Whether you’re planning to go out with a bang for the first bank holiday weekend of the year, or fancy something a little more low-key with family, you’re gonna be pretty spoiled for choice. From feasting on tasty, seasonal specials to exploring the great outdoors across the city, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Manchester this Easter bank holiday weekend.
1. Put your blasting skills to the test at NERF Action Xperience
The epic indoor attraction NERF Action Xperience at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo is great for kids and grown-ups too and involves putting your NERF blasting skills to the test. The experience features four fun-packed zones including battlefields, a training ground and a variety of energetic sports games that are sure to get your heart pounding and brain in the game. Tap into your inner Bond, plot your battlefield tactics, identify your enemy’s weaknesses and unleash foam-firing hell, which can finish with a tasty meal at Archie’s to fuel the day or soften the blow of defeat.
2. Celebrate the long weekend with the reopening of Freight Island
Manchester’s Freight Island will be back in full swing on Easter weekend, re-opening fully on March 29. Introducing Spring/Summer, running throughout the season from April to September, Freight Island has invited world-renowned DJs and the city’s finest talents to perform including David Rodigan, Greg Wilson, Norman Jay, Luke Una and his special É Soul Cultura, Crazy P (DJ Set), Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, and more. Continuing to champion independent traders from the North West, Liverpool institution and famous chicken shop Pattersons is set to open their stall at Freight Island on Good Friday. Guests can expect all of Freight Island’s amazing traders to be back open too like Burgerism, Voodoo Ray’s, Lazy Tony’s Lasagnaria and Payal, to name a few.
3. Scoff some Easter treats at Great Northern
Move over, Easter Eggs – we’re in the mood for something a little more fancy. For a fun twist on the classic Easter egg, independent chocolate maker Dormouse Chocolate has created an indulgent flat ‘egg tablet’, with flavours including a banoffee milk, and dark chocolate, hazelnut and orange. Or, for a chocolatey take on a breakfast classic, enjoy the award-winning ‘eggs on toast’ chocolate bar.Head to Alex’s Bakery and enjoy their new range of delicious Easter treats! Available to buy in store or order online, the limited edition range includes hot cross bun cookies, Mini Egg cupcakes, Crème Egg scotch eggs, and more!
4. Take a wonderful spring wander around RHS Garden Bridgewater
Opening just a few years ago in Worsley, the RHS Garden Bridgewater gates lead to a beautiful, nature wonderland – and it’s the perfect place to catch a literal breath of fresh air. Featuring multiple areas throughout to explore, including the ‘crown jewel’ of the site – the 11-acre Weston Walled Garden – visitors won’t be at a loss for beautiful sights, with tons of greenery, blooms, a peaceful lake and a number of lovely little ponds to potter around, as well as seasonal flowers and plants that transform throughout the year. Escape the city and witness nature doing its thing at this scenic garden – plus Spring has to be the perfect time for a visit!
5. See live music at ManiFest at the Oast House
The Oast House is bringing back their spring and summer festival, ManiFest, which officially kicks off on Easter weekend. The free-to-attend music festival will run from March 31, with a packed roster of musicians lined up for the occasion. Guests can enjoy genres such as rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco and blues, as well as delicious street food and flowing drinks.
6. Hear some of Ed Sheeran’s best tracks at this Candlelight tribute concert
If you are a fan of one of the most popular singers today, then you won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind tribute to Ed Sheeran. A talented string quartet is taking to the stage at Hallé St Peter’s to perform classical takes on some of the singer’s greatest hits. Songs such as “Bad Habits”, “Lego House”, and more are being reimagined during the 60-minute concert celebrating Ed Sheeran’s distinctive discography.
7. Climb up to Peel Tower and see sweeping views of Manchester and beyond
Looking for a fun and affordable day out this Easter? Get outdoors for some fresh air and explore Ramsbottom where you’ll find Peel Tower. Standing proud on Holcombe Hill, the tower named after Sir Robert Peel will be open to the public on March 29 for you to climb up. At the top you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Manchester skyline and nearby countryside.
