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.
1. Witness an unmissable performance by The Shapeshifters at this 360º event at Manchester Cathedral
Dance legends The Shapeshifters will be taking over Manchester Cathedral on February 10 with their very own 360º show, playing massive tunes in the beautiful gothic surroundings of the cathedral. Best known for their still banging debut hit Lola’s Theme (UK no.1 in July 2004), The Shapeshifters now operate as a one-man band, with original member Marlin flying solo with their best tunes. The 360º event is set to be spectacular and a truly unique experience unlike any other gig in Manchester.
2. Tuck into bottomless chicken wings at The Blues Kitchen
Renowned for their legendary wings, The Blues Kitchen in Manchester is set to host 90 minutes of bottomless buffalo chicken wings every Sunday throughout February. Joining the likes of Bunny Jackson’s and The Shack as another Manchester establishment serving finger-lickingly good bottomless chicken wings, The Blues Kitchen will kick off the event from Sunday 5th February. Between the hours of 12pm and 6pm, guests can feast on the bottomless wings slathered in buffalo sauce for only £12 per person or £20 for two people, served with a tasty blue cheese dip and celery.
3. Get in formation at a Beyonce-themed Bottomless Brunch
Get the squad together, because the Queen B Bottomless Brunch is back – and it’s set to be four hours of Beyoncé-themed fun. Starring drag queen Cara Melle, guests can fill up on delicious pizzas while enjoying 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco – before dancing the day away alongside immersive performances from the queens and great music from the DJ.
4. 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.
5. Escape to the multisensory wonderland of Dreamland Imaginarium
With half term taking place this February, it can be hard to find activities to entertain the children, however Dreamland Imaginarium is here to resolve that. The multisensory experience at Manchester’s Regent Retail Park has extended its dates until March 12, which means you’ve got a guaranteed good plan for half term and every weekend between now and then if you so wish…Designed for children aged 1–7 years old, there are four realms home to the likes of (friendly) monsters, birds, fish and flora, and have an abundance of space to run, crawl and daydream. Plus, there are more relaxed sessions with low capacity, low sound and no strobe lighting available too.
6. Visit the newly reopened Manchester Museum
After undergoing a £15 million transformation, Manchester Museum plans to reopen its doors on February 18, featuring the Museum’s historic collections as well as new displays. The public will be invited to new galleries including the South Asia Gallery, a new Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery and the Belonging Gallery. There will be a brand new dinosaur display and Golden Mummies of Egypt, its first blockbuster exhibition opening in the new Exhibition Hall as part of the reopening of Manchester Museum too.
7. Watch a mesmerising candlelit ballet performance of The Nutcracker at Manchester Cathedral
Few things can improve the upbeat and melodious music of The Nutcracker, which enchants the audience and instils a festive joy from the moment the first note is played. However, on this occasion, we think we may just have found a way. The lovely folks of Fever are hosting an utterly magical night of candlelit ballet on February 4 at Manchester Cathedral – making for an unforgettable display of music and dance. With a string quartet, professional ballet dancers, and a beautiful venue bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, it might just be the most romantic date you’ve ever been on.
8. 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 all day Monday and between 12pm and 6pm Tuesdays to Fridays.
9. Celebrate Britney at this fun bottomless brunch
Move over Year of the Rabbit… It’s the year of Britney. Celebrated in this fun bottomless brunch, Britney fans can enjoy an epic show from the renowned impersonator Absolute Britney, alongside bottomless drinks, tasty burgers and four whole hours of dancing and games.
10. Watch all the Six Nations action unfold on the big screen
The Six Nations is officially back from February 4, 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.
11. 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 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!
12. Visit Imperial War Museum North to view this moving photography exhibition
The Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors photography exhibition debuted on Holocaust Memorial Day at Imperial War Museum North in remembrance of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Generations will display photographs of North West based Holocaust survivors, and feature harrowing stories of torture, death and ultimate bravery shown by these survivors and their families.
13. See artists battle it out to create the best masterpiece at New Century
New Century is set to host the city’s most energetic art event: Art Battle MCR on February 3 from 7-11pm. The show will take place in New Century’s beautifully restored 1960s dancehall on the first floor of the iconic, Grade II listed building. The upcoming Art Battle MCR will see ten fearless artists creating their masterpieces on the very same stage as legends such as Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and Tina Turner, aiming to be crowned the ultimate Champion of Champions. New Century’s crowd will watch, and vote for, a carefully selected collection of the North West’s most talented painters, illustrators, tattooists, and street artists, as they go head-to-head in this art extravaganza.
14. Let’s do the time warp again as The Rocky Horror Show comes to Manchester
Cult musical favourite and queer extravaganza Rocky Horror Show is celebrating 50 years since it was debuted at the Royal Court’s tiny Theatre Upstairs in London in 1973, by touring cities across the UK, including Manchester. The rock ‘n’ roll musical will be gracing the stage of Manchester Opera House from February 20-25, promising to thrill audiences with fun and naughty moments straight out of Transylvania.
15. Play bingo like never before at this wild bottomless brunch
Forget what you know about bingo already, because local drag queen Anna Phylactic is about to change all that. Bringing a wild version of the game to the city alongside the Boy Toy butlers, the fun bottomless brunch will bring four whole hours of interactive entertainment, from games, prizes, dancing and more.
16. 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. Philadelphia Eagles will be taking on Kansas City Chiefs to be crowned this year’s champion of the National Football League (NFL).
17. Find love at this speed dating event at MOTLEY
The UK’s leading speed dating experts Original Dating will be popping up at MOTLEY this February, bringing their fast-paced, sociable speed dating events to YOTEL Manchester Deansgate’s stylish bar and restaurant. Taking place on February 8 and 22, guests will have the chance to meet up to 15 potential partners in MOTLEY’s private bar area, allowing them to ditch their phones and connect in real life to find that special spark! The event’s friendly host will take you through the process, with each date lasting around four minutes.
18. Head to MediaCity for a showcase of art, food, drink and creative workshops
Box on the Docks has launched a new art showcase for the month profiling eight local artists at the ‘Art Hall’, a temporary covered venue in the heart of MediaCity’s gardens. Alongside the artwork you’ll find a mix of independent street food vendors and a Seven Bro7hers bar, plus the venue will play host to a varied events programme including a range of creative workshops, family activities and live music performances.
Also published on Medium.