Manchester Events April 2026 | What’s On Guide

Wondering what’s on in Manchester this April?

Here’s your go-to monthly guide to the best events across Manchester, including Easter activities, half term fun, live music, theatre, family days out and outdoor spring picks.

We’ll keep adding new events throughout April, so it’s worth popping back. For early heads-ups and extra recommendations, join our newsletter or follow our Manchester Mummy Facebook community.

Please note: some events need booking and details can change – always check with the venue. This post may contain adverts & affiliate links, marked with AD.

🎟️ Event Spotlight (Top of Page)

Want your event to be seen first? Book a highlighted spot at the top of this April events guide, plus a listing below.

📩 Get in touch for rates + availability.
Please send your event info, ticket link and a press image.

Sponsored features are clearly marked as AD/Sponsored.

Events in Manchester during April

1st April

Top Hat at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £26.50.
Jonathan Scott – Organ Symphony at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 1:10pm. Tickets from £15.75 (standard). Concession and student prices available.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £77.95) and 7:30pm – tickets from £64.95 (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Helios at Victoria Baths. Various time slots from 5pm – 10pm (1 hour duration). Tickets from £3.
Messy Easter at Manchester Cathedral (nave). Event starts at 10am. FAMILY.
Discovering Morricone at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £32.50.
Board Games Club at Manchester Central Library (Ground Floor – handling tables). Event from 5pm – 7pm. FREE – booking required – donations appreciated.

2nd April

Murder, She Didn’t Write at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £29.50.
Top Hat at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £26.50.
Public Building Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10 (or £8 for concessions).
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £77.95. FAMILY.
BetMGM Premier League Darts at AO Arena. Event starts at 5pm. Only hospitality packages available at time of publishing.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Helios at Victoria Baths. Various time slots from 5pm – 10pm (1 hour duration). Tickets from £3.
The Wiggles – Tree of Wisdom Big Show at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event slots at 9am/ 12pm/ 3pm. FAMILY.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event starts at 6pm. FAMILY.
Spring Summer Series Launch – Lil Miss Jackie at Freight Island (outside). Event from 4pm – 12am. FREE.
Alasdair Beckett-King: King of Crumbs at HOME Manchester (theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm.
The City for Incurable Women at HOME Manchester (theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm.

3rd April – Good Friday

Raver Tots – Pop Queens vs K-Pop Superstars at Albert Hall Manchester. Event slots from 11:30am – 2:15pm and 3pm – 6pm. Tickets from £18. FAMILY.
Club 90s Presents Heated Rivalry Night at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 9pm – 1am. Tickets from £23.50.
Murder, She Didn’t Write at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £29.50.
Wren’s World at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 3:30pm (1 hour run time). Tickets from £10. FAMILY – Ages 7 years plus.
Top Hat at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm (Audio described). Tickets from £29.50.
The Billy Joel Songbook at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £27.25.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £45.95 . FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Helios at Victoria Baths. Various time slots from 12pm – 9pm (1 hour duration). Tickets from £3.
Martin Kemp – The Ultimate Back to the 80’s DJ set at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Tays with special guests at Aviva Studios. Event starts at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets from £30.
Suntou Susso – The Future is Ancestral at Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £17.50.
Good Fridaze – Our Kids Social at Freight Island (full venue). Event from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Tickets from £9.50. FAMILY EASTER SOCIAL EVENT.
The Ultimate Stone Roses & Oasis Tribute Night at Freight Island (Sports Bar). Event from 7:30pm – 11:30pm. Tickets from £8.
BOOMCHIKABOOM! Easter Family Rave at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY – booking required.
The City for Incurable Women at HOME Manchester (theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm.
Tales from Acorn Wood Live at HOME Manchester (theatre 1). Event starts at 1:30pm. FAMILY.

