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. Enjoy a top notch Sunday roast at The Fountain House
The Fountain House on Albert Square boasts one of the best roast dinners you can get outside of your Nan’s house. Choose from the likes of slow roasted topside of beef, porchetta with lip-smacking crackling, and succulent chicken with pig in blanket and stuffing, alongside vegan Wellington this place needs to be on your list to visit. The pub has got everything you need for a cosy Sunday including pub classics also available for those not fancying a roast, a two for £12 cocktail offer between 4pm and 7pm and some top-quality board games to help yourself too if the banter is running dry.
2. Tuck into Bundobust’s delicious Indo-Chinese specials
Indian street food and craft beer restaurant and brewery Bundobust has brought back its specials inspired by the fiery fusion of Indian and Chinese flavours that began in Kolkata and swept across the globe, as well as offering a modern Bundobust take. The six tasty dishes, which are available from March 4 until April 14 at Bundobust Brewery and Manchester Piccadilly restaurants, celebrate the historic culinary craze of crossing Chinese cooking styles with classic Indian spices and vegetables. Munch on the likes of tasty Salt and Pepper Okra Fries, crunchy Gobi Toast and moreish Chilli Paneer and wash it down with a refreshing Chokha rice lager.
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.
3. Visit Freight Island as it reopens for the spring and summer seasons
Manchester’s Freight Island will be back in full swing on Easter weekend, re-opening fully on March 29. Introducing Spring/Summer, running throughout the season from April to September, Freight Island has invited world-renowned DJs and the city’s finest talents to perform including David Rodigan, Greg Wilson, Norman Jay, Luke Una and his special É Soul Cultura, Crazy P (DJ Set), Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, and more. Continuing to champion independent traders from the North West, Liverpool institution and famous chicken shop Pattersons is set to open their stall at Freight Island on Good Friday.
4. Discover a range of flavours and botanicals with this gin-tasting experience
To kickstart the month of March on a high, why not grab a a gin-ful? You and your pals can go on a gin journey which starts with a refreshing Manchester Gin and tonic and four samples as you uncover the secrets of gin production. You can discover a variety of flavours and botanicals all whilst sipping on some top gin at The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, located in the iconic Manchester arches where you’ll find Three Little Words.
5. Listen to live music at this free festival at The Oast House
Following its success last year, Spinningfields bar The Oast House is bringing its music festival back to the city this Easter weekend with a jam-packed line-up. Known as Manifest, the festival will kick off on March 31 with a full day event featuring music from talented artists, street food and flowing drinks. Taking place on the large outdoor terrace at The Oast House, complete with a dedicated stage, Manifest will run from 1pm in the afternoon until late, with sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco and blues.
6. Experience the sounds and vibes of Mykonos at FENIX Moonlight Parties
This March, FENIX, the contemporary Greek-Mediterranean restaurant that opened in Manchester late last year is unveiling a series of Moonlight Parties. To mark the start of the series, FENIX will play host to a series of international DJs from March 28 to 31, starting each evening at 10:30pm and running till the early hours. Across the four nights, FENIX has crafted a unique programme of sounds that captures the vibrant spirit and energy of Mykonos. The Thursday will see international percussionist Kami join FENIX’s Resident DJ Christian followed by a performance on the Saturday from the incredible Jano, before concluding on the Sunday, when Mykonos’ very own international DJ Anthony from Zuma, will perform.
Top cultural attractions to visit this weekend
From exhibitions, pop-up installations, film screenings, shows and concerts, here are some of the best things to do in Manchester this weekend for a good dose of culture.
7. Head to Sparkle Weekend at Fairfield Social Club
Down at Fairfield Social Club on Easter Sunday, visitors are welcome to come celebrate Trans Day of Visibility and fundraise for the Family & Youth Zone at Sparkle Weekend 2024 – and tickets are free. In collaboration with Manchester Queer Art Market, Fairfield Social Club will be hosting a great selection of trans and gender diverse stall holders. You can also expect jewellery making, eco clothes rail and binder programme, Kids Play Zone, house plant 101, creative joy, embroidery, and an Easter egg hunt. Plus, Blackjack Brewery will be holding their first Brewtap of the year too.
8. Take a trip to the Imperial War Museum North’s first exhibition on the Troubles
Imperial War Museum North’s first ever exhibition focusing on the Troubles in Northern Ireland is coming to Salford Quays, connecting this important history with Northern Ireland’s closest neighbour region. Northern Ireland: Living with the Troubles can be visited from March 22 and unpacks a complex chapter of our shared history, shining a light on the different narratives experienced by people who lived through the conflict within Northern Ireland and allowing them to share their version of events. Visitors will hear from individuals on all sides of the conflict, from republican and loyalist paramilitaries to British soldiers, local police and ordinary civilians.
