What’s on in Manchester in May 2026 – Events, Shows and Days Out

Planning your month? Here’s your guide to what’s on in Manchester in May 2026. From family-friendly events, Bank holiday fun and school holiday activities to live shows, exhibitions, markets and more, I’ve rounded up the best things happening across Manchester to help you make the most of the month.

If live music and standout venues are on your radar this month, take a look inside the iconic Albert Hall Manchester before you book.

This guide will be updated throughout May 2026, so do check back for the latest events and new additions.

Please note: Some events may require advance booking, and details such as dates, times, ticket prices and age restrictions can change. Always check directly with the venue before travelling. This post may contain adverts and affiliate links, marked AD.

Events in Manchester during May

1st May

• Ist Ist at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 6:30pm – 11pm. Tickets from £26.
• Katie Rigby at the Deaf Institute. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £20.
• Ne-Yo & Akon – Nights Like This Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £93.95.
• Sofia Ros at The Bridgewater Hall. Live at Lunchtime. Event starts at 12:45pm. FREE.
• Double Indemnity at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours 15 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £15.60.
• Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
• Hypocrisy + Vomitory + Vreid at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £30.
• Solence at Manchester Academy 3 (Angels Calling Tour Europe 2026 + Dream State + Written By Wolves). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £23.50.
• Katie Rigby at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Booshle G at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Mr Traumatik Tour 2026 at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• The Cases at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• Qawwals Warsi Brothers at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.50.
• Ninja Sex Party & TWRP – Pure Elegance Tour at the O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• GARY DAVIES Disco for Grown Ups 80s PARTY at the O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7:15pm.
• Reggae Bingo at Escape to Freight Island (Plant Room). Event runs 6pm–9pm. Tickets from £13.50.
• Leeds United v Burnley (Premier League) at Escape to Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick-off 8pm. FREE.
• Playreading Group at HOME Manchester (Event Space). Event starts at 11am.
• LOVE GHOST at Lions Den. Event starts at 7:30pm.

2nd May

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £30.50.
• Harry Clayton-Wright – Mr Blackpool at The Lowry. Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• Ne-Yo & Akon – Nights Like This Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £110.95.
• Yoga Fitness Classes & Social at Kargo.MKT. Event from 9am – 10:30am. Tickets from £15.
• Roland Gift Presents 40 Years of Songs by Fine Young Cannibals at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £44.75.
• Double Indemnity at the Opera House Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm (2 hours 15 mins run time with interval). Tickets from £18.20.
• Private Lives at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. LIMITED AVAILABILITY (2:30pm matinee).
• Puressence at Manchester Academy. Event starts at 7pm. SOLD OUT.
• Natalie Jane + Colby + kylekelly at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £23.50.
• Syntara + The Silver Chamber Orchestra at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £20.
• Tommy WÁ at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• iC1s at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• 00’s Silent Disco at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 7:30pm – 11pm. Tickets from £29.71. Age 18+ upwards.
• Splean at the O2 Ritz Manchester. Event from 7pm.
• The Phonics (Stereophonics Tribute) at Lions Den. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• OVER 30’s CLUB Daytime Open Air Festival at Escape to Freight Island (Outside). Event runs 3pm–10pm. Tickets from £12.
• Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League) at Escape to Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick-off 12:30pm. FREE.
• Arsenal v Fulham (Premier League) at Escape to Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick-off 5:30pm. FREE.
• Family Film/ Goat (PG) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 2). Event starts at 12:45pm. (Audio Described.) FAMILY.
• ANNO: Four Seasons by Anna Meredith & Antonio Vivaldi at Aviva Studios (South Warehouse). Event slots at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm (doors open 30 mins before). Standard tickets £32.50 (Concessions 50% off; Aviva £10 Tickets available; £1.50 booking fee). 1 hour continuous music. Age guidance 8+; under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

3rd May

• Manchester United vs Liverpool at Old Trafford. Kick off at 3:30pm. Premier League match.
• FOLA at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £30.
• Paul Carrack with support from Amy Meehan at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £46.75.
• Taylormania at Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 5pm (2 hour 20 mins runtime with interval). Tickets from £28.60.
• Fiinka at Manchester Club Academy. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £18.50.
• Balu Brigada at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• Jutes at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• Smash Into Pieces at the O2 Ritz Manchester (+ Enemy Inside + Dark Divine). Event from 6:30pm.
• Summer Outdoor Rum & Reggae Festival at Escape to Freight Island (Outside). Event runs 3pm–10pm. Tickets from £12.
• Swiftogeddon – The Taylor Themed Club Night at Escape to Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event runs 4pm–11pm. Tickets from £11.
• Manchester United v Liverpool (Premier League) at Escape to Freight Island (Inside). Kick-off 3:30pm. FREE.

4th May – MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £30.50.
• Nxdia at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Metropolis Music Presents Tom Smith Plus Special Guests at The Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. (Editors frontman’s solo debut.) Tickets are £30. 

5th May

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £30.50.
• The Choir of Man at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE.

