Struggling to plan a fun-filled weekend in Manchester? Come rain or shine (in this city’s case mainly rain), we’ve got you covered when it comes to what’s on this weekend in Manchester. From cocktails, to brunches, markets to gigs, there’s something for everyone, including some for the kids, on our list of things to do in Manchester this weekend.
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Where to eat and drink this weekend
From bottomless brunches to dining at the best restaurants in Manchester, here are the food and drink-focused events you should check out in Manchester this weekend.
1. Enjoy a top notch Sunday roast at The Fountain House
The Fountain House on Albert Square boasts one of the best roast dinners you can get outside of your Nan’s house. Choose from the likes of slow roasted topside of beef, porchetta with lip-smacking crackling, and succulent chicken with pig in blanket and stuffing, alongside vegan Wellington this place needs to be on your list to visit. The pub has got everything you need for a cosy Sunday including pub classics also available for those not fancying a roast, a two for £12 cocktail offer between 4pm and 7pm and some top-quality board games to help yourself too if the banter is running dry.
2. Experience Parisian decadence at Sexy Fish Manchester’s Grand Cabaret Dinner Party
For those looking for evening entertainment, Sexy Fish Manchester is hosting a Grand Cabaret-themed Dinner Party on April 26 from 10pm. Guests can expect a night of tantalising cocktails, dance and live music from Dax on Sax & Kami Foxx, in partnership with Hendrick’s and in celebration of the launch of Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret. Inspired by Parisian decadence, Sexy Fish and Hendrick’s have created four cocktails including the Paddington, made with Hendrick’s Gin, Marmalade, Orange and Suze and Lilias, made with Hendrick’s gin, lime, apple, parsley, green chartreuse and soda.
Bars, pubs and nightlife to check out this weekend
Whether you’re looking to let loose at a day party or dance all night, here are the best drinking and party spots to try this weekend.
3. Try an assortment of gins, vodkas, rums and tequilas at the Craft Spirit Show
Take a ‘spirited’ adventure with the UK’s Best Craft Gin, Rum & Vodka Festival coming to Manchester Cathedral on April 26 and 27. At this event, you can witness hundreds of different craft gins, spirits and distillers united under one roof to create what can only be described as one epic celebration. Sample new gins, rums, tequilas and vodkas you may not have discovered before plus there are extensively stocked bars with hundreds of different craft spirits to tantalise you with. Festival goers can also experience great live music and entertainment guaranteed to lift your spirits.
4. Head to a Barbie Beach Party at Freight Island
The iconic club night Girls On Film is back and heading to Freight Island this weekend. Get your glad rags on, go pink to make the boys wink or come just as you are because you’re Kenough as Girls on Film throw a Barbie Beach Party to celebrate the best film of 2023. Join hostess with the mostess, Hattie Pearson who will be on the decks with special guest DJs Decks on Legs, plus Drag Race UK legend Black Peppa will be gracing everyone with her presence alongside performers Coco Cannelle, Goodie Magnum, Ree Mix and Adam Sincerely bringing the energy. Listen to the best throwbacks from the 80s, 90s and 00s and get your sparkle on at the glitterfication station.
5. Celebrate eight years of The Playhouse Project at Kimpton Clocktower
To celebrate their eighth birthday, The Playhouse Project are throwing a party on April 28 in the ballroom of Kimpton Clocktower. Families are invited to this grand and unique space to dance and create for this very special birthday rave. Guests can expect a slick set of Soulful House, Disco & Electronica Goodness with soundtracks from DJ duo Veba & Lil’ Fee featuring the Cequin Circus and Bone Slimm Forde (Broken Glass Crew). A range of activities will also be available to kids and adults, including circus skills workshops featuring hula hoops, diablos, bucket stilts, spinning plates, flower sticks, gymnastic ribbons and diablos; baby yoga and multi-sensory play, themed art and craft workshops and face paint.
Top cultural attractions to visit this weekend
From exhibitions, pop-up installations, film screenings, shows and concerts, here are some of the best things to do in Manchester this weekend for a good dose of culture.
6. Witness a celebration of Spanish dance and music at this flamenco show
A vibrant celebration of Spanish culture is coming this spring through dance and music thanks to the sensational “We Call It Flamenco” show in Manchester. After touring some of the world’s biggest cities, talented bailaores are set to enchant audiences at Stoller Hall with moving music and impressive footwork on a tablao filled with red roses. It’s an ode to the emotionally-charged art form that transcends language barriers.
7. Take a trip to the Imperial War Museum North’s first exhibition on the Troubles
Imperial War Museum North’s first ever exhibition focusing on the Troubles in Northern Ireland is coming to Salford Quays, connecting this important history with Northern Ireland’s closest neighbour region. Northern Ireland: Living with the Troubles can be visited from March 22 and unpacks a complex chapter of our shared history, shining a light on the different narratives experienced by people who lived through the conflict within Northern Ireland and allowing them to share their version of events. Visitors will hear from individuals on all sides of the conflict, from republican and loyalist paramilitaries to British soldiers, local police and ordinary civilians.
8. See legendary Manc artist Stanley Chow’s best work at this exhibition in Chorlton
The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre in Chorlton is hosting a unique selection in an exhibition by internationally renowned illustrator Stanley Chow, who originally hails from Manchester. This special exhibition will run from February 15 to May 30 and will showcase Stan’s personally curated collection of actors from the stage, film and television – several of whom are BAFTA, Emmy, Olivier and Academy Award winners. The exhibition will also include the three patrons of The Edge, Sir Mark Rylance, Julie Hesmondhalgh and John Thomson.