4th April

Manchester City vs Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 12:45pm. FA Cup Quarter Final Match.
Murder, She Didn’t Write at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 3pm and 8pm. Tickets from £29.50.
Wren’s World at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event slots at 1pm and 3:30pm (1 hour run time). Tickets from £10. FAMILY – Ages 7 years plus.
Top Hat at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £29.50.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £86.95) and 7:30pm – tickets from £64.95 (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). FAMILY.
5 Seconds of Summer – Everyone’s A Star Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £44.15.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Helios at Victoria Baths. Various time slots from 12pm – 10pm (1 hour duration). Tickets from £3.
A Tribute to Jilly’s Rockworld at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 9pm.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 12pm / 2:30pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Eric Lu and Kate Liu – Storms of Life at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets are £37.50. Concessionary options available.
Spring Summer Series – FAC51 The Hacienda at Freight Island. Event 12pm – 2pm. FREE.
Yoga – fitness and social at Kargo.MKT. Event from 9am – 10:30am. Tickets from £15.
Italian Storytime at Manchester Central Library (Children’s Library). Event from 11:30am – 12pm. FREE – ages 4 -7 years – donations appreciated.
The City for Incurable Women at HOME Manchester (theatre 2). Event slots at 2:15pm and 7:45pm.
Tales from Acorn Wood Live at HOME Manchester (theatre 1). Event slots at 11am and 2pm. FAMILY.

5th April – Easter Sunday

Doktor Kaboom And The Wheel of Science at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 2pm. Tickets from £19.50. FAMILY.
Omid Djalili at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm, Tickets from £34.50.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 2:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £77.95. FAMILY.
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live at AO Arena. Event slots at 10am and 1:30pm. Tickets from £34.25. FAMILY.
Helios at Victoria Baths. Various time slots from 12pm – 9pm (1 hour duration). Tickets from £3.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 12pm and 2:30pm. FAMILY.
Spring Summer Series – Ghosts of Garage with MJ Cole at Freight Island. Event from 12pm – 2am. FREE.
Easter Party With Easter Bunny at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY – booking required.
Tales from Acorn Wood Live at HOME Manchester (theatre 1). Event starts at 11am. FAMILY.

6th April – Easter Bank Holiday Monday

Echo & The Bunnymen at Albert Hall Manchester.
Doktor Kaboom And The Wheel of Science at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 11am and 2pm. Tickets from £19.50. FAMILY.
Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £34.50.
Helios at Victoria Baths. Various time slots from 12pm – 9pm (1 hour duration). Tickets from £3.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
J.I.D – God Does Like World Tours at Aviva Studios. Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £35.
K-Pop Live Manchester at Freight Island (Platform). Event starts at 11:30am – 6pm. Tickets from £27.

7th April

Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts (starring Tom Chambers) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £22.
Simon Evans – Is Staring At The Sun tour at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £22.50.
Public Building Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10 (or £8 for concessions).
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £64.95. FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Joshua Radin at Hallé St Peter’s, Manchester M4 6BF. Event starts at 8pm (doors open at 7:30pm). Tickets from £33.45.

8th April

Leigh-Anne at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £30. Ages 14 years upwards.
Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts (starring Tom Chambers) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £22.
Public Building Tour with BSL at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10 (or £8 for concessions).
The Shoop Shoop Show (The Cher Collection) at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £21.25.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £93.95) and 7:30pm – tickets from £62.95 (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. LIMITED AVAILABILITY.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.

9th April

Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts (starring Tom Chambers) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £22. Audio Described.
Bloody Women at The Lowry (Pier 8 Room). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £4.
Ron Auton (Can) at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £22.
Jon Udry – Is Having a Ball tour at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £15.
The National Youth Orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £22.
Suzi Quatro at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £27.70.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £62.95. FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Protoje at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
Out With The Buckleys at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 6:30pm.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Messy Easter at Manchester Cathedral (nave). Event starts at 10am. FAMILY.
Across The Universe at Stoller Hall. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.50.
Candlelight Best of Joe Hisaishi at Hallé St. Peter’s. Event from 9pm. Tickets from £39.