6th May

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm (Audio Described & BSL). Tickets from £30.50.
• Lowry Boys –  movement skills project for boys (11-16 years) at The Lowry. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets are £3.
• EXXY at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £10. Ages 14 years upwards.
• The Galilee Quartet at The Bridgewater Hall. Manchester Midday Music. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £13.50.
• Ne-Yo & Akon – Nights Like This Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £93.95.
• The Choir of Man at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Stephen Sanchez + Special Guests at Manchester Academy. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £32.50.
• Melanie C – Album Launch Show at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £16.50.
• Esme Emerson at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE.
• London Boys (18) at HOME Manchester (Marina’s Cinema). Event starts at 6:15pm. Documentary on a diasporic Bangladeshi community finding solace through motorbikes. 
• ORA Singers at The Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7pm. (10th Anniversary celebration with Suzi Digby OBE.) Tickets £27.50 (standard) – FTE/U18 £5.50. U30s £11.50.

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7th May

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £34.50.
• EXXY at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm (BSL). Tickets from £10. Ages 14 years upwards.
• The Lowry Youth Project at The Lowry. Event starts at 4:45pm. Tickets from £4. Ages 9-15 years.
• Dial 1 for UK at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• The Hallé – Spring with Sir Mark Elder at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.
• The Choir of Man at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Fool Nelson at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Gans at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE.
• Nordic Lights – Manchester Night! An International Celebration of Harmony at The Stoller Hall (Heartbeat Chorus). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £27.50.
• James Morrison at the O2 Apollo Manchester (+ cordelia) – 20th anniversary tour celebrating debut album Undiscovered. Event starts at 7pm.
• Troubled at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm. An extraordinary tale of love, loss and human connection.
• Highlander – 40th Anniversary (15) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 8:15pm.
• Return to the Forest at Aviva Studios (North Warehouse). Event starts at 6:30pm. Tickets £25 (Aviva £10 Tickets and Concessions available; £1.50 booking fee). (1 hr 30 mins) FAMILY – Ages 8+ upwards.

8th May

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £39.50.
• Nine Sixteenths at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• Tame Impala at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. SOLD OUT – SUPER JEALOUS!
• Sweet Adelines Region 31/32 Joint Convention – Quartet Competition at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 10:25am. Tickets from £43.25.
• The Choir of Man at the Opera House Manchester. Event slots at 4pm and 8pm. Tickets from £19.24.
• Paledusk + Knosis + Greyhaven + Headwreck at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £20.
• Screeching Weasel + 4ft Fingers + Kicked In The Teeth at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
• Liam C at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Fifth Floor Fest at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• LET IT HAPPEN – Tame Impala Afterparty at Gorilla. Event starts at 11pm.
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & The Lark Ascending by Candlelight at Manchester Cathedral. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £26.91.
• Gabrielle Aplin at the O2 Ritz Manchester – English Rain 2026 UK Tour (celebrating 15 years of the debut album). Event from 7pm.
• Troubled at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm.
• Pop Punk Forever at Lions Den. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £10 to £30.  
• Return to the Forest at Aviva Studios (North Warehouse). Event starts at 6:30pm. Tickets £25. (1 hr 30 mins.) FAMILY – Ages 8+ upwards.
• Factory Remix: The Zero Hour at Aviva Studios (The Social). An evening of music from Aviva Studios’ own Front of House team, featuring Phia Sky, Chain for the City, Evie Moran and Hannah G. Event from 8pm – 10:30pm. FREE.

9th May

• Manchester City vs Brentford at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 5:30pm. Premier League match.
• Haircut 100 at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £35.
• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £39.50.
• Period Drama at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts 7pm (doors open at 5pm). Tickets from £79.95.
• Yoga Fitness Classes & Social at Kargo.MKT. Event from 9am – 10:30am. Tickets from £15.
• Paint and Sip – Matisse Cat at Kargo.MKT. Event from 12:30pm – 2:30pm. Tickets from £35.37.
• Sweet Adelines Region 31/32 Joint Convention – Chorus Competition at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 10:10am. Tickets from £43.25.
• Sweet Adelines Region 31/32 Joint Convention – Evening Concert at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £33.25.
• The Choir of Man at the Opera House Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £19.24.
• Au/Ra + support at Manchester Club Academy. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.50.
• Pearl Scam + Angry Hair (Alice In Chains Tribute) + Sounds Garden (Soundgarden Tribute) at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £20.
• An Afternoon Of Indie – Indie For The Over 30s at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 3pm.
• Reggaeton Party at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• Baile Do Brasil – Brazilian Baile Funk Party at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• VLTX Techno at Gorilla. Event starts at 11pm.
• Dr Louise Newson – Breaking The Cycle: The Power of Hormones at The Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £32.
• James Morrison at the O2 Apollo Manchester (+ cordelia) – 20th anniversary tour celebrating debut album Undiscovered. Event starts at 7pm.
• The Clone Roses + Kazabian at the O2 Ritz Manchester (Stone Roses & Kasabian tribute night). Event from 5:30pm.
• Bottomless Country Hoedown Brunch at Escape to Freight Island (Platform). Event runs 11:30am–4pm. Tickets from £25.
• Allday Ska Party at Escape to Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event runs 3pm–9pm. Tickets from £14.
• Spring Summer Series: Bestley at Escape to Freight Island (Plant Room). Event runs 12pm–12am. FREE.
• Liverpool v Chelsea (Premier League) at Escape to Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick-off 12:30pm. FREE.
• Manchester City v Brentford (Premier League) at Escape to Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick-off 5:30pm. FREE.
• Troubled at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event slots at 2:15pm and 7:45pm.
• Panel Discussion: Exercises in Knowing, Incidentally at HOME Manchester (Event Space). Event starts at 2pm.
• Return to the Forest at Aviva Studios (North Warehouse). Event slots at 2:30pm and 6:30pm. Tickets £25. (1 hr 30 mins.) FAMILY – Age 8+.
• Make & Create: Puppet Making at Aviva Studios. A family edition of the Make & Create workshop, in celebration of Return to the Forest. Event from 11am. Tickets from £10. FAMILY.
• Family Space Adventures at Manchester Central Library. Event from 1pm – 4pm. FREE – FAMILY.