8. Fill up on cheese on this epic Manchester Cheese Crawl
If you prefer a bit of cheese over chocolate, then indulge in some of the best local delights on the Manchester Cheese Crawl – where guests can discover some of the best local highlights within the city. Sample tons of brie-lliant cheeses along the way, alongside plenty of accompanying wine and crackers.
9. Scran delicious Easter specials at The Ivy Spinningfields
Hop to The Ivy in Manchester this Easter weekend to indulge in seasonal treats for brunch through to dinner, including a Chocolate Afternoon Tea for the occasion. Enjoy an assortment of freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, a selection of delicate finger sandwiches and delightful cakes and tarts now available with a limited-edition chocolate twist until April 9. Dine on selection of sweet and savoury dishes for the occasion such as the Aromatic Moroccan Lamb served with harissa spiced couscous, broad beans and a spiced tomato sauce. And for our younger guests, there will be an exclusive Kids Easter Dessert, a delicious chocolate brownie awaiting a personal touch with their own unique design.
10. Catch a new movie at the cinema
If it’s a chilled one on the cards for you this Easter weekend, then there are plenty of fantastic flicks to enjoy at Vue and ODEON cinemas in Manchester. From the brand new Dune 2 to the freshly released Kung Fun Panda 4 movie, there are plenty of huge Hollywood hits to get stuck into right now. Plus you can enjoy discounted cinema tickets via Fever, too!
11. Take part in an Easter egg hunt at Heaton Park
The much-loved Easter Market and the Heaton Park Big Egg Hunt returns to Heaton Park with an action-packed funfair. Creative umbrella painting and colourful arts and crafts workshops are just some of the free fun activities available. On the park’s courtyard, local vendors will have on offer selections of artisan gin, artsy print designs and handmade garden ornaments and trinkets on March 31 and April 1, 10am-3pm.
The Heaton Park Big Egg Hunt on March 30 and 31, 10am-2:30pm, gives the chance for everyone to hop into the search for the Easter bunny while following mystery eggs hidden amongst the paved footpath trail. After picking up a map at the beginning of their quest, hunters will also be tasked with collecting letters along the way that will unlock the secret word to receive the prized chocolate Easter egg at the end.
12. Enjoy entertainment and bottomless sushi at Sexy Fish Manchester
Sexy Fish Manchester is set to immerse guests in a jam-packed weekend of incredible entertainment to celebrate the four-day Easter break. Kicking off the celebrations on Good Friday will be Sexy Fish Manchester’s iconic Jungle Cabaret Dinner Party, live and direct from 10pm. Guests can indulge in Asian-inspired delicacies whilst enjoying a live DJ set with performances from mesmerizing dancers.
Easter Sunday and Bank holiday Monday will see the restaurant’s iconic Bottomless Sushi Brunch served all day, both days, from 12-5pm. With a selection of signature dishes served sharing style, and low-key entertainment with Sexy Fish’s signature DJs and live musicians, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the bank holiday. Plus, tables on Easter Sunday are bookable up until 11:30pm.
13. Watch this extraordinary stage production of Jungle Book at Aviva Studios
Jungle Book swings into Aviva Studios between March 27 and 31 in a spellbinding stage production from visionary director Robert Wilson with original live music from CocoRosie. Step into the enchanting world of the Jungle Book where you’ll see the timeless tale of mancub Mowgli and friends transformed by the extraordinary imagination of director Robert Wilson – a creator of unmissable theatre experiences who’s known world over for his distinctive style. Ready to roar with laughter and let your imagination run wild?
14. See Queens battle it out at this bottomless brunch at Diecast
Diecast, the home of Leno Ex Machina, Brooklyn Beer Hall, Warehouse Kitchen, House of Daiquiri and Beer Garden has quite the fun-filled Easter weekend planned. On Good Friday and Easter Saturday, the venue will be hosting Bottomless Battle Royale – think Drag Race meets Bottomless, meets Gladiators. The world’s most outrageous Queens do battle, head to head in the Diecast Brooklyn Beer Hall along with free-flowing prosecco, daiquiris, spritzes and more for 90 minutes. Then on Easter Sunday, Diecast is hosting Obey – their biggest party yet which sees a 22-piece orchestra play Beyonce’s 25-year hit catalogues all night long, supported by Manchester dance crew Ghetto Fabulous.