14 Fab Things To Do In Manchester When It Undoubtedly Starts Raining Again

It may be summer and the sun might be blaring, but this is Manchester. Whether a born and raised Manc or adopted one, we know rain is never far away. It is definitely the right time for you to bring your friends and family to the city, just make sure you’re prepared. Making plans for the sunny weather is all good and well, but we’ve got you covered in case it decides to rain on your parade.

1. Enjoy the comfort of the big screen Cinema

Who doesn’t love the cinema? The latest films, popcorn – and an ice blast of course. It’s a perfect activity for any time of the day. So if showers scupper your plans but you’re not prepared to put them completely off why not head to the cinema? I mean you’ll be entertained for an hour or two and even be giving the rain time to pass. So worst case scenario you’ve just watched a really great film. Best case scenario you’ve watched a really great film and it’s stopped raining. Making it even more worthwhile is the fact that if you head down to an Odeon during July we can offer you a tasty discount on tickets. Various locations.

2. Add a spark to your concert experience with a Candlelight performance

Keeping with the theme of a spectacle we have Candlelight concerts. This might not be one you’ve thought of before but trust us, it’s an experience you won’t forget. At a Candlelight concert, you will essentially be getting a tribute performance from a live musician, or musicians, based around a certain artist or theme. Manchester can boast about its huge range of candlelight’s happening this year so whether you’re a fan of Oasis, Amy Winehouse, 80s & 90s Dance Anthems, or even movie soundtracks we’ve got you covered. You can check out the full lineup of candlelight concerts available here. Various locations.

Candlelight: A Tribute To Oasis
Candlelight Concorde: Movie Soundtracks Under A Plane
Candlelight: 80s & 90s Dance Anthems with Kaleidoscope Orchestra

3. Visit Manchester Art Gallery

Take your time to peruse Manchester Art Gallery. It is in the heart of the city and been at the heart of city life for over 200 years. It boasts an impressive public collection under its care of over 46,000 objects spanning centuries of fine art, craft and more. This has been shaped by the people, not just those in charge of the museum but by the people of Manchester itself. Besides its impressive collection, it also has a number of rotating exhibitions and events throughout the year. So with plenty to dive into why not spend the day down at the historic space and enjoy all it has to offer. Better yet, it’s entirely free to go to the main gallery collections and exhibition spaces. Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL

4. John Rylands Research Institute – just trust us, it’s not what it sounds like…

Sticking with doing things for free is the John Rylands Research Institute. Unless you were studying or have niche interests John Rylands probably doesn’t come up on your list of places to be. But it should. It is free to access to the public and has so much to offer. As a research institute, it boasts an impressive library that includes some rare collections you would struggle to find anywhere else in the world. It also boasts exhibitions and events across the year for you to enjoy. This all comes housed in a Grade I listed building with exquisite architecture – which you can again enjoy entirely for free. John Rylands Research Institute, 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH.

5-6. Have a big night out with a Manchester 360º party

Enjoy an exclusive party in a location you might never get to again. We’ve given you the laid back bit of culture but who’s going to turn down a night out? Well okay, I guess you might turn down a trip to ‘spoons but would you turn down a night of raving under a Concorde jet? Well we wouldn’t and we’d suggest you don’t either as Manchester 360º is offering exactly that. On top of the offering of partying under a jet, you could alternatively find yourself partying in Manchester Cathedral. At both, vibes will be provided by some of the most exciting DJs in the electronic scene. Sasha, Steve Parry, Darius Syrossian, Jess Kordecki, and more are on the lineup. Why wait? Get your tickets here now before it completely sells out. Various locations.

Manchester 360º x Moxy Muzik: Darius Syrossian at Concorde
Manchester 360º: Sasha at Manchester Cathedral

7. Escape to Freight Island

Escape to Freight Island is your one stop shop to fun. From day to day what’s on offer can change so make sure you plan ahead if there’s something specific you want to do when you head down there. If you’re looking for entertainment there’s the typical offering of DJs and artists that perform but the space also plays host to comedy clubs, cabaret, and a roller skating event! Whilst your enjoying that don’t forget to head down to one of their many bars and restaurants that have something for everyone to sink their teeth into. Find out more about Escape To Freight Island here. Escape To Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ.

8. Embrace your inner RuPaul with a Funnyboyz Drag Show

Don’t think RuPaul is having all the fun when it comes to drag. FunnyBoyz have a number of drag extravaganzas happening across the year. Expect the fabulous FunnyBoyz drag queens to lead live cabaret, a game of Benidorm Bingo, and some Spin The Wheel fun with the chance to win cash prizes up to £250. If that wasn’t enough at a couple of the events some of the legends of RuPaul’s Drag Race will be hosting proceedings. So enjoy some popcorn, a drink, and drag all in one for a night you’re sure not to forget. Find tickets and all available dates here. New York New York, 94-98 Bloom St, Manchester M1 3LY.

9. Live out your Bushtucker Trial fantasies at the I’m A Celebrity…Jungle Challenge

You might never get to go on I’m A Celeb… but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience or trial or two thought up by the minds behind the show. Head down to the Jungle Challenge and pit yourself against the Tree Top Trial, Star Scavenger Hunt, Dingo Dollar Phones and more. Trials each have a star rating based on their fear factor so you might want to ease yourself in depending on how wild you’re willing to get. You can find out more information here. I’m A Celebrity Jungle Challenge, Quayside MediaCityUK, Manchester, M50 3AH.

10. Master the art of snow sports at the Chill Factore

Love a taste of adrenaline? Chill Factore boasts the UK’s longest indoor ski slope and has plenty of activities on offer for those who like to live life on the wild side (or have simply had their skiing holiday cancelled due to COVID!). Learn to ski or snowboard, or take on one of their mammoth team building activities, including climbing up to their very own summit, building sledges and more. Chill Factore, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, M41 7JA.

11. Go axe throwing at Whistle Punks

Perfect for a mates date or work outing, axe throwing is the immensely satisfying and surprisingly social activity that gives you the chance to embrace your inner Viking. Experienced throwing instructors will get you throwing like a pro in no time. Then once you’ve got the hang of it they’ll take you and your group through a tournament until the king or queen of axes is crowned. Get tickets here. Whistle Punks, Great Northern Warehouse, Unit 20, Atrium level, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN.

12. Have a ping pong party at Twenty Twenty Two

Twenty Twenty Two has long attracted in-the-know Mancs when the sun decides to hide away for a while, and is tucked underground so you can truly escape the dreadful weather. Walk in and be greeted with a welcoming bar surrounded by comfy, socially-laid out chesterfield sofas – where you can kick back and relax while chatting with friends, before heading into the next room where you can book out a ping pong table for a while and play til your heart’s content. Twenty Twenty Two, The Basement, Little Lever St, M1 1EZ.

13. Get locked up with cocktails at Alcotraz

Opening this week – July 16 to be exact – near Spinningfields is Manchester’s newest quirky place-to-be, Alcotraz. It is allowing guests to step into a theatrical cocktail experience that takes place in a fictional prison. Pop on your very own orange jumpsuit and sneak your way into your cell, before being served contraband cocktails from a fellow ‘inmate’. Just watch out for those pesky wardens… Book it here. Alcotraz, 1A Watson St, M3 4EE.

14. Polish up your darts skills at Flight Club

Cocktails, pizza and interactive darts. Flight Club has a whole lot of fun in store for your visit. From ‘Push for Drinks’ buttons at the tables, to a whole host of competitive games to challenge your mates to (as well as various photo-opps!), you’re sure to be in for a good night. Flight Club, Ship Canal House, 98 King St, M2 4WU.

 

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Also published on Medium.