10th May

• Girly Pop Live at Freight Island. Event from 12pm – 4:30pm. FAMILY.
• Kate Butch – Choose Your Own Cabaret at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event from 8pm. Tickets from £28.
• Mini Disco with Princess with the Red Rose at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY – booking required.
• Nate Bergman at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Jack Cullen at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Yellow Days at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• GirlyPop Live – The Ultimate Pop Party For Young Girls at Escape to Freight Island (Platform). Event runs 12pm – 4:30pm. Tickets from £8.20. FAMILY.
• Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United (Premier League) at Escape to Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick-off 2pm. FREE.
• West Ham United v Arsenal (Premier League) at Escape to Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick-off 4:30pm. FREE.
• D is for Distance (12A) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 2). Event starts at 1pm.
• Return to the Forest at Aviva Studios (North Warehouse). Event slots at 11am and 2:30pm. Tickets £25. The 11am is a Relaxed Performance; the 2:30pm is Audio Described. (1 hr 30 mins.) FAMILY – Age 8+.

11th May

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £34.50.
• Larry Fleet + support at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £24.50.
• Lights + Support at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £22.50.
• LØLØ + Ella Red + Dawson Gamble at Manchester Club Academy. Event starts at 7:30pm.
• Mothers Who Make at HOME Manchester (Arch 1). Event starts at 10:30am. Peer support group and creative exchange for mothers who are artists and makers of every kind. FAMILY/ Baby & Carer friendly.
• The Cars That Ate Paris (15) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 6:30pm. 

12th May

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £34.50.
• Party Season at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £16.50. Ages 12 years upwards.
• Giorgi Gigashvili piano at The Bridgewater Hall. Manchester Midday Music. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £13.50.
• Sir Stephen Hough, piano – From Schubert to Mary Poppins at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £20.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (Opening Night). Tickets from £15.60.
• Jack Van Cleaf & Clover County at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Submotion Orchestra at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE.
• The Sarahbanda at The Stoller Hall (Sarah Willis & ensemble). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £19.50.
• Erin LeCount + Ruby Roberts at the O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.

13th May

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £34.50.
• Lowry Boys –  movement skills project for boys (11-16 years) at The Lowry. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets are £3.
• Party Season at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 2:30pm (Baby friendly matinee) and 7:45pm (BSL). Tickets from £16.50. Ages 12 years upwards.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Rico Ace at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.20.
• In Color at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Billy Lockett at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE.
• Colin Blunstone at The Stoller Hall (Presented by Manchester Folk – voice of The Zombies). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets are £34.50.
• Being Ola (PG) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 2). Event starts at 6:30pm.
• Kiell Smith-Bynoe’s Kool Story Bro at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm.

14th May

• Nick Mulvey at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £32.50.
• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £34.50.
• The Lowry Youth Project at The Lowry. Event starts at 4:45pm. Tickets from £4. Ages 9-15 years.
• Party Season at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £16.50. Ages 12 years upwards.
• The Hallé – Dvořák’s Symphony No.8 at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Carly Pearce + Tigirlily Gold at Manchester Academy. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £35.
• Clinton Kane + Special Guests at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £17.
• Reverend and the Makers at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE.
• Live Performance Activation by Willow Swan and Ellis Berwick at HOME Manchester (Gallery). Event starts at 6pm.
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (U) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 6:15pm. Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russell sparkle in this classic Technicolor musical.
• Angel’s Bone at Aviva Studios (The Warehouse). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £45. Includes Artist Talk. Age 18+. STANDING.

