Struggling to plan a fun-filled weekend in Manchester? Come rain or shine (in this city’s case mainly rain), we’ve got you covered when it comes to what’s on this weekend in Manchester. From cocktails, to brunches, markets to gigs, there’s something for everyone, including some for the kids, on our list of things to do in Manchester this weekend.
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Where to eat and drink this weekend
From bottomless brunches to dining at the best restaurants in Manchester, here are the food and drink-focused events you should check out in Manchester this weekend.
1. Nibble your way around the city with the Manchester Cheese Crawl
If you camembert the thought of not doing anything this weekend then this is one of the tastiest things to do in Manchester to get involved in. Manchester Cheese Crawl gives cheese lovers the opportunity to discover some of the delicious dairy delights that can be found around the city. This two-hour walking tour will take you around Manchester’s cheesiest spots: meeting cheese mongers, tucking into cheese and crackers (and just maybe a bit of vino) and, of course, being treated to a fantastic selection of cheese-based puns.
2. Fill your boots with this unlimited Sunday roast at Manchester’s first city centre carvery
Giving our Toby a run for his money, food, drink and entertainment hub Freight Island is bringing back ‘Seconds’ – a carvery where guests can tuck into the ultimate Sunday roast with unlimited access to all the trimmings. That’s right, you can go back for seconds and fill your boots. This September, guests can order with the chef directly as they carve the mighty mains as well as be free to help themselves with an unlimited access of all the trimmings.
3. Celebrate your October birthday with a free Omakase tasting menu at Sexy Fish
Always up for sharing the fun, Sexy Fish wants to celebrate your birthday with you too. Any guest who dines in October who has their birthday within one month of the booking date will receive a complimentary Omakase Tasting menu – when dining with a group of 5 or more. The omakase menu – meaning chef’s choice – features the best of Sexy Fish’s Japanese-inspired dishes like Tuna Tataki, Glazed Pork Belly Skewers and Spicy Yellowtail Maki. Guests can choose to celebrate with friends over the Hiro Omakase menu (£48 per person) or the Sekushi Omakase menu (£86 per person), with wine pairings to accompany.
4. Enjoy bottomless pizza and drinks alongside the best tunes from the 2000’s
Manchester based hangout, Brickhouse Social has announced the return of its 00’s themed brunch that will run every Saturday in October and November. Brickhouse Social invites music lovers to enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless pizza slices, fizz, bottled beers and select cocktails on their secret rooftop terrace with resident DJ playing all the best tunes from the 2000’s ranging from Britney Spears through to Beyonce. There are two sittings available on Saturdays: 1pm – 3pm and 3:30pm – 5:30pm, so go on, let your hair down and reminisce!
Bars, pubs and nightlife to check out this weekend
Whether you’re looking to let loose at a day party or dance all night, here are the best drinking and party spots to try this weekend.
5. Embark on a guided wine tour around the city
Manchester Wine Tours offer visitors a guided tour around the city centre, where they’ll visit some of the best places to drink and buy wine in Manchester along the way. You will be guided in small groups on a leisurely three-hour jaunt where they’ll be able to sample a few glasses en route, as well top notch nibbles. This is a great opportunity to try something new, learn the characteristics of different varieties and even discover a new favourite.
6. Get cosy with the return of The Oast House’s famous winter tipi
Popping up in Spinningfields every single year without fail, the tipi at The Oast House has become an institution in itself… An annual highlight, one might say. The tipi at The Oast House will boast three tents joined together with a huge open hub, allowing guests to see into the main bar and soak up the party atmosphere. The Oast House’s snug retreat will also feature firepits and live music alongside winter cocktails, hot chocolate, mulled wine and tempting street food, just in time for the chilly weather.
7. Sing your heart out at a silent disco
Who wouldn’t want to start the weekend with a silent disco? Join the Silent Adventures Team for a musical journey through Manchester’s streets with funky moves and pop star voices on display. Experience a flash mob, silent disco and rhythmic riot through town with hi-tech headsets filling your body with beats. Get ready to dance and sing on this walking tour! Plus, if you’re concerned about being embarrassed you needn’t worry as you’ll be part of fab group people all after a great time.
