All events, festivals, and things to do in Manchester
Intimate string quartet concert of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran hits surrounded by hundreds of candles at Halle St Peter's. Perfect romantic or self-care evening.
Hallé St Peter's
Live music venue · 4.8 ★
David Hockney's largest UK print exhibition outside London at Whitworth Art Gallery, acclaimed for vibrant colours and Manchester connections. Attracting art crowds from afar.
The Whitworth
Art museum · 4.5 ★
Mercury Prize winner Little Simz performs a rare small-venue show at Albert Hall, previewing new songs. Buzz from industry insiders and fans snapping up tickets instantly.
Albert Hall
Techno DJ Daniel Avery performs in Victoria Baths' empty swimming pool under Luke Jerram’s Helios sculpture, with Aletha support.
Victoria Park
Lily Allen brings her 2026 UK tour to Aviva Studios with two nights performing her new album West End Girl in full. The autofiction-inspired record draws on personal emotional experiences from her recent split.
Aviva Studios - The Hall
Lily Allen: Performs West End Girl
11 Mar · Aviva Studios - The Hall
Captivating dance performance featuring elegant ballets. Critically acclaimed show promising artistic excellence at the Opera House.
Opera House, Manchester
Inspiring talks, demos, and workshops for neurodivergent people in STEM by professional engineers. Affordable student tickets making it accessible and timely for career buzz.
Dalton Building
Academic department · 4.6 ★
Free family weekend with robots, dinosaurs, experiments, and hands-on science activities. Hosted by University of Manchester to celebrate British Science Week, interactive and buzzworthy for all ages.
The Trafford Centre
Route
Kicking off its UK tour in Manchester, this adaptation of the cult film follows Cady Heron navigating high school savagery with The Plastics. Critically acclaimed and generating buzz as a fresh musical hit on the legendary Opera House stage.
Manchester Amber's
Full weekend of board games, role-playing games, indie traders, and community fun kicking off 2026 in Manchester.
Manchester Psych Fest 2026
5 Sept · O2 Ritz Manchester
Art gallery in Manchester Piccadilly concourse celebrating over three decades of iconic British and Manchester music design history.
Manchester Gorilla
Immersive 360° experience bringing L.S. Lowry’s 'Going to the Match' to life with sight and sound for The Lowry’s 25th anniversary. First time the iconic painting animates.
The Lowry
World premiere exhibition at Science and Industry Museum exploring the Solar System 'the horrible way', tied to BBC TV show. Encourages thrilling science with scientists and supervillains.
Science and Industry Museum
Tourist attraction · 4.4 ★
Week-long programme amplifying grassroots creativity and emerging Manchester talent ahead of The BRIT Awards under 'Manchester Seen and Heard'. Connects local voices with the music industry.
Manchester Cathedral
World-renowned graphic artist and DJ Stan Chow spins hip hop, soul, new wave, post-punk, and electronica at The Garden Bar. His recent BRITS art trail work is visible around town welcoming the awards.
The Garden Bar, Chorlton
Bar · 4.4 ★ · $$
Part of the Official BRITs Fringe 2026, POLARIS showcases Manchester's rising artists including BITEZ, LouFella, Ula, GoodBoyAngie, OLUCHI, Misan Veli, Foxi, and Edriff. Hosted by Jamz Supernova, it spans jazz-inflected poetry, underground club sounds, alt-soul, and rap in an intimate setting.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
Barbecue restaurant · 4.6 ★ · $$
Alter Bridge delivers an electrifying night of intense rock music with powerful vocals and dynamics at AO Arena. Don't miss this high-energy performance that's set to leave fans breathless.
AO Arena
Altered Images
15 Sept · Band On The Wall.
The BRIT Awards is coming to Manchester for the first time in its 48-year history at Co-op Live, featuring performances by Harry Styles, Rosalia, Olivia Dean, and more. It's British music's most prestigious awards show, generating massive buzz as part of a two-year deal. Broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX.
Co-op Live
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard
28 Feb · Co-op Live