15th May

• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm (BSL). Tickets from £39.50.
• Party Season at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £16.50. Ages 12 years upwards
• Double Bill – Grow Up!/ So Long, Farewell at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 2:30pm (1 hour runtime). Tickets from £5. Ages 12 years upwards.
• Iris Bell and Emma Grave (ID EST) – Mania at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 6pm (30 mins runtime). Tickets from £5. Ages 15 years upwards.
• Double Bill – Dear Matchstalk Men/ Big Kids at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £5.
• How Soon Is Now? at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8:30pm (1 hour runtime). Tickets from £5. Ages 12 years upwards.
• Coruja Jones at The Bridgewater Hall. Live at Lunchtime. Event starts at 12:45pm. FREE.
• The Hallé – Chamber Series: Alexander Gadjiev at Hallé St Peter’s. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £17.
• Celebrating Meat Loaf at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £37.75.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester (Preview). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• Karnivool + Special Guests at Manchester Academy. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £32.50.
• Maddox Batson – Live Worldwide Tour at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £27.50.
• Mechanical Animals – Industrial Goth & Nu Metal Freakfest! + Spooky Kids at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 6:30pm. Tickets from £20.
• LAUNDRY DAY at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Bo Staloch at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Just Like Heaven: Alt 80’s Night at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• Indie Discoteque at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• Juice WRLD Club Night at Gorilla. Event starts at 11pm.
• Andy Sheppard Trio at The Stoller Hall (featuring Italian jazz icon Rita Marcotulli). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets are £27.50. Under 18’s and students £5.
• Daniel Sloss: BITTER at the O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• Thomas Dolby at the O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• Line Dancing Social at Escape to Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event runs 8pm – 11pm. 200 Free Tickets, £6 after.
• Wake in Fright (18) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 8:15pm. The original Ozploitation shocker.
• Angel’s Bone at Aviva Studios (The Warehouse). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £45. Age 18+. STANDING.
• The Company at Lions Den. Event runs 7:30pm – 10:30pm. Tickets from £12.

16th May

• Chelsea vs Manchester City at Wembley. Kick off at 3pm. FA Cup Final. Come on Chelsea!
• Bank of Dave the musical at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm (Audio Described & Touch Tour). Tickets from £39.50.
• Party Season at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 2:30pm (BSL) and 7:45pm (BSL). Tickets from £16.50. Ages 12 years upwards.
• Double Bill – Grow Up!/ So Long, Farewell at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 5:30pm (1 hour runtime). Tickets from £5. Ages 12 years upwards.
• Iris Bell and Emma Grave (ID EST) – Mania at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 2:30pm (30 mins runtime). Tickets from £5. Ages 15 years upwards.
• Double Bill – Dear Matchstalk Men/ Big Kids at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £5.
• How Soon Is Now? at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8:30pm (1 hour runtime). Tickets from £5. Ages 12 years upwards.
• Yoga Fitness Classes & Social at Kargo.MKT. Event from 9am – 10:30am. Tickets from £15.
• BBC Philharmonic – Northern Lights at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12 (Under-30s, students & claimants £10).  
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester (Preview). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• The Longest Johns + Sean Dagher at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £27.50.
• Proud Mary + Special Guests The Train Set at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £23.
• Leah Kate – The Genius Tour at Manchester Club Academy. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.
• Girl Scout at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Rival Consoles at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• Chetham’s Concerto Finals at The Stoller Hall. Event starts at 11am. FREE – Booking required.
• Jon Pardi: Honkytonk Hollywood UK Tour at the O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• Heated Rivalry Club at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 9pm.
• Full Fat Fest Manchester (DJ Fat Tony) at Escape to Freight Island (Plant Room). Event runs 1pm–9pm. Tickets from £11.
• FA Cup Final at Escape to Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Kick-off 3pm. FREE.
• Angel’s Bone at Aviva Studios (The Warehouse). Event starts at 2pm. Tickets from £45. (BSL Interpreted.) Age 18+. STANDING.
• LEGO Club at Manchester Central Library. Event starts at 2pm. FREE.
• The Music Of Bob Dylan Performed By The Zimmermen at Lions Den. Event runs 8pm – 11pm.  

17th May

• Manchester United vs Notts Forrest at Old Trafford. Kick off TBD. Premier League match.
• Judi Love – All About The Love at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £34.50.
• Paul Mccaffrey – What A Time To Be Alive at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• The Hallé – Family Concert: Film Favourites at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:30am. Tickets – Adults £23.50/ Children (17 and under) £13.50 and Family ticket (4 tickets and at least 1 child) £50.25.
• The Hallé – Dvořák’s Symphony No.8 at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £18.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 2pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £37.
• Colm McGuinness at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• The Gnomes at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Chance Peña + Adam Melchor at the O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• Spring Summer Series: Ghosts Of Garage – Todd Edwards + Jeremy Silvester at Escape to Freight Island (Outside). Event runs 12pm–11pm. FREE.
• Soul Supper Immersive Dining Experience at Escape to Freight Island (Platform). Event runs 3pm–7pm. Tickets from £30.74.
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (U) + Intro at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 1pm.
• Roy Claire Potter in conversation with Gabriel Kidd at HOME Manchester (Event Space). Event starts at 2pm.
• The Age of Consent at Aviva Studios (The Hall). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25 to £42.50 (Aviva £10 Tickets and Concessions available; £1.50 booking fee). Age 14+.