8. Celebrate the best of international music as WOMEX comes to Manchester
International music convention WOMEX will be coming to Manchester this week after the city won its bid to host the prestigious global event on behalf of the UK and Ireland. WOMEX – Worldwide Music Expo – is the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world and the biggest conference of the global music scene. While the daytime activities are reserved for music industry delegates, the live night-time music events will be ticketed and open to members of the public as well as delegates. Taking place each year in a different European city and featuring a huge trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts, the expo will be held at five of Manchester’s most iconic venues – Albert Hall, Manchester Central, O2 Ritz Manchester, HOME and Aviva Studios.
Top cultural attractions to visit this weekend
From art exhibitions, pop-up installations, film screenings, shows, gigs and concerts, here are some of the best things to do in Manchester this weekend for a good dose of culture.
9. Explore the extremes of nature, human capability and creativity at Manchester Science Festival
The biennial Manchester Science Festival returns this month and will tackle the extremes of our world, with visitors having the opportunity to get hands on with some of science’s most cutting-edge developments through multi-sensory experiences, immersive events and hands-on family fun. Taking place from October 18 to 27, you can expect the likes of incredible immersive artwork with the new installation State of Mind by Squidsoup, explore the impact of smartphones and apps on our brains at the Science and Industry Museum. An incredible Arachnobot, a giant spider puppet, will also make it sway through Manchester’s Arndale Centre in an unmissable, enchanting spectacle.
10. Hunt down the giant monsters that have popped up around Manchester
If you embark on a walk through Manchester city centre anytime during Halloween week you’ll likely spy a giant inflatable monster or two. The menagerie of oddly-endearing creatures have been invading the city for the past five years and are set to do it once more. Hide-and-seek doesn’t seem to be their strong suit though, as these pop-up Halloween monsters are often spotted hunkering down behind Printworks or peering over Piccadilly Place.
11. See the city from a different perspective on a river cruise tour
Set sail from Salford Quays for an epic 60-minute journey down Manchester’s iconic Ship Canal and River Irwell on a specially-designed Dutch sightseeing boat, starting from the heart of Manchester. Witness the industrial heartland and historic monuments, including Stephenson’s railway bridge. You can also marvel at Manchester United’s stadium of Old Trafford and Imperial War Museum North from the water.
12. Revisit highlights of Bridgerton’s soundtrack at an elegant Candlelight concert
Three scandalous seasons later, you may renew your Bridgerton obsession with a Candlelight concert. You can feel like a bona fide member of the ton as a string ensemble performs familiar pieces from the show inside the magnificent Manchester Cathedral. Hearing Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” performed by a string quartet will make you feel like an invincible guest arriving at the Innovations Ball, and Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything” will certainly stir up the same heat felt between our wallflower and dashing Bridgerton boy.
13. Visit the Paddington bear statue in Spinningfields
A trail of Paddington Bear statues, known as Paddington Visits, are currently touring the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru in cinemas. As part of the trail, Paddington fans will be able to spot the statue at Hardman Square, Spinningfields. Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw. Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!
14. Watch a Peaky Blinders theatre production at The Lowry
If us Mancs couldn’t get enough of Peaky Blinders, there’s about to be more as this time it’s heading to the stage. The Lowry in Salford has announced that the theatre show by Rambert Dance Company, known as Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, is returning following the production’s success in the spring. Making a stop in Salford between October 22 and 26, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight. The dance theatre show is directed and choreographed by Rambert Dance’s artistic director, Benoit Swan Pouffer, which sees exhilarating and athletic dance from the full dance company combined with an electrifying and eclectic soundtrack.
The hottest new openings in Manchester
Manchester is constantly full of newness, whether it be the latest bar and restaurant openings to brand new shops and pop-ups for you to browse, so we’ve rounded up what’s new to check out.
