For a moment there, it seemed like we’d never leave winter. But finally, here we are – enjoying some milder temperatures and a newfound excitement for the months to come. Whether it’s a breath of fresh air you fancy after months of hibernation, or a night out at one of the city’s most unique experiences, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Manchester this April.
Catch Palme d’Or winner Man of Iron at HOME Manchester
If you fancy a standout cinema pick this April, Andrzej Wajda’s Palme d’Or‑winning Man of Iron blends fact and fiction as it follows a radio journalist drawn into the Solidarity movement. The screening at HOME includes an introduction by Polish film critic Michal Oleszczyk during the Kinoteka run (8–25 April 2026).
Step into Ancient Egypt at The Horizon of Khufu VR experience
Step back 4,500 years using cutting-edge VR to explore the world of Pharaoh Khufu. The immersive adventure at Manchester’s Transmission House transports visitors to Ancient Egypt to witness ceremonies, explore pyramids and float along the Nile. Horizon of Khufu VR experience opens on April 2 and includes free-roam avatars, an informative virtual guide and collaboration with Egyptologists from Harvard.
Cheer on runners at the Manchester Marathon
This April sees the return of the much-loved race in the city the Manchester Marathon, which will see thousands of runners take to the streets to run a marathon. Taking place on April 19, why not show your support from the side lines as you watch runners speed through the city?
Explore all the cherry blossom spots in the city
There are a number of things we love about the spring. Warmer weather, the smell of dew in the morning… But our favourite part of all? The sight of gorgeous, pink cherry blossom. Adding a huge dose of beauty to any landscape, the trees pop with blossom for a very limited time, with stunning pastel pink flowers that flow in the wind. So get outdoors and catch the cherry blossom before it’s gone for another year and why not follow the Bloomtown trail to discover all the blossoming hotspots?
Watch Matilda at an immersive eat-along screening
As one of the coldest months of the year, indoor activities are high up on the agenda. Taste Film is a great option if you’re looking for something to do with your pals or partner, with or without alcohol. Pairing brilliant food with iconic on-screen moments, Taste Film is truly a feast for all the senses. Giving a whole new meaning to ‘watch what you eat’, the immersive experience combines two of life’s greatest joys: food and film. If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to reach out and grab a bite of whatever’s on screen, then you can do exactly that, with this month’s movie being Matilda.
Head to Freight Island as it reopens for the spring and summer seasons
Freight Island is set to reopen at Depot Mayfield on April 2 with a host of new traders (and some pretty big Manchester names) inside the 55,000-square-foot food hall. Continuing to champion the independent, the kitchens at Freight Island will see some much-loved and celebrated traders from the North West and beyond coming to Depot Mayfield including BRASA, a new Brazilian open-fire restaurant from acclaimed Manchester chef Caroline Martins, known for SAMPA.
Hop to it at East Lancashire Railway for a Peter Rabbit Easter Festival
Easter is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a family-friendly day out this April, Greater Manchester has a brilliant one lined up — with Peter Rabbit visiting Bury Transport Museum on April 3rd and 4th. Expect funfair rides, face painting, crafting, and plenty of chances to meet Peter Rabbit. Even better, your ticket includes a ride on the heritage trains of the East Lancashire Railway, making this a proper Easter outing with delightful activities and food options to keep everyone happy.
Catch Yungblud in Manchester as part of his 2026 arena tour
Looking ahead to a seriously big gig to add to your calendar, Yungblud, the innovative artist from Doncaster, is set to thrill fans on his Idols world arena tour, including a show in Manchester. Yungblud will kick off the UK and Ireland leg of his Idols world tour in Dublin on April 15 before heading to Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow, Birmingham and London, before finishing at AO Arena in Manchester on April 25.
Be enchanted by classical music and gorgeous floral displays at these spring-themed concerts
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. From string quartets to solo pianists, gifted musicians work their magic on contemporary pop songs from the likes of Adele and Taylor Swift at these candlelit tributes that make for the perfect springtime treat for both the eyes and ears.