18th May

• Hamza Yassin – My Life Behind The Lens at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
• Joe Tracini – Ten Things I Hate About Me at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £24.50.
• 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).
• Christopher Cross at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £44.75.
• Blue – 25th Anniversary Tour at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at £65.44.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester (Preview). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• The Adam Buxton Band at The Stoller Hall (debut album Buckle Up launch). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets are £35.
• Algorithm Party (CTBA) + Q&A at HOME Manchester (HOME Cinema). Event starts at 6:15pm. Spoken-word artist Roy reimagines his striking debut publication for the big screen.

19th May

• Strictly The Professionals at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £39.50.
• Midge Ure – A Man of Two Worlds at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £45.75.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester (Preview). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• Sofia and The Antoinettes at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Awesome Friends – The Guest List at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE.
• Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo (12A) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 2). Event starts at 6:30pm.
• Wake in Fright (18) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 8:15pm.

20th May

• Lowry Boys –  movement skills project for boys (11-16 years) at The Lowry. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets are £3.
• Strictly The Professionals at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £39.50.
• Lost Girl at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Blackwater Holylight at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE.
• Best of British: Jewish Culture Month (18) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 2). Event starts at 6pm. Outstanding British-Jewish short films. 

21st May

• Jonathan Van Ness at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £45.
• The Lowry Youth Project at The Lowry. Event starts at 4:45pm. Tickets from £4. Ages 9-15 years.
• Artists in Conversation – Curtain Up at The Lowry (Andrew Law Galleries). Event starts at 6pm.
• Matt Haig – The Midnight Train at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £30.50.
• Smoke and You Are Loved at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at £12. Tickets from £12.
• The Hallé – Rush Hour: West Side Story Symphonic Dances at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £3.25.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 1:30pm. FREE.
• Super Furry Animals – Supacabra Britain & Ireland 2026 Tour at the O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• The Plumber (15) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 6:30pm. Peter Weir’s absurdist comedy of class conflict.
• Things That Make Us Human at Aviva Studios (The Social). Event starts at 6:30pm (2 hours runtime) . FREE – booking required. Age 14+.  

22nd May

• Manchester City vs Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 3pm. Premier League match.
• Glen Hansard at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £35.
• Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 2pm (Relaxed Performance). Tickets from £19.50.
• Janine Harouni – This Is What You Waited For at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £19.
• The Two Mr. P’s In A Podcast Live – Let That Be A Lesson at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £32.
• Neddy Goes To Glasto at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12. Over 16 years upwards.
• Chetham’s School of Music – Live at Lunchtime at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 12:45pm. FREE.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• Seafret + Support at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £27.50.
• the north at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• BIIRD at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• Ahmet Aslan at The Stoller Hall (Zazaki artist). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £32.50.
• Andy Scott & Carmel Smickersgill + Simeon Walker + Her Revelation (triple bill) at The Stoller Hall (Carole Nash Hall). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets standard £16.50 – Under 18 and students £5.50.
• Kraftwerk: Multimedia Tour 2026 at the O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 8pm.
• Tinariwen at the O2 Ritz Manchester (Tuareg desert-blues collective from Mali). Event starts at 7pm.
• Nirvana Tribute – The Ultimate Nirvana Experience at Escape to Freight Island (Platform). Event runs 7pm–11pm. Tickets from £15.
• Philharmonic Sessions: The Rite of Spring at Aviva Studios (The Hall). Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours with interval). Standard £26.50; Concessions £14; Aviva £10 Tickets available. Age 8+; under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
• MEWS Fest – Red Earth (with Sad Sells, Big Society, Bets, MyLittleBrother, Jack Carroll and more) at Lion’s Den. FREE.

23rd May

• Doja Cat – Me Vie World Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £76.95.
• Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 11am/ 2pm and 4pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• Neddy Goes To Glasto at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12. Over 16 years upwards.
• Scott Bennett – Stuff at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £27.
• Yoga Fitness Classes & Social at Kargo.MKT. Event from 9am – 10:30am. Tickets from £15.
• The Hallé – It’s A Livin’ Thing: The Music of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.50.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £30.16) and 7:30pm – tickets from £15.60.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
  Ayna at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £35.
• Dave Formula & Noko Play Songs From Under The Floorboards + Scant Regard at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £27.50.
• Plini + Special Guests: Sungazer at Manchester Club Academy. Event starts at 7:30pm.
• Mayonnaise at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Girl In The Year Above at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• The Doja Cat Afters at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• Sarah Kinsley at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• Sounds Together – musical story adventure for families. Slots at 10am, 11:30am and 1pm at The Stoller Hall. Tickets £9. FAMILY. Accessible/sensory-friendly.
• The Storm Whale – storybook concert based on Benji Davies’ modern classic. Slots at 11:30am and 2:30pm at The Stoller Hall. Tickets adults £12.50 – Under 13’s £6.50. FAMILY.
• Kraftwerk: Multimedia Tour 2026 at the O2 Apollo Manchester. Event starts at 8pm.
• Kumar FIFTY 50 at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• Reggae Brunch MCR (Bank Holiday Edition) at Escape to Freight Island (Inside). Event runs 2pm – 7pm. Tickets from £27.50.
• Back to the 80’s Summer Festival at Escape to Freight Island (Platform). Event runs 3pm – 10pm. Tickets from £22.25.
• The Singing Mermaid at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 11am and 2pm. Stage adaptation of the Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks book. FAMILY.
• Recovered: The Daleks’ Master Plan comes HOME (18) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 5pm. Classic Doctor Who on the big screen, plus Peter Purves in conversation.
• Flag of Pride – Flag-making workshop with Teda in The Social, 12pm – 1:30pm. FREE, booking required. Age 5+. FAMILY.
• Africa Day: Rooted at Aviva Studios. Event from 12pm – 4:50pm. FREE – no booking required.
• MEWS Fest –  The Rolling People (with About Faces, Pevova, Kahula, Georgian, Rhys Wade and more) at Lions Den. FREE.