10th April

Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts (starring Tom Chambers) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25. BSL.
Tom Houghton – Deep at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £20.
Fixing at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
Stop Making Sense Live at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £30.
Public Building Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10 (or £8 for concessions).
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour) at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £29.75.
Gravity – Starring Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman & Rachel Tucker at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £29.70.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £73.95. FAMILY.
Shreya Ghosal – The Unstoppable Tour at AO Arena. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £42.75.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Henry Moodie at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 6:30pm.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
The Magic of Michael Jackson at Freight Island. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £14.
Knitting, Cross-stitch and Embroidery Group at Manchester Central Library (Lower Ground Floor). Event from 2pm – 4pm. Pay what you can.

A large blue and black bee sculpture with Blue Peter badge, perched on a honeycomb-patterned egg in a city park. — *Blue Peter Bee in Blue Peter Garden at MediaCityUK*

11th April

Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts (starring Tom Chambers) at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
Parody of the Rings at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event slots at 2:30pm and 8pm. Tickets from £23.
Matteo Lane: We Gotta Catch Up! at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £41.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £68.95) and 7:30pm – tickets from £74.95 (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 12pm/ 2:30pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Factory House Choir at Aviva Studios. Event from 2pm – 4pm. FREE – Booking Required.
R&B Club Classics Bottomless Brunch at Freight Island (Sports Bar). Event from 11:30am – 4pm. Tickets from £22.50.
Yoga – fitness and social at Kargo.MKT. Event from 9am – 10:30am. Tickets from £15.
Idol Worship – An Evening With Mink Stole & Peaches Christ at HOME Manchester (theatre 2). Event starts at 7:30pm.

12th April

Mark Steel – The Leopard in my House at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £24.50.
Simon Munnery on Tour at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £20.
Fisherman’s Friends at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £33.25.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 2:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £86.95. FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £12.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 12pm and 2:30pm. FAMILY.
Spring Summer Series – Crazy P at Freight Island. Event from 2pm – 10pm. FREE.
Mini Disco with the Mermaid Princess! at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY – booking required.
Pottery Painting Workshop: Easter Special at Kargo.MKT. Event from 1pm – 3pm. Tickets from £16.96.

13th April

Manchester United vs Leeds United at Old Trafford. Kick off at 8pm. Premier League Match.
Pierre Novellie – You sit there, I’ll stand here tour at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £22.
Galicia Symphony Orchestra with Thiabaut Garcia on guitar at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
You’re Dead To Me at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £38.78.
Tori Amos at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Shane Koyczan at Hallé at St. Michael’s. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £28.49.

14th April

Zog – live on stage at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 4:30pm (60 minute run time). Tickets from £20.50. FAMILY.
Ballet Black at 25 at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £13.
Public Building Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10 (or £8 for concessions).
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £62.95. FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. Donations from £2.50.

15th April

Zog – live on stage at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots 11am and 1:30pm (60 minute run time). Tickets from £20.50. FAMILY.
The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £15.
Danny Baker – Aye Aye! Ahoy Hoy! at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £32.
Ewan Millar on oboe and Tomos Boyles on piano at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £13.50.
Diversity – Soul 2026 at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:45pm (2 hour runtime with interval). Tickets from £42.18.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £74.95) and 7:30pm – tickets from £62.95 (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. LIMITED AVAILABILITY.
The Cheryl & Kitty Show 2026 at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. Donations from £2.50.
The Louby Lou Clown Show at Kargo.MKT. Event from 11am – 12pm. Tickets from £3.96.
Little Reads at Manchester Central Library (Children’s Library). Event from 11am – 11:30am. FREE – ages from 2 – 6 years. Donations appreciated.
Crochet & Chat Club at Manchester Central Library (Ground floor – handling tables). Event from 2pm – 4pm. FREE – donations appreciated.

