Springtime is finally upon us, and you know what that means? It’s finally time to ditch the thermals and get back out into the world. Need some inspo to kickstart the month? Here’s our guide to the very best things to do in Manchester this March.
Step into the world of Banksy at this brand new exhibition
Opening at Depot Mayfield this March, The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind will showcase over 200 reproductions of Banksy’s most iconic pieces, including Girl with Balloon and projects like the Walled Off Hotel, making the venue a new street-art destination. From massive graffiti works to sculptures and video installations, or prints and canvases, you’ll find it all. Dedicated to exploring the complete catalogue of the anonymous street art superstar, this exhibition is a must-visit for any art enthusiast.
Follow the Shaun the Sheep sculpture trail as it heads to Bury
If you fancy a light-hearted day out just beyond Manchester, the free Shaun the Sheep ‘Find the Flock’ sculpture art trail will appear across Bury town centre this March and April. As the biggest trail to take over the North West, the Shaun the Sheep trail in Bury is a chance to find more of the flock than ever before. The trail features 12 uniquely designed Shaun sculptures by Wild in Art and Aardman at locations including The Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway and The Rock.
Celebrate St Patrick’s Season at Manchester Irish Festival 2026
Europe’s largest Irish festival takes over Manchester for ten days. If you’re looking to kick off March with a citywide celebration, Manchester Irish Festival returns for its 36th year full of music, culture, and over 100 events across the city, running from March 8 to March 17, 2026.
Enjoy unlimited drinks at MAYA’s sparkling Mamma Mia-themed bottomless brunch
In celebration of Mamma Mia at The Palace Theatre, MAYA is hosting a fabulous Mamma Mia Bottomless Brunch hosted by the sensational Very Cherry. On Saturday 14th March, from 2pm to 4pm, guests will enjoy amazing food, bottomless drinks including a special Mamma Mia cocktail, bubbles, beer and cocktails for £55. Expect a sparkling singalong extravaganza – where you can be the dancing queen all day long.
Listen to a Candlelight concert playing Oasis’ best hits
Zip up your green parka and slip on your shades. All the roads that you have to walk to see this Candlelight tribute to Oasis may be winding, and all the lights that lead you there could be a little blinding, but it’ll be worth the trip to St Philip’s Church in Salford. There are many things that we would like to say about this captivating concert, and, luckily in this case, we do know how.
Celebrate the iconic MOBO Awards being held in Manchester for the first time
Manchester is set to host the MOBO Awards for the first time on March 26, at Co-op Live, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of Black music and culture. As part of its 30th anniversary, the MOBO Organisation will also present the MOBO Fringe Festival, a week-long event featuring industry panels, showcases, and workshops, aimed at spotlighting local talent and community engagement.
Relive the Blur vs Oasis ‘Battle of Britpop’ in an onstage comedy
If you’re in the mood for some pure ’90s nostalgia this March, the infamous Blur vs Oasis chart showdown is getting the theatre treatment in a brand-new comedy. Based on the iconic rivalry during the ‘Battle of Britpop’ in 1995, The Battle is a new play by John Niven, directed by Matthew Dunster, and starring Mathew Horne from Gavin and Stacey. Running in Manchester from March 17-21, the show retells the race for the top UK chart spot – and all the drama that came with it – with sharp dialogue and a big dose of Britpop-era energy.
Discover Altrincham’s dining scene with the town’s food and drink festival
A Taste of Altrincham, a celebration of food and drink organised by Altrincham BID, is set to kick off from February 27 running until March 8. The festival consists of 10 days of food and drink showcasing everything that Altrincham’s vibrant dining scene has to offer. With downloadable offers such as vouchers ranging from £5 to £50 on meals and drinks, plus engaging activities, A Taste of Altrincham allows visitors to explore new venues and cuisines.
