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 telly. From fun festivals serving up tasty street food or a good dose of floral magic over the bank holiday weekend to epic parties celebrating key events this month such as Eurovision, here’s our guide to the very best things to do in Manchester this May.
1. Head to this Manchester festival dedicated to celebrating women
Over two days and three evenings in May (Friday 24 – Sunday 26), WOW, the world’s biggest, most comprehensive festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people is coming to Manchester. The event will bring together inspiring speakers at Aviva Studios, including Australia’s first woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard, actors Maxine Peake and Zawe Ashton, Manchester legend DJ Paulette, author Chimene Suleyman, and activist Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe to find solutions to the pressing issues of gender inequality and celebrate the achievements of women, girls and non-binary people both in the Northwest and globally.
2. Travel to a whole new world with the arrival of Disney’s Aladdin
Mancs can hop on a magic carpet and discover a whole new world as the critically acclaimed Broadway and West End musical Aladdin is coming to Manchester as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour. Adapted from Disney’s 1992 animated film and centuries-old folktales, the smash-hit musical is brought to theatrical life in a unique and dazzling way. Disney’s Aladdin will open at the Manchester Palace Theatre on Wednesday 22 May, 2024 with performances until Sunday 7 July, 2024.
3. Be enchanted by classical music and gorgeous floral displays at these spring-themed concerts
The arrival of spring is very welcome in Manchester which sees flowers bloom and trees start to bud. In keeping with the season, the Candlelight Spring concert series will be blossoming in the city to offer a new perspective on the music you know and love with the help of talented musicians, thousands of candles and a gorgeous floral display. From string quartets to solo pianists, gifted musicians work their magic on contemporary pop songs from the likes of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran as well as greatest hits from The Beatles, film scores from top sci-fi and fantasy movies and classical compositions like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at these candlelit tributes that make for the perfect springtime treat for both the eyes and ears.
4. Get into the Eurovision spirit at these Manchester screening parties
Like the rest of the UK, and the world really, we’re absolutely buzzing for Eurovision this year. Obviously, it’s only the lucky few that’ll get to see the campy extravaganza in the flesh, so the rest of us need somewhere to let out our Eurovision excitement, and there’s so many events going on around Manchester for that very function.
5. Paint the town fluorescent at this glow in the dark painting experience
Head to AATMA in Manchester if you’re after one of the most unique ways to spend your free time: a fun-fuelled art masterclass in the dark. Intrigued? Neon Brush invites friends to flex their art skills, creating unique works with glow-in-the-dark paint. You’ll be guided by a talented art facilitator, and there’ll be beer, wine, and soft drinks on hand to really get the creative juices flowing. And for those a little unsure, don’t worry: the room isn’t pitch black, it is low-lit with fluorescent colours.
6. Aim for a strike at the new King Pins in Manchester’s Arndale
Manchester Arndale has expanded its entertainment offering after agreeing a 20-year lease with local bowling brand King Pins to take the former 28,890 sq ft Sports Direct unit − the second King Pins location in Greater Manchester. State-of-the-art bowling complex, King Pins, will launch its second Manchester site and first city centre location from May 17 at the Arndale Centre, creating a second home for ‘The Crown Jewels of Bowling’ in the city centre. The second King Pins site will boast a variety of activities for all ages, including its signature state-of-the-art ten-pin and duck-pin bowling, karaoke party rooms, arcade games, American pool, shuffleboard, batting cages and ice-free curling, as well as King Pins debuts for mini golf, tech darts and Wild West Shooting at the new Arndale location.
7.Sip your way around the city on this craft beer walking tour
Calling all craft beer lovers! Prepare for things to get boozy as you hop along on this craft beer walking tour around Manchester. Sip on 10-12 beers (1/3 pints) of superb craft beer locally brewed in Manchester, with each one very unique. At each venue a brewer or a tasting expert will give the full lowdown on what makes these craft beers un-brew-lieveable. Get your steps in on this craft beer tour and be rewarded with an epic pint – what more could you want?
8. Visit the pasta spot famed for its viral tiramisu drawer’s new location
Manchester is getting its very own Onda restaurant, and we’re ridiculously excited for that viral tiramisu drawer to hit the city once again − alongside its delicious pasta menu… of course. Having opened up temporarily as a new trader at Exhibition, and more recently at The New Cross, Onda (meaning ‘wave’ in Italian) is no stranger to Manchester. The modern pasta bar from the team behind Gooey has worked its way into the hearts of many Mancs, and if you’re a fan of their bakes, you’re likely to like this new foodie concept which is set to open its own location at Circle Square.
9. Escape to a new and immersive world at DNA VR
Providing a unique entertainment experience, DNA VR allows visitors to dive into unimaginable virtual worlds spanning horror, fantasy and music. From surviving a zombie apocalypse, to traveling to the pyramids in Egypt or fighting off dragons, DNA VR has a game for everyone. Offering true escapism, visitors can experience both solo and group virtual reality modes on 70 games providing hours of gameplay. At DNA VR in Manchester visitors can solve an escape room, explore the depths of the deep blue ocean or even save the Earth from an intergalactic disaster. So go on, get that headset on and go gaming like never before.