9. See legendary Manc artist Stanley Chow’s best work at this exhibition in Chorlton
The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre in Chorlton is hosting a unique selection in an exhibition by internationally renowned illustrator Stanley Chow, who originally hails from Manchester. This special exhibition will run from February 15 to May 30 and will showcase Stan’s personally curated collection of actors from the stage, film and television – several of whom are BAFTA, Emmy, Olivier and Academy Award winners. The exhibition will also include the three patrons of The Edge, Sir Mark Rylance, Julie Hesmondhalgh and John Thomson.
10. Follow this striking free art trail celebrating iconic Irish people
A collection of Irish iconography by renowned mosaic artist Mark Kennedy including works featuring George Best, Oscar Wilde, Sinead O’Connor and Shane MacGowan, are being exhibited in cultural and creative venues throughout Manchester City Centre from March 1-31, named The Irish Nation. Commissioned byIrish Mancunian, an organisation that curates cultural events of Irish interest for Manchester audiences, The Irish Nation has been transformed into a free-to-view art trail. The stunning collection of original and previously unseen mosaics now portrays seventeen personalities from the worlds of literature, music, sport and history.
11. Check out this free exhibition showcasing the 90s Manchester rave scene
Coming to the Clarks Originals Manchester store on King Street this week, Clarks have teamed up with non-for-profit organisation, Museum of Youth Culture, to host a free in-store exhibition which deep-dives into archival imagery from the iconic 90s Manchester rave scene. During the exhibition (running between March 27 and April 1), Clarks will be running an in-store competition for customers to win a one-of-a-kind sovereign ring featuring the Clarks Originals Trek Man symbol, created by Toby McLellan exclusively for the Love Letter to the Rave film, directed by Glenn Kitson.
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.
12. Enjoy kawaii waffles, ‘bow’ buns and bubble tea at Primark’s Hello Kitty cafe
Fans of the adorable Hello Kitty can say ‘Kon’nichiwa’ to a cute (or kawaii) cafe inspired by the Japanese fictional character inside both Primark stores in Manchester. The Hello Kitty Café has launched at both Primark stores in Manchester, Market Street and the Trafford Centre sites, to celebrate 50 years of the pop culture icon. The cafés will feature Instagram-worthy décor and will be serving up an array of limited-edition treats inspired by Hello Kitty, such as sweet waffles and savoury ‘bow’ buns, alongside themed beverages including a choice of bubble teas and shakes.
13. Play shuffleboard and tuck into small plates at the Black Cat Club
Breathing new life into the former Middle-Eastern restaurant, Habas, Simon Shaw is set to unveil the Black Cat Club on March 16 – an energetic and engaging new space in Manchester that will invite guests to game, socialise, and eat all under one roof. The new venue, from the company behind El Gato Negro and Canto, will be introducing gaming elements such as Flyby Darts and interactive shuffleboard that guests can partake in whilst enjoying pizza, burgers, and a selection of delicious small plates. Black Cat Club will soundtrack the fun with regular vinyl DJs playing as well as offering a premium sports viewing experience, which will boast table service at the touch of the button so guests don’t have to miss a moment of the game they’re watching.
14. Indulge in delicious food at the canal-side brasserie Maya
Open from March 30, Maya is situated within an iconic location of Manchester’s nightlife history and split across three floors. Maya will house numerous areas, each with its own vibe, to take guests from day to night. From a canal-side brasserie space serving modern-European classics to a lower ground-floor, elegantly designed dining room that will centre around an ingredient-led, locally sourced and seasonal menu, there’s something for everyone. The new restaurant and bar will be led by Mancunian chef Gabe Lea, who has previously worked at Michelin-starred establishments like Le Manoir and Northcote as well as The French at The Midland Hotel, so be prepared for some outstanding food.
Secret Manchester Picks
The Secret Manchester team’s top picks for more fun things you can do in Manchester this weekend.
15. Take on the challenge of NERF Action Xperience and seek out the hidden Golden Blaster
To celebrate Easter, the huge indoor venue NERF Action Xperience are giving you the chance to win a big hamper of NERF prizes. If you visit for some foam-blasting fun between Good Friday (March 29) and Sunday 14 April you’ll be in with the chance to get your hands on prizes such as tickets, toys, mini-blasters and more simply by spinning the virtual wheel. Not only that, every hour between March 29 and April 1 there will be a Golden Blaster hidden in the area and you’ll have a certain amount of time to hunt it down. The lucky ones (or eagle-eyed detectives) who find it will win a special prize.
16. Take a spring 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.
Also published on Medium.