Whether a born and raised Manc or an adopted one, we know all know rain is never far away in our dear city. However, poor weather doesn’t need to dampen your spirits – or your plans. We’ve got you covered in for things to do in Manchester on a rainy day.
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, giving the rain time to pass. 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 we can offer you a tasty discount on both Odeon tickets and Vue tickets. Result. Various locations.
2. Add a spark to your concert experience with a Candlelight performance
Keeping with the theme of spectacles, 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 Coldplay, Ella Fitzgerald, or even movie soundtracks, there’s something for everyone. Various locations.
3. Have a big night out at a Manchester 360º party
We’ve given you the laid back bit of culture, but who’s going to turn down a big night out? Manchester 360º offers exactly that on a rainy day (or a sunny one). 360º is a club night that brings some of the best house and electronic experiences to life in some of the most unique venues across the globe – all with a 360-degree element.
Previous 360 events have taken place in Victoria Baths and the Concorde centre, and Paris’ La Grande Arche de la Defense, with the likes of John Digweed, Faithless, Dimitri From Paris, Lee Burridge, and Darius Syrossian leading the sets. The next date is February 10, but if you can’t make that one, there are sure to be many more over the course of the year. Various locations – next event is in Manchester Cathedral, Victoria St, Manchester M3 1SX.
4. Keep the kids entertained at Dreamland Imaginarium
Whoever coined “happy wife, happy life” clearly hadn’t had kids – “happy kids, happy life” more like. Escape the rain with an hour at Dreamland Imaginarium, an interactive world aimed at children aged 1–7 that brings to life creatures from the realms of their imagination. An abundance of sights, sounds, scents and texture are incorporated throughout the Imaginarium’s four zones to encourage development in a fun way; one of those zones includes a cafe, perfect for parents to refuel both themselves and their little ones.
5. Get locked up with some cocktails at the Alcotraz cocktail experience
Alcotraz is one of Manchester’s quirkiest places to be, ideal for sheltering from a rainy day. The cocktail experience allows guests to step into a fictional prison, interact with fellow convicts, and drink cocktails (of course). 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… Alcotraz, 1A Watson St, M3 4EE.
6. Visit Manchester Art Gallery
Take shelter from the rainy day at 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
7. John Rylands Research Institute – just trust us, it’s not what it sounds like…
Sticking with doing free things to do in Manchester on a rainy day is a visit to the John Rylands Research Institute. Unless you are studying, or have pretty niche interests, John Rylands probably doesn’t initially come to mind a one of the city’s places to be. However, 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, again, you can enjoy entirely for free. John Rylands Research Institute, 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH.
8. Escape to Freight Island
Escape to Freight Island is your one stop shop of fun. What’s on offer can change from day to day, 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. Escape To Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ.
9. 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 here in Manchester that’ll keep you laughing come rain or shine. 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, a few RuPaul’s Drag Race legends will host some of the events. So, enjoy some popcorn, a drink, and drag at the next event – find FunnyBoyz tickets and all available dates here. New York New York, 94-98 Bloom St, Manchester M1 3LY.
10. Master the art of snow sports at the Chill Factore
Love a little adrenaline? Swap the rainy weather for a day on the slopes – in Manchester! 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. 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. 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; it 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.
12. Polish up your darts skills at Flight Club
Cocktails, pizza and interactive darts: Flight Club in Manchester has a whole lot of fun in store for your next rainy day 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-ops!), you’re sure to be in for a good night. Flight Club, Ship Canal House, 98 King St, M2 4WU.
Also published on Medium.