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 brunches to gigs, there’s something for everyone, including some activities for the kids, on our list of things to do in Manchester this weekend.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly cultural treat this May, prepare for the dazzling Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty. The show brings glowing costumes and graceful dance to life in a kid-friendly production at the Royal Northern College of Music, creating a colourful storybook experience. This isn’t just a ballet show—it’s a magical experience that brings a beloved classic to life in a way you’ve never seen before.
King Colis has brought its viral mystery shopping concept to Manchester, offering a timed treasure hunt through 10 tonnes of undelivered parcels. Participants get exactly 10 minutes to dig through the massive pile and select blind packages before heading to the scales to weigh their haul, with items sold at £2.50 per 100g. The retailer salvages online orders lost due to incorrect addresses or delivery errors, preventing mass waste while turning shopping into a high-stakes game.
If you fancy a big night out with a proper Northern story at its heart, get ready for the world premiere of Bank of Dave: The Musical at The Lowry, Salford, from May 2. This uplifting production tells the inspiring story of self-made millionaire Dave Fishwick, who launched his own community bank as a response to traditional banks. Filled with Northern grit, humour, and vibrant music, the musical promises a heartwarming experience. With a talented team behind it, this fresh British production aims to capture the essence of an ordinary lad achieving extraordinary dreams.
If you’re looking for something totally different to do in Manchester this weekend, this immersive VR adventure at Manchester’s Transmission House transports visitors to Ancient Egypt. At the Horizon of Khufu experience, you can witness ceremonies, explore pyramids and float along the Nile. The experience includes free-roam avatars, an informative virtual guide and collaboration with Egyptologists from Harvard.
Pick up a Diet Coke and limited edition copy of Runway magazine at this pop-up newsstand
Diet Coke is celebrating the release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in cinemas by launching The Diet Coke Newsstand in Manchester this week. Heading to Manchester’s Exchange Square on May 7 and 8, you can pick up a Diet Coke and a limited-edition issue of Runway Magazine from the newsstand. Plus, you’ll find a photobooth hidden behind a faux-fridge façade where you can strike a pose to capture your main character moment with a can in hand. With up to 100 copies of the limited-edition magazine available each day and exclusive merchandise up for grabs, it’s a lunchtime escape worth making time for.
View a rare series of photographs of Tony Wilson at this free exhibition
A free exhibition of previously unseen portraits of Tony Wilson, one of Manchester’s most influential figures in music, is heading to Kimpton Clocktower Hotel this month. Launching at The Refuge on April 9 and running until May 20, Tony Wilson: A Portrait of Manchester presents a rare series of photographs by acclaimed photographer Paul Wolfgang Webster. Shot in 1996 on a Hasselblad 500CM medium-format film camera, the shots offer a candid and intimate glimpse into the life of the legendary broadcaster and Factory Records founder.
Be mesmerised by this immersive and magical concert experience at Manchester Cathedral
Luminiscence, an enchanting 360° projection-mapped experience that fuses sound, light, and magic, arrives in Manchester this week. Taking place at Manchester Cathedral, visitors can rediscover the century-old architectural masterpiece as it turns into a vast, glowing canvas of light and storytelling. Using advanced 3D modelling and projection technology, every architectural detail is recreated with remarkable precision. The event tells a magnificent story narrated by Christopher Eccleston and is accompanied by an incredible live choir to create a goosebump-inducing experience.
Explore a free, citywide festival in Manchester celebrating the arrival of spring
Bloomtown returns to Greater Manchester for its fourth year this spring, celebrating the season when blossom can be seen on trees. The festival, organised by the National Trust together with local schools, parks and community groups, invites you to notice and be inspired by blossom where you live, work, study and play.
Shop til you drop at the biggest weekly artisan market in the UK
Campfield Market, a weekly artisan market in Manchester city centre, has expanded into St John’s, creating the biggest weekly artisan market in the UK. ‘Campfield Market at St John’s’ extends beyond the iconic Campfield building and out onto Grape Street, transforming the area into a one-kilometre loop of market stalls, street food and independent retail. Each week, visitors can expect over 100 independent traders spanning street food, local produce, artisan goods and makers, alongside an expanded food and drink line-up.