9. Be enchanted by Coldplay hits on piano and gorgeous floral displays at this spring-themed concert
The arrival of spring is very welcome in Manchester which sees flowers bloom and trees start to bud. In keeping with the season, the Candlelight Spring concert series will be blossoming in the city to offer a new perspective on the music you know and love with the help of talented musicians, thousands of candles and a gorgeous floral display. This weekend, you can hear gifted musicians work their magic on contemporary pop songs from the likes of Coldplay at this candlelit and floral tribute that makes for the perfect springtime treat for both the eyes and ears.
10. Visit a new free art exhibition at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
A brand new free exhibition of multi-platform art celebrating the city known as Tales of Manchester 2.0, curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators, is coming to Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. Opening to the public from April 4, the exhibition which is the second of its kind, will showcase six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets: Griot Gabriel (as seen at Glastonbury 2023), Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet and Sarah Attwell. The spoken word will be paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the visual art, as Emma has listened to the words during the painting process.
11. Spot famous faces as part of the Greater Mancunians photography exhibition
There are some pretty recognisable faces hailing from Manchester, and we’re about to see them in a whole new light, along with lesser known but equally important faces, at a brand new exhibition. Photography students from The Manchester College will be showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at the iconic Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall. This ground-breaking photography project features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people like Noel Gallagher, Maxine Peake and John Cooper Clarke − shot at numerous locations across the city − all of which will be exhibited from April 19.
12. Laugh out loud at this drag comedy cabaret with Lady Bushra
Get ready to laugh your socks off with the iconic BBC New Comedy Award shortlisted drag comedian Lady Bushra. With her viral digital content and hilarious one-liners, she brings a unique and side-splitting comedy night like no other. Experience life from a British South Asian perspective with heavy doses of humour in a cabaret-style setting.
13. Take your pooch to a free dog festival with puppuccinos and more
The Ex-Paw Extravaganza returns on to Angel Meadow Park on April 27. From 11am – 4pm, this dog-themed festival promises a day full of pawsome activity for your furbulous friends (and humans too!). Ex-Paw Extravaganza isn’t just about celebrating our four-legged companions, the festival is also looking to make a difference to the lives of dogs in need. You can even put your pooch to the test with the agility course, which is free to use throughout the day, or schedule a pupdate in the puppy play area, or treat them to plenty of puppuccinos.
The hottest new openings in Manchester
Manchester is constantly full of newness, whether it be the latest bar and restaurant openings to brand new shops and pop-ups for you to browse, so we’ve rounded up what’s new to check out.
14. Tuck into succulent steak and rotisserie chicken at Medlock Canteen
One of the new restaurants and bars that has arrived in Manchester this month is Medlock Canteen, the latest concept from the team behind Belzan and Madre, situated at Deansgate Square. Taking inspiration from two distinct styles of eateries found on the opposite side of the Atlantic; Medlock Canteen is inspired by the informality, accessibility and hospitality of American diners and Parisian bistros with a menu centred around dishes ‘you know and love to eat’. The focal point of the menu however centres around the rotisserie chicken oven and you won’t find anywhere in the city serving anything like it.
15. Try New Century’s brand new kitchen Good Things Kitchen
A brand new kitchen is opening at New Century on April 19 called Good Things Kitchen. Diners can expect an irresistible mix of American classics on the menu, with something for everyone, and it is moreish! This isn’t a slap-up diner style menu however, Good Things solely use high quality meats – direct from local butchers and the freshest ingredients. Keep an eye out for the low-and-slow melt-in-the-mouth meats that will be hitting the menu soon.
16. Tuck into fried chicken from Popeyes’ first drive-thru in Greater Manchester
Popeyes arrived at Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens last autumn and since then the Louisiana fried chicken restaurant has become a hit with locals, so much so that another spot is opening in the region. Popeyes UK has announced that it will be opening the doors to its new Manchester drive-thru restaurant on April 24, meaning you can get a taste of the Deep South from the comfort of your car. The all new American fried chicken restaurant will be located on Bury New Road near Higher Broughton and will mark the brand’s 12th opening in 2024.
17. Enjoy a coffee at this new Stockport listening bar
From the team behind Ancoats’ NAM (now closed) comes an experience like no other. Ōdiobā is a stylish yet unsuspecting new spot in Stockport, seeing an artisan coffee shop by day turn listening bar by night. Fans of NAM will be familiar with the listening bar concept, where the sound system is the heartbeat, shaping the entire atmosphere and mood of the space, and Ōdiobā is a continuation of that, and then some.
Secret Manchester Picks
The Secret Manchester team’s top picks for more fun things you can do in Manchester this weekend.
18. Say namast-yay at this free yoga session at Angel Meadow Park
Following its success last year, Yoga in the Meadow is returning to Angel Meadow Park to start your chill weekend, offering residents of Manchester free yoga sessions. Hosted by FOUND, the first class will be held on April 26 from 8am to 8.45am, with the sessions then running on the last Friday of every month. The classes will be led by Yoga Alliance certified instructor Kate Tittley and welcomes all abilities. Yoga in the Meadow is the ideal opportunity to invigorate the body and mind before a busy day, with the chance to socialise with neighbours and the wider community as well.
19. Listen to the world’s first ensemble of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians at Aviva Studios
Paraorchestra is joining forces with Brett Anderson, Charles Hazlewood and Gwenno for Death Songbook – an anthology of music by icons such as Echo and the Bunnymen, Skeeter Davis, Japan, David Bowie/Jacques Brel and Suede. On April 26 at Aviva Studios, visitors can journey through the melancholy and euphoria of loss with new takes on famous songs about death, with Death Songbook acting as a reminder that music is our greatest friend in the darkest of times. Paraorchestra is the world’s first ensemble consisting of both professional disabled and non-disabled musicians playing an unconventional mix of traditional orchestral, acoustic, and electronic instruments and using assistive technology. Their intention is to reimagine what an orchestra – and orchestral music itself – can be.