24th May

• Johnny Drille – Johnny’s Room Live at Albert Hall Manchester. Event from 6pm – 11pm. Tickets from £30.
• Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 11am/ 2pm and 4pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• Joe Kent – Walters is Frankie Monroe: Dead!!! (Good Fun Time) at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £22.
• Daliso Chaponda – Tropical Storm at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio) at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £18.
• Public Building Tour with BSL at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15am (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10 (or £8 for concessions).
• Dirty Dancing in Concert at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £30.25.
• We Lost The Sea + Overhead, The Albatross + Dimscua at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £22.
• Telenova at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Yungmorpheus at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• John Vincent III at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• Seven Sins of Tango by Candlelight at Manchester Cathedral. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £26.91.
• Stoller Story Sounds with Robot! Slots at 11am, 1pm and 3pm at The Stoller Hall. Tickets are £8 per child (accompanying adult FREE – extra adult £5.50). FAMILY.
• The Storm Whale – storybook concert. Slots at 12pm and 2pm at The Stoller Hall. Tickets adults £12.50 – Under 13’s £6.50. FAMILY.
• Spring Summer Series: È Soul Cultura at Escape to Freight Island (Full Venue). Event runs 12pm – 2am. FREE.
• The Singing Mermaid at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 11am and 2pm. FAMILY.
• All About Eve (U) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 2pm. Marilyn Monroe’s breakthrough early role.
• Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo (12A) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 2). Event starts at 3:30pm.
• MJF takeover at Aviva Studios (The Social). Event runs 1pm–6pm. FREE – no booking required.
• MEWS Fest – Cutscene (with Innafield, Ishango Bone, Big Phoenix Sword, Rebecca Spooner, Lily Rea Grant and more) at Lions Den. FREE.

25th May – SPRING BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

• Harmony’s Music Club – Carnival of the Animals at The Bridgewater Hall. Event slots at 11am and 2pm (1 hour runtime). Tickets are £10 – under 19’s are £8. FAMILY.
• Go Your Own Way – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £34.25.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+. 
• Ruby Roberts at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Imogen and the Knife at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• The PinkPantheress Afters at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• Raver Tots Mini Fest – Ultimate Family Dance Party Suitable for ALL AGES! at Escape to Freight Island (Full Venue). Event runs 12pm–4pm. Tickets from £16. FAMILY.

26th May

• Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 11am. Tickets from £19.50.
• Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £39.50.
• Double Bill – Voyage & Hakko at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm (1 hour runtime). Tickets from £15. Ages 11 years upwards.
• Public Building Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15am (doors open at 11am – event is 1 hour 30 mins). Tickets are £10 (or £8 for concessions).
• Waitress at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm (Opening Night – starring Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna, Les Dennis as Old Joe). Tickets from £49.92. Age guidance 13+.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• XO + Special Guests at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
• Finn Forster at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.  

27th May

• Lowry Boys –  movement skills project for boys (11-16 years) at The Lowry. Event starts at 5pm. Tickets are £3.
• Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 11am. Tickets from £19.50.
• Double Bill – Voyage & Hakko at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm (1 hour runtime). Tickets from £15. Ages 11 years upwards.
• What’s Love Got To Do With It? at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £24.
• Second Trimester at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• Bricklands FREE Lego Build & Play at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY – Reserve your spot.
• Waitress at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm (Audio Described). Tickets from £49.92. Age guidance 13+.
• Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift at the Opera House Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• Alt Blk Era at The Deaf Institute. Event from at 7pm – 10pm.
• Jesse Gold at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Ocean Vuong in conversation at The Stoller Hall (celebrating paperback release of The Emperor of Gladness). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £26.50.
• Ray LaMontagne – Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour at the O2 Apollo Manchester (+ Natalie Jane Hill), playing the beloved debut album in its entirety. Event starts at 7pm.
• Titicut Follies (18) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 6:30pm. Frederick Wiseman’s landmark debut documentary.
• IN THE BRAIN at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm. A visceral, high-voltage celebration of movement, music and unfiltered energy.
• Big Thief + Ata Kak at Aviva Studios (The Warehouse). Event starts at 7pm. Age 16+.

