

Where can I find live music in Manchester?

The Northern Quarter is known for its live music venues and creative energy. Castlefield Bowl hosts performances in a historic industrial setting, while the City Centre and Gay Village offer nightlife with bars and music venues. Manchester Central Library also hosts performances in its basement theatre. These neighbourhoods concentrate the city’s live music scene, from intimate venues to larger spaces.

What are the most popular event categories in Manchester?

The City Brief tracks six core event categories: Food & Drink, Family & Kids, Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Fitness & Outdoors, and Shopping & Markets. Culture & Arts draws on Manchester’s heritage and creativity, while Nightlife & Music showcases live performance. Food & Drink celebrates culinary diversity from the Curry Mile to Ancoats’ cafés. Family & Kids events utilise parks and institutions, Fitness & Outdoors activities leverage sports facilities, and Shopping & Markets serve locals and visitors.

How often are Manchester event listings updated?

The City Brief maintains current listings throughout the week, providing access to the latest happenings across Manchester and Greater Manchester. New events are added as venues confirm dates and activities. Use the this week and this weekend filters, alongside category and venue searches, to stay informed about festivals, theatre, nightlife, family activities, fitness classes, or market events.