Payday has arrived, January is over, and we’re one day closer to winter being over for another year. Phew. Instead of hibernating from the chill this month, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Manchester this February – all indoors, we promise. From mesmerising performances in the form of concerts and shows to delicious experiences like supper clubs and food and drink tours, February in Manchester is sure to be exciting and not solely about Valentine’s Day.
1. Listen to the best of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran in a whole new way at this Candlelight tribute concert
Candlelight is hosting a sensational tribute to Coldplay and Ed Sheeran this February, but with a twist, as talented musicians play their top hits. With multiple Grammy wins between them, they’ve both pretty much cemented their name in the list of the most successful artists in music history. So, if you want to hear a medley of their catchy tunes in the classical form, look no further than this Candlelight performance, recreating hits like Yellow, The Scientist, Bad Habits and Shape of You inside Hallé St Peter’s.
2. Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with a these Valentine’s Day ideas
For many, February of course means Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, Manchester has everything taken care for those looking for a bit of romance. From set menus curated for the occasion to plenty of date ideas, whether it be your first date or fiftieth, there’s plenty to eat, see and do in the city. And if you don’t fancy spending it alone, there’s plenty to do with your mates from bottomless brunches to wonderful walks.
3. Witness the first BRIT Awards ceremony outside of London at Manchester’s Co-op Live
This February, Manchester will make history as it hosts the infamous BRIT Awards for the first time. The winners of The BRIT Awards 2026 will be announced live on Saturday 28th February, as the show debuts at its new Manchester home, Co-op Live, and broadcasts exclusively on ITV and ITVX. Music fans can witness performances from the likes of Olivia Dean, Harry Styles and Wolf Alice on the night.
4. Head to the Super Duper Family Festival with eight play zones across the city
This February half term, Manchester has just the thing as the city is set to launch The Super Duper Family Festival – a four-day celebration filled with imagination, creation and free family-friendly activities that will transform the city into a giant, interactive playground. Taking place from Wednesday 18th February to Saturday 21st February, families can explore unique play zones scattered across Manchester’s most iconic spaces.
5. Celebrate the Year of the Horse at this Lunar New Year market
Hong Kong Cultural Community and co-organisers have announced that a Lunar New Year Market will be making a return to Manchester this February. Featuring more than 110 diverse vendors, the market is set to double in scale, offering a mix of cultural festivities, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant performances. The event, which will mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake, will take place on February 14 and 15 at Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street.
6. Watch The Hunger Games 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 The Hunger Games.
7. Indulge in some flippin’ good pancakes on Shrove Tuesday
Don’t fancy the epic clean-up after covering the kitchen in pancake mix? Yeah, us neither. So get yourself some sensational stacks from a range of Manchester spots this Pancake Day instead. From traditional crêpes to huge American-style stacks, you’ll want to try them all and there are plenty of places to hit up for pancakes in Manchester this coming Shrove Tuesday (February 17).
8. Watch all the Six Nations action unfold on the big screen
The Six Nations is officially back from February 5, and luckily for us Mancs there are plenty of places to watch it with mates, from food hubs to sports bars. Pull up a seat in front of the big screen, order a beer and relax with our guide to where to watch the Six Nations this year in Manchester.
9. Gorge on perfectly-made pies throughout the month of February at The Black Friar
The Black Friar in Salford has brought back its popular festival dedicated to the magnificent pie for two months (and the coldest ones of the year too) so soothing and tasty that it might just convince you to put your shoes on, grab your coat and head out for some proper pub grub. The Salford pub and restaurant claims to have the best pies in the city, all of which will be showcased on their specially-curated pie menu. The festival of pie runs up until the end of February, when pies will be just £10 each on selected days
10. Embrace your inner child at this unique interactive bubble exhibition
Following successful stints in North America, Milan, and even London, the bountiful interactive installation Bubble Planet is coming to Manchester. The installation is filled with – you guessed it – bubbles, created using a plethora of techniques. In this dedicated bubble museum, not only will you encounter regular bubbles, but the experience employs VR technology, interactive elements, and mirrored effects to create something incredibly innovative.
11. Tuck into delicious Sri Lankan cuisine at this intimate supper club in Stockport
On February 26, The Little Sri Lankan will be doing a supper club at Miru Mills in Stockport, serving four courses for £45 with an arrival cocktail included. On the night you can experience the heart and soul of Sri Lankan cuisine in a cosy and welcoming setting all whilst sharing delicious food with new friends. The Little Sri Lankan’s intimate supper clubs are more than just a meal; they are a unique opportunity to connect with others and create lasting memories. Plus, more dates are set to be released and will be held on a Thursday every month with the menu changing every two months.
12. Watch the Super Bowl, America’s biggest sporting match live
February is not just the month for one sporting event but two as the popular Super Bowl game takes place. American expats and lovers of football (the other one) will be gathering together to watch the big match play out and luckily some of Manchester’s bars will be staying open late to screen the event. The teams in the play-off are yet to be confirmed but one team will be crowned this year’s champion of the National Football League (NFL) in New Orleans, Louisiana, and there will be a half-time performance of course.
13. Sample some of Manchester’s best brews on this craft beer tour
Back on the booze after Dry January? Well for all lovers of craft beer this tour happening in February is one way to sample the finest brews in the city as you get to taste 10-12 beers (1/3 pints) of superb craft beer locally brewed in Manchester. Starting at Beatnikz Republic Bar, you’ll be introduced to breweries and beer houses off the beaten track, with a unique beer to try. After all, wandering the city can be thirsty work!
14. Experience a unique, world-first drive-thru from Spud Bros
This February, viral sensations SpudBros are opening their first drive-thru – with a twist. The pair have teamed up with Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, to provide their signature spuds and a unique drive-thru experience where your car gets valued in under 10 seconds. The drive-thru will feature a limited menu of two exclusive creations: the Autotater, a high-octane twist on a classic loaded spud and Curry In A Hurry, SpudBros’ signature garlic chicken curry.
15. Watch the latest and greatest of cinema from Japan at the UK’s biggest Japanese film festival
The UK’s largest annual celebration of Japanese cinema is coming to Manchester and two brand new Greater Manchester locations. The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme (JFTFP26) arrives in Manchester this February, with an incredible programme offering audiences the chance to catch up with the latest and greatest selection of cinema to come out of Japan. The films this year are programmed around the theme ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You: The True Self in Japanese Cinema‘ – exploring the concept of the self, through the medium of film, of course.
16. Head to Manchester Palace Theatre as Priscilla Queen Of The Desert kicks off its UK tour
Priscilla Queen of the Desert, based on the 1994 Oscar-winning film, is set to hit the road, bursting onto stages across the UK and Ireland, including Manchester. The dazzling theatre show will open at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on February 16, running in the city until February 28. Directed by Olivier Award-nominated Ian Talbot OBE with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Matt Cole with set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter, the sassy and joyous Broadway and West End hit musical, follows the hilarious and heart-warming journey as three friends travel across Australia in a dilapidated bus nicknamed Priscilla to put on the show of a lifetime.
17. Tackle the ultimate mile-long margarita crawl in Manchester
Going big for Margarita Day this February, some of the coolest bars in Manchester are coming together to form the almighty Margarita Mile. The bars will all be showing off their own versions of the classic marg – so you can make it your unofficial mission to decide whose is best.