28th May

• Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 11am. Tickets from £19.50.
• Second Trimester at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 3pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth – Us, Pots and a Welsh Chapel at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £33.50.
• The Hallé’s season finale – Kahchun Wong conducts Mahler’s Sixth at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.
• Waitress at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £20.80) and 7:30pm (BSL) – tickets from £49.92. Age guidance 13+. 
• Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift at the Opera House Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• Don West at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £22.
• Cherryholt at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• ADMT at Gorilla. Event starts at 7pm.
• SJM Concerts Presents Skipinnish Plus Support at The Stoller Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £32.
• COBRAH at the O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 7pm.
• NT Live/ The Playboy of the Western World (CTBA) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 7pm. Murder and secrecy in County Mayo – John Millington Synge’s riveting play.
• IN THE BRAIN at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm.
• Nation at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm.
• Big Thief + Ata Kak at Aviva Studios (The Warehouse). Event starts at 7:30pm. Age 16+.

29th May

• Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 2pm (Audio Described). Tickets from £19.50.
• Le Gateau Chocolate – Spirituals at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £22.
• An Adequate Abridgement of Boarding School Life As A Homo at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• Waitress at Palace Theatre. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £49.92. Age guidance 13+.
• Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15.60.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• Ghost UK & Sleep Broken (Tribute Acts) at Manchester Club Academy. Event starts at 7pm.
• Puma Blue at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• BieberChella at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• Ravi Gupta Live at The Stoller Hall (comedy: Kal Ki Chinta Nahi). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £30.
• Butt & Scholes: No Nonsense at the O2 Apollo Manchester – Nicky Butt & Paul Scholes live in conversation, dissecting the 2025/26 season and looking ahead to the World Cup. Event starts at 7pm. 
• Rhinestone Rodeo at O2 Ritz Manchester. Event starts at 8pm.
• Motown Magic – All-night celebration of the timeless Motown era at Escape to Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event runs 7pm–12am. Tickets from £15.
• IN THE BRAIN at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm.
• Nation at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm.
• Cult/ Cronos (15) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 8:30pm. Guillermo del Toro’s debut – a unique take on the vampire story.
• Naruto Symphonic Experience at Aviva Studios (The Hall). Event starts at 8pm. Standard tickets £52.50 to £70 (£2.50 booking fee). Age 7+; under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. FAMILY.

30th May

• Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 11am/ 2pm and 4pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• An Adequate Abridgement of Boarding School Life As A Homo at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event slots at 2:30pm and 8pm. Tickets from £12.
• Lowry CAT Audition Day at The Lowry. Event from 10am.
• Yoga Fitness Classes & Social at Kargo.MKT. Event from 9am – 10:30am. Tickets from £15.
• Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – The Future is Vintage World Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £38.25.
• Waitress at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £61.36) and 7:30pm – tickets from £62.40. Age guidance 13+.
• Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift at the Opera House Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £35.88) and 7:30pm – tickets from £20.80.
• Even These Things at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £12. Age guidance 14+.
• The Lemon Twigs + The Stones at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
• Buckshot at Manchester Academy 3. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.
• The 30+ Club at Manchester Club Academy. Event starts at 5pm.
• Benjamin Steer at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
  Wait and Bleed – Nu Metal Night at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• Teen Spirit – 90s Rock Night at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 11pm.
• BED BY 10PM at Gorilla. Event starts at 4pm.
• The Handsome Family at The Stoller Hall (UK tour marking re-release of Singing Bones). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £27.50.
• RnB vs Garage at O2 Ritz Manchester, Event starts at 5:30pm.
• Bezstock – Open Air Day Festival at Escape to Freight Island (Outside). Event runs 1pm–10pm. Tickets from £18.
• BINGO JAMZ MANCHESTER at Escape to Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event runs 7pm–10pm. Tickets from £20.90.
• MCR ROCKS Indie Night at Escape to Freight Island (Platform). Event runs 8pm–12am. FREE.
• Champions League Final at Escape to Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Kick-off 5pm. FREE.
• Wrong Jovi (Bon Jovi Tribute) at Lions Den. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £15 to £16.50.
• NT Live/ The Playboy of the Western World at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 2pm. (Caption Subtitled).
• IN THE BRAIN at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm.
• Nation at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm.
• MARINA at Aviva Studios. Event starts at 6:30pm. Standing tickets from £53.70. Age 16+.