Celebrate 100 years of the City of Salford
Salford is set to celebrate its 100th birthday as a city, bringing a whole host of Salford 100 celebrations to the masses this year – from musical performances to pop-up festivals. Salford City Council has announced it has appointed renowned creative organisations Walk the Plank and From The Other (Sounds From the Other City) as co-creative producers for Salford 100’s cultural programme spread across all eight neighbourhoods, which will explore the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future.
See The Prodigy live at Manchester’s Co-op Live
Legendary electronic punk band The Prodigy will hit the UK and Ireland in April 2026, featuring special guest Carl Cox, with a gig at Co-op Live in Manchester on April 16. Their tour promises high-energy performances of their greatest hits, coinciding with their emotional return to Glastonbury. Liam Howlett assures fans of a full Prodigy experience, and Cox will bring his iconic vinyl setup to set the stage.
Watch eerie and mystical films at Cultplex’s CURSE Folklore Film Festival
A new film festival promises to bring together the eerie, the mystical and the macabre at Manchester’s Cultplex cinema. CURSE Folklore Film Festival gathers together films that explore local legends, superstition and mythical creatures from across the globe, over the weekend of Friday 3 April – Sunday 5 April. Highlights of the CURSE weekender include a special opening night presentation of Häxan, accompanied by a live score from Nick Carlisle (April 3).
Put your moral compass to the test at The Jury Experience
Step into the courtroom with The Jury Experience at Royal Northern College of Music – an interactive, immersive trial where you’re not just watching the drama unfold, you’re part of it. You’ll actively participate in cases where accusations whir and the truth hangs in the balance. Challenge your morals as you sift through evidence and witness testimonies in a tense showdown that puts your verdict to the test.
See Enter Shikari at a tiny Manchester show
For one of the most exciting live music picks this April, Enter Shikari have announced a small gig at Satan’s Hollow in Manchester on April 9, with support from East Exchange. Enter Shikari played the venue on April 10, 2006, before they had a record out, and now, seven studio albums and thousands of shows later, they’ll be back to give a nod to the small venues that they frequented in the early days of the band.
Dance the night away at Lost Cat’s free Easter parties
Lost Cat is turning five, and to celebrate, it’s throwing four free Easter parties, featuring cutting-edge electronic acts, underground DJs, and intimate live performances from Transmission Towers, Gina Breeze, DayDay, and El Diablos Social Club. The Northern Quarter hotspot has undergone a major revamp, unveiling FOUND, a 120-capacity upstairs club and live music room with a new 5am licence. With a central DJ booth, upgraded sound, immersive lighting, and a reimagined layout, dancers are closer to the action than ever before. From booming basslines to cosmic disco, FOUND promises to inject new energy into Manchester’s nightlife and cement Lost Cat’s reputation as a destination for music lovers.
View a rare series of photographs of Tony Wilson at this free exhibition
A free exhibition of previously unseen portraits of Tony Wilson, one of Manchester’s most influential figures in music, is heading to Kimpton Clocktower Hotel this month. Launching at The Refuge on April 9 and running until May 20, Tony Wilson: A Portrait of Manchester presents a rare series of photographs by acclaimed photographer Paul Wolfgang Webster. Shot in 1996 on a Hasselblad 500CM medium-format film camera, the shots offer a candid and intimate glimpse into the life of the legendary broadcaster and Factory Records founder.
Watch an incredible magic show at Manchester’s luxurious hotel The Midland
Combining mesmerising magic and a stunning setting, Magic at The Midland is an unforgettable experience. Witness the incredible magic of Steve Price, one of the UK’s best magicians, and prepare to be amazed, entertained, and left wondering how he does it all. Don’t blink or you might miss the magic unfold before your eyes in the luxurious Lancaster Suite at The Midland Hotel.
Pick your own tulips at Benty Farm Tearooms
If you’re craving a proper spring day out near Manchester, Benty Farm Tearooms in Thurstaston runs pick-your-own tulip fields in spring. Wander the meadow of tulips, pick your own stems, then relax with homemade treats at the cosy, dog-friendly tearoom. Tulip picking in 2026 charges £1 per stem with entry at £5 (under 2s free); typical opening is Wednesday–Sunday, 10am-4pm.
