All events, festivals, and things to do in Manchester
A new 450-capacity grassroots live music venue is set to open on the ground floor of the New Century building this autumn. The space will feature a high-spec live setup and host a diverse programme of rock, jazz, hip-hop, and electronic artists.
Manchester New Century Hall
Fri 30 Oct
The mysterious Swedish psych collective Goat have announced a UK tour for 2027, including a headline show at Manchester's O2 Victoria Warehouse. The band is known for their masked, anonymous performances and unique blend of psych-rock.
Albert Hall
Fri 16 Oct
Salford Lads Club is hosting a series of events to mark the 40th anniversary of The Smiths' album 'The Queen is Dead'. The programme includes an immersive video installation, a rare memorabilia exhibition, and a record fair.
Salford Lads Club
Cultural landmark · 4.8 ★
The Royal Northern College of Music presents an immersive, after-hours live music event at the People’s History Museum. The performance features original works inspired by the museum's collection, focusing on themes of resistance and rebellion.
People's History Museum
Museum · 4.5 ★
An immersive celebration of light, sound, and storytelling mapped onto the historic stone walls of Manchester Cathedral. This dazzling 360-degree visual experience runs until early June.
Luminiscence Manchester - The 360 Immersive Show
Tourist attraction · 4.9 ★
The iconic pop group returns to the Etihad Stadium for a massive four-night residency, reviving their record-breaking 2009 tour for 2026.
Etihad Stadium
Sat 20 Jun
Legendary musician Neil Young brings his Love Earth World Tour to Manchester for a highly anticipated outdoor performance at Heaton Park.
Heaton Park
Fri 19 Jun
An immersive family-friendly exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum exploring space, the solar system, and the wonders of the universe.
Science and Industry Museum
Tourist attraction · 4.4 ★
Composer Ilan Eshkeri presents an immersive audio-visual concert at Aviva Studios, created in collaboration with the European Space Agency. The performance features orchestral music set against footage captured by astronauts on the International Space Station.
Aviva Studios - The Hall
Sat 6 Jun
Manchester's original urban folk music and dance festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with an expertly curated outdoor programme.
City Health Centre GP Practice
Doctor · 4.3 ★
Manchester's leading independent street food collective returns to the MediaCity waterfront for a summer season of open-air dining and events.
MediaCityUK
Point of interest · 4.6 ★
A three-day festival at The King's Arms in Salford featuring a variety of improv shows, workshops, and comedy performances.
The Kings Arms
Pub · 4.5 ★ · $
The Untold Orchestra leads a family-friendly afternoon of musical theatre hits at the Royal Northern College of Music. The event features songs from popular shows like Wicked and Six, alongside an interactive Kids' Karaoke session.
RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music)
University · 4.8 ★
The grassroots Green Island Festival returns to Hulme for a three-chapter format in June, July, and September. The event features a diverse lineup of global sounds, community-led programming, and a new family-friendly area.
Hulme Community Garden Centre
Garden center · 4.8 ★
A vibrant food and drink festival in Rochdale town centre featuring local chefs and live entertainment. A great way to sample diverse cuisines.
Manchester Street Food
Cafe · 4.6 ★
Now Wave presents Dream, Ivory on 7th June 2026 at YES Pink Room
YES (Pink Room)
Sun 7 Jun
A unique anniversary exhibition at Saul Hay Gallery where 100 artists are challenged to create work within a 10-centimetre square limit.
Saul Hay Gallery
Art gallery · 4.8 ★
A blockbuster exhibition at IWM North delving into the secret world of espionage and intelligence history.
IWM North
Art museum · 4.5 ★