Greater Manchester is bursting with culture, entertainment, and excitement this week. From vibrant music festivals to family-friendly events, foodie gatherings, and sports action, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic Northern hub. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this detailed guide will keep you in the loop with the best events happening in Greater Manchester this week.
🎶 Music & Nightlife Events in Greater Manchester This Week
Manchester International Festival – A Cultural Powerhouse
This week, the Manchester International Festival (MIF) continues to dominate the cultural scene, bringing cutting-edge art, theatre, and music to various venues across the city. Hosted in iconic locations like Factory International and Manchester Central, MIF offers immersive installations, live performances, and world premieres. If you don’t have anyone to accompany you to this exciting event then you should contact Playmates. Playmates have gorgeous escort companions in Manchester that will rock your night better than the musicians you go and see.
Highlights this week include:
Maxine Peake’s new theatrical production at the Aviva Studios
An audio-visual experience by Ryuichi Sakamoto with breath taking projections
Late-night DJ sets featuring local and international talent
Park life Presents at The Warehouse Project
While Park life may be a memory, The Warehouse Project is heating up again with a series of club nights this week. Look out for:
House and techno night on Friday, featuring Camel Phat
Drum & Bass explosion on Saturday with Chase & Status (DJ Set)
Student sessions midweek, offering affordable entry and rising DJ stars
🎭 Arts, Theatre & Exhibitions
The Lowry – Contemporary Performances and Art Installations
The Lowry in Salford Quays is home to an impressive line up this week, including:
“The Lehman Trilogy” – a gripping drama spanning 150 years of financial history
Family puppet theatre on Saturday afternoon for kids under 10
LS Lowry Gallery – showcasing the painter’s vision of Northern life
Manchester Art Gallery – Immersive Visual Experience
On show now:
“Diverse Cityscapes”, a new exhibit featuring multicultural interpretations of Manchester
Interactive workshops for teens on urban art, including graffiti and digital illustration
🎡 Family-Friendly Activities and Festivals
Manchester Day 2025 – Parades and Performances
This week marks Manchester Day, an annual celebration featuring:
Themed street parades
Pop-up performances across Deansgate and Exchange Square
Interactive zones for children, including face painting and art stations
Expect vibrant costumes, giant puppets, and local musical acts. The event is completely free and suitable for all ages.
Heaton Park Funfair & Outdoor Cinema
Running all week, Heaton Park offers:
Classic funfair rides, food trucks, and family activities
Outdoor movie nights, with showings of:
Bring a blanket and enjoy open-air cinema under the stars.
🥘 Food & Drink Events in Manchester
Manchester Food & Drink Festival Pop-Ups
From Tuesday to Sunday, experience Manchester’s culinary richness through:
Street food stalls at Cathedral Gardens
Craft beer tastings by local breweries like Track, Cloud water, and Seven Brothers
Live chef demos by regional favourites including Mary-Ellen Mc Tague and Simon Wood
Don’t miss the Gin & Prosecco Garden, open nightly from 5 PM.
Didsbury Summer Market
Held in Didsbury Park on Saturday and Sunday, this market features:
Artisan cheeses and chutneys
Handmade desserts and bakes
Local wines and coffee vendors
There’s also live acoustic music and children’s storytelling sessions scheduled throughout the day.
🏟️ Sport and Outdoor Activities in Greater Manchester
Manchester United Preseason Friendly at Old Trafford
Catch Manchester United in action this Thursday in a preseason match against Real Betis at Old Trafford. Gates open at 6 PM, with pre-match fan zones offering:
Photo booths
Club legend meet-and-greets
Live commentary and merchandise tents
Guided Walking Tours and Canal Cruises
Explore the city through:
Historic Manchester walking tours covering sites like the Town Hall, Gay Village, and Northern Quarter
Evening canal cruises through Castlefield with onboard drinks and tapas
Book tickets in advance for best availability.
🛍️ Shopping & Markets
Affleck’s Palace – Independent Retail Heaven
Explore Afflecks Palace this week and discover:
Vintage clothing boutiques
Record stores
Tattoo and piercing studios
Vegan bakeries and bubble tea shops
Afflecks will also host a “Late Night Thursday” with DJs spinning vinyl, special discounts, and free workshops.
Makers Market in Spinningfields
This weekend, visit Spinningfields for the Makers Market, a curated selection of:
Handcrafted home décor
Locally made cosmetics
Gourmet treats and rare spices
Perfect for unique gifts and supporting small businesses.
🗓️ Upcoming Events to Watch For Next Week
Blue Dot Festival at Jodrell Bank: A fusion of science, music, and cosmic wonder, starts next Friday
Bury Agricultural Show: Featuring livestock competitions, equestrian events, and family games
📍 Travel and Tips for Enjoying the Week
Metrolink trams are running on extended schedules due to event footfall – check Transport for Greater Manchester updates.
Booking ahead is advised for most ticketed events.
Free city centre shuttle buses run every 10–15 minutes during peak event hours.
For visitors, consider purchasing a “Manchester City Pass“ for discounted access to museums, tours, and attractions.
Greater Manchester is thriving this week with a rich variety of events, attractions, and cultural highlights. Whether you’re catching a show, enjoying world-class food, or exploring the city’s streets and parks, this is a week you won’t want to miss.
