20 Magnificent Things To Do In Manchester This May

In the words of Justin Timberlake, it’s gonna be May.

1. Go Down The Rabbit Hole For The Mad Hatter’s (Gin &) Tea Party

The Mad Hatter is bringing his infamous tea parties to Manchester! In this immersive, theatrical cocktail experience you’ll enjoy a menu of delicious Beefeater gin concoctions in the most psychedelic of settings. Costumes are welcome, but if you don’t have time to put an outfit together don’t worry— the Hatter will be lending out some of his wackiest creations! Want a seat at the tea party table? Get your tickets here.

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2. Dine in the Dark at this wonderful food experience 

Returning to town after a successful run last summer, Fever’s best-selling Dining in the Dark is back this month, with two dates at Mamucium taking place once indoor dining returns. The event allows diners to experience food in a whole new way, with the darkness amplifying both the flavours and the senses. Naturally, the event is incredibly popular, so you’ll want to book a session before tables sell out. Book it here.

3. Dine indoors again (at long last!)

Indoor dining is set to return at last, and May 17th couldn’t come soon enough. The heavily circled date on our calendars will see the reopening of many of Manchester’s restaurants, particularly those without sufficient outdoor dining areas. It’ll also bring the return of some of Manchester’s amazing activity bars, which make for the perfect place to reunite with friends. And of course… We have some inspo:

🎮 7 Of The Most Fun Activity Bars Combining Games And Booze In Manchester
🕯 6 Perfect Date Night Spots For A Romantic Evening In The City
🍸 These Are The Prettiest Bars In Manchester For Tasty Summer Cocktails

4. Explore the city with the Manchester Cheese Crawl

Consider yourself quite the cheese lover? Explore the city in a unique way with the Manchester Cheese Crawl. The dairy good experience takes participants on a trip around the city tasting some of the finest cheeses (and wines, of course!), while learning about the craft of cheese making and its flavours. The fun tour is taking place each weekend in May, and you can book your place here.

5. Unleash your inner Dancing Queen with this Abba Mia Drive-Inside experience

In need of a good old sing-a-long? Drive inside to the virtual island of Kalaraiki, where guests will be able to enjoy island mocktails, a Greek-inspired paradise under Europe’s largest marquee, and of course, ABBA hit after ABBA hit. Your best Dancing Queen get-ups are encouraged, and there’ll even be prizes for the best dressed on the day, too. Waiter service will be included on the day, as well as an open-air space by your car to enjoy the show from. Get tickets here.

6. Soak up the Manchester sun at one of these fantastic outdoor terraces

On the occasion that we are blessed with good weather, Mancs can currently enjoy a vast array of outdoor terraces, dotted all over the city centre. From casual beer gardens with tacos and bao buns, to the more decadent terraces decked out like a spot on the Amalfi Coast – Manchester currently has it all. Check out our guides below:

☀️ 42 Al-Fresco Dining Spots In Manchester That Are Perfect For Summer
🍻 14 Brilliant Beer Gardens In Manchester For Boozy Summer Sessions

7. Walk among the beautiful bluebells

Stretch your legs this spring with a picturesque stroll somewhere outside of the city. Currently blessed with spring blooms around every corner, a number of Greater Manchester gardens are carpeted with stunning bluebells right now, making for a tranquil weekend walk. Check out our guide on where to see them here.

8. Enter a cinema wonderland at SecretCity

Rolling into town for the summer, SecretCity is here – with a whole host of Hollywood hits for us to enjoy in the open-air. The drive-in cinema is much more than a drive-in cinema though, with a sun-soaked al fresco terrace where guests can drink and dine on burgers and more, with immersive entertainment throughout. Tickets are on sale now, and you can get yours here.

9. Boogie at this fantastic Disco-themed party with bottomless Rudy’s and cocktails

Hitting up Manchester for Bank Holiday weekend, La Discothèque is coming to town – with Rudy’s in tow for the mega event. Guests are invited to boogie along to disco hits while enjoying bottomless pizza, cocktails and biers, with DJs, dancers and more in store at the iconic Albert Hall. Find out more here.

10. Explore our pick of hidden bars and underground speakeasys in Manchester

Want to escape the post-lockdown crowds? Head for a cocktail at one of Manchester’s many hidden bars – which are all disguised by inconspicuous shop fronts, alley doors, and even behind hidden doors. Not only are they all perfect for avoiding the crowds, but you’re sure to impress your mates next time they visit too with your proper local knowledge… Check out our guide here.

11. Enjoy Queen classics by candlelight 

Led by a fantastic cast of West End performers, Queen by Candlelight is the perfect event for those who love the iconic band, with guests able to drive inside the fantastic outdoor theatre – before enjoy hit after hit of Queen classics. Sing along, dance in your own private section by your car, take advantage of the fully-stocked bar, and even enjoy some tasty grub while you’re there. Tickets are on sale now, and you can get yours here.

12. Check out The Ivy’s brand new ‘Summer of Love’ cocktails

Reopening their stunning three-floor restaurant this May 17th, The Ivy is set to return with a wonderful 1960’s themed menu, which includes new, summery cocktails, bright dishes and a tasty Strawberry Sundae dessert. The theme encourages Mancs to enjoy their new found freedom and togetherness, providing the perfect backdrop for date nights, mate nights and many a summer reunion.

13. Roll in sushi at this fantastic bottomless Sushi Supper Club

Haven’t hit up transformative venue Foodwell/Firefly yet? The LA-inspired bar and restaurant offers laidback vibes during the day, and cosmopolitan vibes come nightfall – with a fantastic California-style menu packed with tasty dishes such as sushi, miso grilled salmon and more. Bringing the party to celebrate the end of lockdown, Firefly is launching a brand new bottomless Sushi Supper Club, which will see guests able to enjoy endless sushi rolls and cocktails, while enjoying DJ sets within the gorgeous bar. Tables have booked up pretty quick already, but you can find out more here.

14. Cool down with Manchester’s new frozen cheesecakes on a stick

Opening just this month in Hatch, Oxford Road, Oh My Cheesecake is Manchester’s newest sugary spot, serving frozen cheesecake on a stick in a variety of flavours. We’re talking Lotus Biscoff, Kinderella, S’mores, Oreo and chocolate orange (to name a few), with cookie cheesecake sandwiches and gooey brownies also up for grabs.

15. See a show at HOME’s new al fresco theatre

Missed the theatre? HOME has created a fantastic outdoor experience where guests will be able to enjoy theatre performances, comedy, cabaret and more – all within their 400-seat capacity space which is set to open May 28th. Think musical reimaginings of classics such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Alice In Wonderland, as well as fantastic sets in collaboration with Frog & Bucket and a number of great food and drinks stalls to enjoy, too.

16. Unwind to the sounds of Elton John, Adele and more by candlelight

In the mood to feel all the feels? We have just the thing. Bringing to life some of the best ballads of the past half a century, Fever’s best-selling Candlelight series is returning to Manchester Cathedral, with an incredible cast of talented musicians. Guests will be able to unwind to the sounds of Elton John, Adele, Aerosmith and more, as the venue is immersed with both candlelight, and the sound of some of the best ballads ever composed. Tickets are on sale now.

17. Enjoy live music at Albert’s Schloss’ new outdoor terrace

Albert’s Schloss is back with a brand new outdoor terrace, where guests can enjoy Alpine-themed dishes, biers, summery cocktails and the return of live entertainment – with Schloss’ famous promenaders in tow. The terrace acts as an extension to everything we already know and love from the popular Peter Street bar, and is even hosting their fantastic weekly Sunday Service, too.

18. Visit Salford’s brand new RHS Bridgewater garden

Four years in the making, RHS Bridgewater is finally opening its gates on May 18th, providing a slice of solace for Mancs in need of a breather. The beautiful garden consists of 154 acres of green beauty, with cutting-edge design throughout, a Walled Garden, a garden full of colourful and exotic flowers and even a community Kitchen Garden.

19. Get the gang together for this bottomless Buff Bingo event

Fire up the group chat for this one – because the Boy Toy gang is back with a super-sexy game of Buff Bingo. Combining the classic game with bottomless brunch, two of London & Manchester’s biggest drag queens and the Boy Toy butlers in the buff, the super-fun event will see immersive performances, prizes throughout and free-flowing prosecco throughout – perfect for reuniting with the gang. Get tickets here.

20. Reunite with friends at Manchester’s simulation shooting range with bottomless brunch

Point Blank Shooting will return this May, with the introduction of a new bottomless brunch to enjoy. Guests will get to battle it out with their mates with a one-hour shoot out, with bottomless prosecco, beer and pizza for 90 minutes. The bottomless event will kick off on May 23rd (taking place each Sunday afterwards), and you can find out more here.

[Featured image: Shutterstock]