15. Visit the UK’s first mind-bending Museum of Illusions
The highly-anticipated Museum of Illusions is set to open onMarket Street and promises a captivating experience for visitors of all ages, immersing them in a world of optical illusions and interactive exhibits. The 10,700 sq ft space, which is open from September 27, is expected to be filled with “fascinating holograms, mind-bending illusion rooms, and astonishing exhibits intended to trick the mind and puzzle perceptions”. In addition to the museum’s signature, most popular and photo-worthy exhibits, such as the Walk-in Kaleidoscope, Vortex Tunnel, and Infinity Room, visitors will be treated to custom-made installations that celebrate Manchester’s unique culture and heritage.
16. Get a taste of Detroit with the arrival of pizza joint Detroit Slims
Opening its first venue in Circle Square on Oxford Road from October 12, Detroit Slims is a new quick-service pizza restaurant is set to bring a fresh and hot twist by introducing “a game changing approach to Detroit-style pizza”, with 10″ long rectangle shaped pizza. Each Slims pizza will be individually sized and baked fresh to order, featuring toppings such as the Cheese Burger Slim, BBQ Meat Feast and the Shroom Slim – with the standout signature The Pepperoni Crown. Each flavour combo will sit on top of Detroit Slims’ light and fluffy textured base, made from special 48-hour, slow-fermented focaccia dough.
17. Gorge on delicious smash burgers from the team behind Almost Famous
If you’re after a new lunch time spot or post-party scran then Super Awesome Deluxe has got you. Developed by Manchester’s OG burger team, Almost Famous, the new super fresh concept will be slinging out mind-blowing smashed burgers from October 9. Offering a simple but damn right delicious menu consisting of three burgers, hand-cut fries and homemade sauces, if it’s anything like Almost Famous’ burgers, us Mancs are in for a treat. Plus, the new Northern Quarter spot will be playing 80s tunes by day and drum and bass music by night to accompany those moreish smashed burgers.
18. Enjoy some relaxation at the UK’s largest sauna
A brand new concept to the UK, FIX MCR has been working closely with local therapists, psychologists, and wellbeing specialists to curate their range of guided sessions through the hot and the cold. This intimate, indulgent space is the ultimate city escape. Boasting the UK’s largest sauna, two large socially designed ice baths and luxurious community spaces, the studio is the first of its kind in the city centre.
19. On your marks, get set, bake as The Big Manchester Bake arrives
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and don your apron as not only is the latest series of popular baking show The Great British Bake Off back on our screens, but a fun baking experience has risen in Manchester too. Known as The Big Manchester Bake, the 90-minute concept allows novice and enthusiasts alike to bake off against their friends, family or colleagues in pairs, to be crowned winning bakers. The Big Manchester Bake will include a beautiful baking marquee with 12 baking stations, featuring top appliances to bring participants baking creations to life, as well as a stunning cake-inspired cocktail bar.
Secret Manchester Picks
The Secret Manchester team’s top picks for more fun things you can do in Manchester this weekend.
20. Take an autumn wander around RHS Garden Bridgewater
Opening just a few years ago in Worsley, the RHS Garden Bridgewater gates lead to a beautiful, nature wonderland – and it’s the perfect place to catch a literal breath of fresh air. Featuring multiple areas throughout to explore, including the ‘crown jewel’ of the site – the 11-acre Weston Walled Garden – visitors won’t be at a loss for beautiful sights, with tons of greenery, blooms, a peaceful lake and a number of lovely little ponds to potter around, as well as seasonal flowers and plants that transform throughout the year. Escape the city and witness nature doing its thing at this scenic garden.
21. Celebrate spooky season at this magical Halloween trail
This October, the creators of the Manchester’s acclaimed Twilight Trail will unveil The Halloween Trail, a spooktacular Halloween themed light show at Trafford Centre. Featuring over 100,000 lights, the mesmerising trail is filled with captivating installations that centre around a Skeleton Village theme. Guests will be greeted by supernatural surprises and moments of spooky delight as they arrive at the experience, with thousands of tiny laser beams coming together to create a mist-filled garden of light. Spooky stuff, indeed!
For more brilliant weekend ideas, check out these terrific things to do this October.