Waterside view of Salford Quays featuring The Lowry, a modern glass building, and a golden tower under a bright blue sky. — *Salford Quays*

16th April

Zog – live on stage at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots 11am and 1:30pm (60 minute run time). Tickets from £20.50. FAMILY.
The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 10:30am and 2pm. Tickets from £15.
Thomas Green – Brainstorm at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £20.50.
The Hallé – A Sea Symphony at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.
Diversity – Soul 2026 at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:45pm (2 hour runtime with interval). Tickets from £42.18.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £62.95. FAMILY.
The Prodigy with special guest Carl Cox at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £76.19.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. Donations from £2.50.
The Easy Rollers at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £25.
Evgeny Grinko at Hallé at St. Michael’s. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £42.90.

17th April

Faster Horses at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 11pm – 4am. Tickets from £17.87.
Zog – live on stage at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots 11am and 1:30pm (60 minute run time). Tickets from £20.50. FAMILY.
The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £15.
Getting Triggy With It – Matt Parker Does The Maths at The Lowry (Quays Theatre)/ Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £29.50.
Leila Navabi – Relay at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event from 8pm. Tickets from £12.
The Hallé – The Best of John Williams at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £18.50.
Diversity – Soul 2026 at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 2:30pm (2 hour runtime with interval). Tickets from £42.18.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £73.95. FAMILY.
Rick Astley with special guest Gabrielle at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £48.95.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Peaches – No Lube So Rude Tour 2026 at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
Max Amini at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 6:30pm.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 2pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
SJM Concerts Presents Jane Weaver at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £27.50.
Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift at Hallé St. Peter’s. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £26.

18th April

Zog – live on stage at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots 11am/ 1:30pm and 3:30pm (60 minute run time). Tickets from £20.50. FAMILY.
The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from £15.
Looking For Me Friend – The Music of Victoria Wood at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £26.50.
Emma Doran – Emmaculate at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £20.50.
BBC Philharmonic – New World Symphony at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £93.95) and 7:30pm – tickets from £74.95 (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). FAMILY.
James – Love is the Answer Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £76.95.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. LIMITED AVAILABILITY.
Thunder From Down Under at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
Cat Burns at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 12pm/ 2:30pm and 5pm. FAMILY.
Day Sessions – The Ultimate 30+ Clubbing Experience at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 12:15pm – 10pm.
Factory Moves – Time Exchange Jam at Aviva Studios. Event starts 12pm. FREE – booking required.
Kantos – Take Flight at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £5.50 (concessionary).
James Pre-show – MCR Rocks at Freight Island. Event from 2pm – 7pm. FREE.
Yoga – fitness and social at Kargo.MKT. Event from 9am – 10:30am. Tickets from £15.
LEGO Club at Manchester Central Library. Event from 2pm – 3pm. FREE – 4 years upwards – donations appreciated.
Ukranian Storytime at Manchester Central Library (Children’s Library). Event from 1:30pm – 2pm. FREE – ages 4 – 7 years. Donations appreciated.
Family Film Club at Manchester Central Library (Performance Space). Event from 1pm – 4pm. FREE – suitable for under 12’s. Donations appreciated.
Arabic Storytime at Manchester Central Library (Children’s Library). Event from 2pm – 3pm. FREE – ages 4 – 7 years. Donations appreciated.
Little Reads at Manchester Central Library (Children’s Library). Event from 11am – 11:30am. FREE – ages from 2 – 6 years. Donations appreciated.
Teens Book Club at Manchester Central Library (Teen Library – Lower Ground Floor). Event from 11am – 12pm. FREE – ages 13 – 16 years. Donations appreciated.
Katona Twins – Alhambra Inspirations at Hallé at St Michael’s. Event from 8pm – 10pm (doors open at 7:30pm). Tickets from £21.29.

Sunset over MediaCityUK in Manchester, with modern buildings, a tram and people walking along the waterside.

19th April

MANCHESTER MARATHON 2026
Manchester City vs Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 4:30pm. Premier League Match.
Zog – live on stage at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots 11am/ 1:30pm and 3:30pm (60 minute run time). Tickets from £20.50. FAMILY.
The Remarkable Ben Hart at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £23.50.
The Hallé – A Sea Symphony at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £18.
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm (1 hour 50 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £70.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 2:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £86.95. FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £12.
Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus at The Trafford Centre, P7 Car Park, M17 8AA. Event slots at 12pm and 2:30pm. FAMILY.
SJM Concerts Presents Imelda May Plus Support at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £40.

20th April

State of the Nation – An Evening with Akala at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £29.50.
Music Makers at The Bridgewater Hall. Event slots at 11am and 12pm (Toddler sessions). Tickets are £4 for 1 adult and 1 child. FAMILY.
Alfie Boe with support from Jessica Sweetman at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £42.25.

21st April

Noughts and Crosses at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £22.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £55.95. FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Amber Mark at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
Chetham’s Lunchtime concerts at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 1:30pm. Tickets from £2.50.
Chloe Flower at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £27.50.
Gaz Hughes Trio at Band on the Wall. Event starts at 6pm.
I, Daniel Blake at HOME Manchester (theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm.

22nd April

RuPauls Drag Race UK Season 7 Tour at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 8pm – 11pm. Tickets from £41.
Noughts and Crosses at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £22.
Timeless at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £8.
Carlos Acosta’s Carmen at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm (1 hour 40 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £27.95.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £61.95. FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Chetham’s Lunchtime concerts at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 1:30pm. Tickets from £2.50.
Crime Central with guest authors Isabelle Broom, Lucy Andrew, Heidi Amsinck and Jamie West at Manchester Central Library. Event from 6pm – 7:30pm Tickets from £2.
I, Daniel Blake at HOME Manchester (theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm.

23rd April

Noughts and Crosses at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 1:30pm (Audio Described) and 7pm. Tickets from £22.
The Hallé – The Unanswered Question at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.
Carlos Acosta’s Carmen at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm (1 hour 40 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £27.95.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £61.95. FAMILY.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Sip and Paint – Movement and Expression at Aviva Studios. Event starts at 6pm. Donations welcome.
Chetham’s Lunchtime concerts at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 1:30pm. Tickets from £2.50.
Big Book Quiz at Manchester Central Library (Performance Space). Event from 7pm – 9pm. Tickets from £3.
I, Daniel Blake at HOME Manchester (theatre 1). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm.

Front view of The Lowry theatre in Salford Quays on a cloudy day, with people walking across the plaza. — *The Lowry, Salford Quays*

24th April

One Night in Nashville at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £25.
Noughts and Crosses at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm (BSL). Tickets from £22.
Joz Norris – You Wait. Time Passes at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £15.
Thomas Ades Piano Recital at Hallé St Peter’s. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £17.
The 80’s Show at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £33.25.
Carlos Acosta’s Carmen at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm (1 hour 40 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £27.95.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £44.95. FAMILY.
Matt Rife – Stay Golden World Tour at AO Arena. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £50.62.
Louis Tomlinson – How Did We Get Here World Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £40.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
John Mulaney – Mister Whatever at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 6:30pm.
The Music of Ed Sheeran by Candlelight at Gorton Monastery. Event from 8pm – 10:30pm.
Cafe Del Mundo at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £35.50.
I, Daniel Blake at HOME Manchester (theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm.