Witness a huge glowing sun sculpture inside one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings
The Sun is set to rise in Manchester this March, as internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram is set to bring his solar installation Helios to the historic Victoria Baths, filling one of its former pools with light and sound. Measuring seven metres in diameter, Helios presents the Sun in astonishing detail, using imagery captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. Internally lit and suspended, the sculpture reveals the Sun’s surface – its swirling patterns, sunspots and solar flares – using Victoria Bath’s exquisite Edwardian stained glass windows and tiles as its backdrop.
Listen to the most iconic and influential soul tracks of all time with The Jazz Room
The Jazz Room invites guests to enjoy a one-hour live show showcasing a curated selection of the greatest soul tunes at Band on the Wall in Manchester. With an eclectic setlist featuring classics from jazz legends, each performance is a vibrant tribute that honours tradition while embracing improvisation. The unique atmosphere of Band on the Wall creates an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts looking for a taste of the jazz era.
Step into a world of colour, sound and connection at this Holi-inspired festival
After bringing communities together through music, colour and wellbeing, RDC Festival’s Elements is back, transforming the Trafford Centre into a vibrant global celebration inspired by Holi, the Festival of Colours. Taking place on Saturday 14th March 2026, RDC Festival invites all the community to step into a world of colour, sound and connection — where music meets nature, culture meets creativity, and wellbeing sits at the heart of the experience. The RDC community can look forward to colour play, the Elements Colour Run, and an energetic programme of live entertainment and DJs featuring sounds from across the world.
Celebrate Mars Tapes’ big Afflecks expansion with live music, DJ sets and cassette art
If you’re in the mood for something a little different this March, head to Mars Tapes, the last cassette shop in the UK, which has moved to a larger unit on the first floor of Afflecks in Manchester. The larger site will now feature expanded cassette displays, vintage audio gear and a new listening café. To mark the relaunch, the shop is hosting a celebration weekend on March 7–8, with a live set from Cowboy Hunters, a DJ set by Dave Haslam and cassette artwork from Horace Panter.
Dance the afternoon away at Day Fever, Vicky McClure’s daytime disco for over-30s
Day Fever, the popular daytime disco series backed by Line Of Duty’s Vicky McClure, is bringing its feel-good, afternoon club vibes back to Manchester on March 7. Aimed at those 30 and over, it’s a chance to hit the dancefloor to music curated by notable figures like Jon McClure, with the kind of lively atmosphere that’s already seen events sell out in other cities (and without ruining the Sunday vibe).
Take a spring stroll around RHS Garden Bridgewater – home to the UK’s largest publicly accessible working walled garden
As Spring arrives, RHS Garden Bridgewater, nestled in Worsley, makes for a perfect nature escape, offering 154 acres of stunning landscapes and floral beauty. This urban garden features award-winning designs, including the extraordinary 11-acre Weston Walled Garden and the UK’s first authentic Chinese garden. With plenty of community spaces, a play area for children, and a garden centre, it’s ideal for families and nature lovers alike.
Listen to new music debuts and live shows as BBC Radio 6 Music Festival returns
BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is set to take place again in Greater Manchester between March 25 and 29. The station’s flagship event – which will see global premieres of brand new live shows, new music debuts, unique collaborations and surprise guests – returns to the region for the second consecutive year. The festival will be at iconic live music spaces including Band on the Wall and YES, alongside – new for 2026 – the Eccles Town Hall Ballroom, and there will be new partnership events with local promoters FaT OuT and Homobloc hosting several shows and DJ sets as part of the festival.
Catch a screening at Manchester Film Festival 2026 showcasing 52 feature films
If you fancy a cinematic night out this March, Manchester Film Festival is back for its 2026 edition. Over ten days, guests can enjoy an expansive line-up featuring international premieres, short and feature films, intimate Q&As, industry mixers, relaxed drinks events and the excitement of the red carpet. This year’s programme showcases 52 feature films, including nine UK premieres and eight world premieres, with all films screening in Manchester for the first time. As ever, the all-star line-up will span genres, languages and cultures, with films starring the likes of Charli XCX, Willem Defoe, Asa Butterfield and plenty more.