31st May

• Madison Beer – The Locket Tour at Co-op Live Arena. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £48.50.
• Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 2pm. Tickets from £19.50.
• Richard Ayoade at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £34. Ages 16 years upwards.
• BOOMCHIKABOOM! Encanto vs Moana at Kargo.MKT. Event from 10am – 12pm. FREE – FAMILY – Reserve a spot.
• Indiana Jones and the Raiders Of The Lost Ark Live In Concert at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 5:30pm. Tickets from £37.25.
• Kortez at Manchester Academy. Event starts at 6pm. Tickets from £59.
• Texas Is The Reason at Manchester Academy 2. Event starts at 7pm.
• OPEN MIKE EAGLE at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• Hannah Wicklund at The Deaf Institute. Event starts at 7pm.
• The Music of The Lord of The Rings – Tribute to Howard Shore at The Stoller Hall (Mystery Ensemble). Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £30.50.
• Xdinary Heroes <The New Xcene> Special Live in Europe & UK at O2 Ritz. Event starts at 7pm.
• Don’t Bother to Knock (18) at HOME Manchester (Cinema 1). Event starts at 3:30pm. Marilyn Monroe’s first starring role in this unconventional film noir.  

Half-Term Special: 23–31 May 2026

Manchester schools break up Friday 22 May and return Monday 1 June – a 9-day stretch with the Bank Holiday Monday (25 May) bang in the middle.

Science and Industry Museum (Liverpool Road) – FREE ENTRY

Running throughout half-term (23 May – 7 June)

• Transport-themed hands-on workshops – design and make your own moving machines, then put them to the test. 
• Curiosity Stops – expert Explainers reveal science secrets across air, land and outer space themes throughout the museum. 
• A Quiet Afternoon in the Cloud Cuckoo Valley – a whimsical moving sculpture brings a fictional railway journey to life. 
• Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition – ticketed add-on. 
• Power UP gaming experience – open daily (over 160 consoles from the past 5 decades). Ticketed add-on. Note: closed 1–5 June.
• Experitots (ages 0–4) – regular drop-in playful sessions for toddlers and carers.

Manchester Museum (Oxford Road) – FREE ENTRY

Running throughout half-term

• Human Natures exhibition – the Museum’s new spring exhibition exploring how humans and the natural world are deeply connected. 
• Free Dino Activity pack for the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery (home to Stan the T-Rex). 
• The Vivarium (live animals, including several critically endangered species).
• Living Worlds gallery. 

Specific half-term activities

• Tuesday 26th – Friday 29th May: Human Natures Craft Activities at Manchester Museum (The Top Floor). Drop-in 11am–4pm. Get creative using waste materials inspired by the Human Natures exhibition.
• Wednesday 27th – Thursday 28th May: Friends of the Earth pop-up stall at Manchester Museum (The Top Floor). Drop-in 11am–4pm. Fun, family-friendly activities about their Right to a Healthy Environment campaign.

Z-arts, Hulme — UK’s only dedicated children’s arts centre

Running throughout half-term

• Adventures in Wonderland – interactive play experience for ages 1–8, celebrating 160 years of Alice in Wonderland. Created by Z-arts with Macmillan Children’s Books.
• The Library of Enchantment – family-friendly escape room, ages 8+.
• Mission: Mad Hatter – Wonderland Quest escape experience for ages 9+.
• Free children’s library with regular rhyme time, baby book club and Mini Move and Groove sessions.

National Football Museum (Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens) – FREE for City of Manchester residents with proof of address (pay council tax to Manchester City Council)

Running throughout half-term (and through to November)

• Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals exhibition – runs 27 March – 1 November 2026. Discover how we think, play and celebrate football. 
• Four galleries with six interactive football games – penalty shootouts, trophy photos, Match of the Day commentary booth. 
• Yard Ball in the Pitch Gallery – street football challenges testing balance, accuracy and skill.
• Entry Tickets valid for 12 months of unlimited visits.

The Whitworth (Oxford Road) – FREE ENTRY

Running throughout half-term

• Beneath the Great Wave – the Whitworth’s first exhibition dedicated to Japanese prints in over 100 years. Runs to 16 November 2026. 
• Regular PLAY Days for under 5s, sensory play sessions for babies, Quiet Mornings for families with additional needs. 
• Whitworth Park is right outside for outdoor family time.

Manchester Art Gallery (Mosley Street) – FREE ENTRY

Running throughout half-term

• Free gallery entry with the dedicated Clore Art Studio for children. 
• The gallery typically runs half-term art workshops and family trails.

People’s History Museum (Left Bank, Spinningfields) – FREE ENTRY

Running throughout half-term

• Hands-on interactive exhibits including a suffragette kitchen, Co-op shop and vintage jukebox.
• Half-term craft activities typically run in the Playful Protest Space.
• Ethical café and gift shop on site.

Make the Most of May in Manchester

May is one of the best months to get out and make plans in Manchester. With bank holidays, half term fun, live events, foodie finds and family days out all packed into one month, there’s usually something going on somewhere in the city.

If you’re looking for an activity to add to your list, our PAC-MAN LIVE Experience review is well worth a look for something fun and a bit different. Fancy some fresh air between events? Have a browse through the best parks in Manchester for an easy outdoor option.

Still planning your month? You might also like our guides to museums and galleries in Manchester, the best restaurants in the Northern Quarter and Ancoats and the restaurants in the Corn Exchange Manchester if food is high on the agenda.

If I’ve missed any brilliant local events in May, do let me know – I’m always happy to add more great Manchester finds to the guide.

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