25th April

Noughts and Crosses at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 2:30pm. Tickets from £22.
British Sign Language Tour of the LS Lowry collection at The Lowry (Andrew Law Galleries). Event starts at 11am. FREE.
BBC Philharmonic – Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Carlos Acosta’s Carmen at the Opera House Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm (1 hour 40 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £27.95.
Matilda at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £86.95) and 7:30pm – tickets from £66.95 (2 hours & 35 mins runtime with interval). FAMILY.
Yungblud – Idols Tour at AO Arena. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £52.90.
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. SOLD OUT.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
M60 at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
Country by Candlelight at Gorton Monastery. Event from 8pm – 10:30pm.
Street Symphony X Red Rodeo Club at Aviva Studios (The Social). Event starts at 2:30pm. FREE – Booking required.
Keith James – The Songs of Nick Drake at Stoller Hall. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets from £22.50.
Cordelia Williams Solo Recital at Stoller Hall. Event from 7pm. Tickets are £20 – Students are £7.
Manchester Spring Social at Freight Island (Open air festival). Event from 3pm – 11pm. Tickets from £13.20.
MCR Rocks Indie Night at Freight Island. Event from 8pm – 12am. FREE.
Bingo Jamz Manchester at Freight Island. Event from 7pm – 10pm. Tickets from £20.90.
Yoga – fitness and social at Kargo.MKT. Event from 9am – 10:30am. Tickets from £15.
The Fleecers – Live at Manchester Central Library (Henry Watson Music Library). Event from 3pm – 4pm. FREE – donations appreciated.
Spanish Storytime at Manchester Central Library (Children’s Library). Event from 12pm – 12:45pm. FREE – donations appreciated.
Polish Storytime at Manchester Central Library (Children’s Library). Event from 11am – 11:30am. FREE – donations appreciated.
The Loneliest Whale interactive show at HOME Manchester (theatre 2). Event slots at 11am and 2pm. FAMILY.
I, Daniel Blake at HOME Manchester (theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm.

26th April

Tiny Planet at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event slots at 12:30pm and 3pm. Tickets from £12. FAMILY.
Jethro Tull at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £47.
Matt Forde – Defying Calamity at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £29.50.
Blue – 25th Anniversary Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £59.75.
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. SOLD OUT.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £12.
Spring Summer Series – Hit&Run with Iration Steppas at Freight Island, Event from 12pm – 11pm. FREE.
Bricklands Lego Build & Play at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE.

27th April

Manchester United vs Brentford at Old Trafford. Kick off at 8pm. Premier League Match.
Alex Warren – Little Orphan Alex Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £92.91.

28th April

Aljaz and Janette – Let’s Face The Music and Dance at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £29.75.
Double Indemnity at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours 15 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £18.95.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £12.
Claire Rousay at Hallé at St. Michael’s. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £20.86.
People Pleaser – Bryony Gordon at HOME Manchester (theatre 2). Event starts at 7:30pm.

29th April

Wolf by Circa at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £16.50.
Public Building Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15pm (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10 (or £8 for concessions).
The Hallé – Chamber Series Hallé Brass Quintet at Hallé St Peter’s. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £17.
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth in Concert (film with live band) at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £35.25.
Double Indemnity at the Opera House Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm (2 hours 15 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £18.95.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.

30th April

Wolf by Circa at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £16.50.
Antoine Préat on piano at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £13.50.
Double Indemnity at the Opera House Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm (2 hours 15 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £18.95.
Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
Hamish Hawk at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love – Richard Houghton in Conversation. Event from 6pm – 7pm. Pay what you can.
Art Club Spring at Hallé at St. Michael’s. Event from 7pm – 9:30pm. Tickets from £22.38.

People walking outside BBC Studios at MediaCityUK in Manchester on a bright day with blue skies and clouds.

Wrapping Up What’s Happening In Manchester In April

April in Manchester is all about fresh energy and making the most of those longer, lighter days. With so much going on across the city and Greater Manchester, now’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy it.

If you’re craving some fresh air, head to our guide to the best parks in Manchester (it even includes a fun park name generator) to find the perfect spot for a spring walk, picnic or family wander.

And because… Manchester weather… if you want a solid indoor plan too, our roundup of museums and galleries in Manchester is brilliant for rainy days, school holiday boredom-busters, and last-minute “we need to do something” moments.

If we’ve missed any great local events for April, let us know and we’ll add them to the list.

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our What’s On Guide for updates straight to your inbox and keep checking back as we’ll be adding new April events throughout the month.

What’s On in Manchester in April 2026: Events, Days Out & What to Book