10. Kick off the late bank holiday weekend with street food and live music at Deansgate Mews Festival
Hosted by Manchester’s ultimate dining and leisure destination, Great Northern Warehouse, the free-to-attend Deansgate Mews street festival offers live music, family-friendly activities, independent market traders and plenty of space for al fresco dining and sunshine sippin’! Returning from May 24 to May 26, attendees can expect an outdoor pop-up stage at popular neighbourhood bar Lions Den, which will host live local acts across the three days. Plus, there will be plenty of food and drinks offers from the restaurants and bars situated on Deansgate Mews.
11. Explore the colourful floral installations across the city at the Manchester Flower Festival
The Manchester Flower Festival is coming back in full bloom this late May Bank Holiday weekend and bringing a bit of vibrancy to the city. CityCo and Manchester BID will work with their partners and networks to bring colourful flower installations, outdoor dining areas and a ‘citywide green takeover’. Spanning across the entire city between May 24 and 27, visitors will be able to experience a stunning trail of flowers and greenery around every corner – with areas such as Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street and Manchester Arndale getting in the botanical spirit.
12. Taste your way around the city with the Manchester Cheese Crawl
Cheese fans rejoice, because there’s an entire tour dedicated to the good stuff – right here in Manchester. Mapping out the most brie-lliant cheese spots across the city, the Manchester Cheese Crawl is set to combine some of the tastiest cheeses, wines and glorious sights of Manchester – with two hours of hopping from venue to venue discovering the finest Wensleydales, Cheddars and more. We Camembert to miss out!
13. Listen to live music at The Oast House with street food and summery cocktails
The Oast House has brought back their spring and summer festival, Mani-Fest, with two dates taking place this May. The free-to-attend music festival will take The Oast House’s terrace on May 5 and May 26, 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.
14. Laugh out loud at this drag comedy cabaret with Lady Bushra
Get ready to laugh your socks off with the iconic BBC New Comedy Award shortlisted drag comedian Lady Bushra. With her viral digital content and hilarious one-liners, she brings a unique and side-splitting comedy night like no other. Experience life from a British South Asian perspective with heavy doses of humour in a cabaret-style setting.
15. Cheer on runners at the Great Manchester Run
This May sees the return of the much-loved race in the city the Great Manchester Run, which will see thousands of runners take to the streets to run either a 10K, half marathon or mini marathon race. Taking place on Sunday 26th May, why not show your support from the side lines as you watch runners speed through the city?
16. Head to The Lowry as the outstanding performance of The Kite Runner returns
Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel, this haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Afghanistan is a country on the verge of war and best friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul, the skies are full of colour and the streets are full of the excitement of a kite flying tournament, but no one can foresee the terrible incident that will shatter their lives forever. One Broadway season and two West End seasons have garnered international acclaim for the incredibly powerful story, The Kite Runner, adapted by Matthew Spangler, and directed by Giles Croft, returns to The Lowry in Salford from May 7 to May 11 as part of its UK tour.
17. Step into the world of the 1940s at this vintage weekender in Ramsbottom
The East Lancashire Railway is bringing back their hugely popular 1940s celebration to Ramsbottom over the late May bank holiday weekend. From the stoicism of the families supporting troops from home to the great outpouring of celebration and hope across the country at the end of the war, the railway aims to capture the most positive aspects of this period of British history with live music and entertainment. Dressing in period costume is a big part of the weekend too and you’re welcome to join in too!
18. Visit Wythenshawe Park & Gardens for a huge new food and drink festival
Manchester’s vibrant culinary scene is about to get even more exciting with the launch of the eagerly anticipated Food and Drink Festival at Wythenshawe Park & Gardens. Taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of May, this event form the same organisers of Heaton Park Food and Drink Festival promises a weekend of gastronomic delights, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Attendees can look forward to a wide range of attractions, including live chef demos hosted by Mak Patel from Great British Bake Off, live music, artisan markets and a Street Food Arena which will take attendees on a culinary journey. Families can enjoy free live entertainment and performing arts shows, as well as free kids’ activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
19. Celebrate inclusivity and unity as Pride in Trafford returns for 2024
Pride in Trafford is back once again this May and it aims to celebrate and explore identity and LGBTQ+ life in Trafford. Coinciding with IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) on May 15, Pride in Trafford 2024 will launch with speeches and song as they raise the Pride Flag at Sale Town Hall. Attendees can expect some familiar events such as the Official Festival Launch, Laugh Riot and MiniPride, and some brilliant new additions, such as the Queer Creatives Assembly and the Block Party: A celebration of inclusivity and unity, with headline artists from The Cocoa Butter Club and Family Catwalk Extravaganza.
20. Hit the jackpot with a theatre performance of The Syndicate
Bringing three generations together, star of stage and screen Gaynor Faye and her son, Oliver Anthony, are set to appear in the world premiere UK stage tour of The Syndicate. Written by Gaynor’s mum, the legendary, Kay Mellor, The Syndicate is coming to The Lowry in Salford from Friday 17−Sunday 19 May. This new comedy drama – also directed by Gaynor – is based on the smash-hit critically acclaimed BBC One drama that entertained millions of viewers over four series. The funny and moving stage adaption – written by BAFTA Award winner Kay Mellor just before her untimely passing in 2022 – is based on the first TV series and tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat.