14 Magnificent Things To Do In Manchester This May

As the April showers finally begin to blow over, we’re finally ready to crack out the shorts and t-shirts and run (like our lives depend on it) straight to the beer garden – or basically, any activity that doesn’t involve bundling up with a blanket in front of the tele. From epic parties with Bez to the most fun bottomless brunches around, here’s our guide to the very best things to do in Manchester this May.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Explore our pick of hidden bars and underground speakeasies in Manchester

Want to escape the 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.

4. 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.

5. Check out Manchester’s delicious new restaurant openings

As usual, Manchester has been blessed with a number of wonderful new openings, with more planned throughout May. From the USA’s iconic Hooters to the arrival of Stockport’s beloved Ate Days A Week, check out every new restaurant worth a try in Manchester this May. 

6. Enjoy movie soundtracks by candlelight under one of the world’s last remaining Concorde planes

Candlelight Concorde is returning to Manchester this May, bringing to life stunning movie soundtracks from flicks such as Titanic, Harry Potter and A Star Is Born. Taking place underneath the wings of one of the last remaining Concorde planes in the world, a talented string quartet will perform the songs in a whole new way, beautifully amplified by flickering candlelight. Get tickets here. 

7. Complain until the cows come home at Karen’s Diner

Karen’s Diner is finally taking bookings, and it might well be Manchester’s most unique dining experience yet. A place where the staff is rude and guests can be, too, Karen’s Diner serves up American diner grub with a side of serious sass – which, of course, is all in good jest. Find out more here. 

8. Get down to Britney’s biggest hits at the Absolute Britney Bottomless Brunch

The Absolute Britney Bottomless Brunch is set to celebrate all things Britney this month, with an epic live vocal show from the UK’s top Britney Spears impersonator and tribute, Absolute Britney. Guests will be able to chow down on a tasty burger dish at The Bread Shed, alongside 90 minutes of bottomless booze and four whole hours of Britney bangers. Get tickets here. 

9. Book a staycation and experience Manchester in a whole new way

Need a break away? You needn’t look too far. Packed full of luxurious hotels, Manchester is the perfect place to take a staycation. Even if you live there. Experience the city like a tourist, let a welcoming hotel team take care of you, and generally just spoil yourself like you wouldn’t usually do.

10. Scoff vegan pizza at GRUB’s vegan pizza festival

Taking place at the end of the month, GRUB is set to host their ever-popular vegan pizza festival this May, with a number of popular traders lined up for the occasion. Think Four Side Vegan Pizza, Lucky Mama’s, Bakehouse32, Marley’s Pizza, Paradiso Authentic Italian and more – all bringing something a little different to the table. Basically, you won’t know where to start.

11. Unleash your inner child at the Cirque Du Vulgar: The Adults-Only Circus

Cirque du Vulgar is making its grand return following the pandemic, bringing its adults-only cricus to Burrs Country Park. There, guests will be able to revel in risqué entertainment – from daredevil stunts and circus routines to hilarious comedy acts. Find out more here.

12. Embrace the impending beer garden weather

Now that the April showers *should* have finally passed, it’s time to embrace what spring and summer is all about: the beer garden. And lucky for you guys, we have just the list right here packed full of the city’s best ones.

13. Enjoy a bottomless brunch and fun bingo game with Bez

In the most Bez event to grace Manchester, Escape to Freight Island is set to host a boozy, bottomless bingo brunch, with the Manc-loved party hero set to take over the venue with his typical, ravey Bez antics. Expect 60 minutes of bottomless booze, the most fun game of bingo you’ll ever witness, DJs, comedians, singers, dancers and top tier street food from Escape to Freight Island’s incredible food traders. Get tickets here.

14. Celebrate Fleetwood Mac’s iconic anthems at this stunning candlelight concert

Fleetwood Mac is set to get the Candlelight treatment this May, as a group of talented musicians brings to life their iconic tracks in a whole new way. Experience the likes of The Chain, Rhiannon and Go Your Own Way with a classical twist, inside the stunning Manchester Cathedral – which will be bathed in candlelight. Get tickets.