As night falls, Manchester’s creative spirit comes into its own, therefore, things to do at night in Manchester come in abundance. This guide aims to take you beyond the obvious — past the surface of the Northern Quarter — to places that offer real connection and community. It highlights venues beyond the ‘usual’ bars and clubs, focusing instead on spaces shaped by local culture and independent spirit. It aims to reflect what Manchester does best: staying open, authentic, and constantly evolving.
Here, are the best things to do in Manchester at night:
1. ‘HOME’– The culture and arts centre placing Manchester’s creative scene on the map
‘HOME’ is the culture and arts centre at the heart of Manchester’s creative scene. Its focus on supporting both local artist and international works, at ‘HOME’ there is always a special evening to be a part of. Evenings at ‘HOME’ offer an eclectic mix of open gallery evenings hosting local artists, screenings of both blockbuster and independent films (often with Q&A’s from local directors), and a diverse mix of theatre for everyone. Created by all and open to all, ‘HOME’ is where evenings in Manchester become inspiring.
2. Grassroots club culture
Manchester’s night-time economy is rich with DIY club nights and grassroots communities. For lovers of great sound, new collective Elody has been curating nights built around soulful dance music on a HiFi system. With no lineups, the emphasis is on strengthening community through a collective love of rhythm and movement.
Rainy Heart has been running a variety of different events, including film screenings, dining experiences and late-night parties at their residency at Kampus. To round things off, Nossa are consistently pushing sounds from around the world to different dance floors across the city, bringing their inclusive community ethos with them everywhere.
3. Beautifully unfiltered open mic nights
Manchester has long been a hub for upcoming talent, and its abundance of first rate open-mic nights now reflect this more than ever. ‘Blether Forever’ is, in its most simple form, an open mic night, where poetry, music, and warm conversation create space for connection and expression. For a more musical evening, the free highly-reviewed open-mic night at ‘The Whiskey Jar’ promises to be an inspiring. And, for aspiring new comedians ‘Frog & Bucket’ hosts an open mic every Monday. The Frog’s open mic night has helped launch: Peter Kay, John Bishop, Sarah Millican and the list goes on! Could you be the next?
4. Live music for all
‘Matt & Phred’s’, once a back-street jazz bar, now one of Manchester’s bustling hubs for live music — hosting live music every night this is a safe bet for any music head. Alternatively, ‘Band on the Wall’ stands out offering a mix of live bands and DJ sets in a venue steeped in cultural history. And for something rooted in tradition, Duffy’s in Chorlton is the place to go for live Irish music at the weekends—offering an authentic taste of the Irish community in Manchester.
5. Spiritual journeys at the Tarot Lounge
Whether you’re seeking a little inspiration, curious to try something new, or simply fancy a few cocktails in an esoteric setting — ‘The Tarot Lounge’ promises a truly memorable evening. Guided by three professional tarot readers, you’ll explore the history of tarot before taking part in both group and personal readings. With themed cocktails in hand, prepare to be transported into a mystical realm of reflection and discovery. Come with an open heart — and dive right in.
6. Pubs with personality
For a laid-back evening full of atmosphere and great conversation, Manchester’s cosy old pubs are hard to beat. Start at Peveril of the Peak — a quirky, lively spot once a WWII brothel, now perfect for a pint, don’t forget to bring your change for the old jukebox! On sunnier days, head to The Old Wellington, Manchester’s oldest building — the Tudor-era pub and its buzzing beer garden offer the ideal place for a sunset pint. And for a dose of culture, The Castle Hotel in the Northern Quarter blends old-school charm with a love for music and literature, hosting regular live events, in an ever-welcoming space.
7. A classier evening plan
Hosted in breathtaking historic venues like Manchester Cathedral and Hallé St Peter’s, Candlelight brings a wide-ranging programme of performances to life—perfect for an evening of music, elegance, and atmosphere. From Hans Zimmer soundtracks to nostalgic tributes to ABBA and Oasis, and classical works by Vivaldi and Ludovico, there’s something to stir every soul. Purchase your tickets here, don’t miss out on some of Manchester’s most magical evenings.
8. Dance floors that deliver
Choosing the best clubs in Manchester isn’t easy—it all depends on what you’re after. SOUP in the Northern Quarter offers two floors of bar and club space, usually playing a variety of genres from house to techno and many more. For something heavier, The White Hotel in Salford is raw, boundary-pushing venue that has become Manchester’s underground hub for experimental music, art, and ‘late-late’ nightlife. Alternatively, Canal Street bursts with energy, where you can jump from club to club dancing to pop, disco, and house in Manchester’s iconic Gay Village.
9. Creative plans with a cause
Intimate, creative nights are emerging across Manchester, fostering community and offering a booze-free break. ‘The Space Poetic’ is a monthly poetry gallery, celebrating poetry and people, this intimate evening is the perfect place for poetry enthusiasts. ‘Art For Our Sakes’ offers a late night gallery evening celebrating local artists and accessibility to them (and they are free!) ‘Life Drawing with HOP’, is hosted in a variety of locations with the intention of bringing local communities together through art and mindfulness, hosted in a variety of venues and multiple times a month, there is really no excuse for missing it!
10. Bargain BYOB restaurants
Manchester boasts a vibrant selection of BYOB restaurants, perfect for those looking to enjoy delicious meals without the hefty drinks bill. For authentic Middle Eastern flavors, ‘Yara’ offers Lebanese and Syrian dishes across its locations. Similarly, ‘‘Zena’ Restaurant in West Didsbury serves Levantine cuisine, allowing guests to spend more on their food paired with their favorite drinks. Pizza enthusiasts can head to ‘Double Zero’ in Chorlton for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, for one of the best pizzas in Manchester (without paying £8 for a glass of wine!)
11. Jazz, up close and personal
Step into the soul of New Orleans with ‘We call it Jazz’—a night of live music, soul, and pure rhythm. Feel the energy of hot jazz, where brass, blues, and improvisation collide. Experience the spirit of freedom and creativity on stage. With a setlist full of classics like, ‘All of Me’, ‘Cantaloupe Island’, ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ and many more. Book your tickets now for Manchester’s ultimate jazz night!