If there's one way to spend bank holidays, it's tucking into some tasty plates at an affordable restaurant. Sometimes, there's no need to fork out a load of dough to get a good meal, which means you can spend your money on fun events and activities instead.

Home to some of the best Manchester events in May 2024, Hashtag Parties certainly don't let up once bank holiday weekends roll around. Expect huge parties, affordable drinks, top tunes and more, all at hot venues across the city.

Haven't made it to the beach with your pop-up stumps, bat and ball yet? Well, Sixes sees you taking to the crease right in the heart of Manchester. Head to their high-tech cricket nets to take on some of the world's best bowlers, with plenty of food and booze available for afters.

Spend your 2022 May bank holiday in the clink thanks to Alcotraz, the immersive prison experience and speakeasy bar tucked away on Watson Street. For starters, you'll smuggle your liquor in past the eagle-eyed warden, before sipping bespoke cocktails and befriending crooked guards while watching the action unfold.

Aspiring racers and competitive folks will be able to hit the tracks at TeamSport Go Karting Manchester. Make the most of the long weekend by leaving pals or family eating your dust on 550m of track, before wandering over to a nearby bar - maybe losers can pick up the tab.

The Four Sisters Gin Making Experience is the ultimate day out for gin lovers, where you will be taken on a journey through the history of this spirit, before having a go at making your very own botanical blend. Choose your ingredients and try your hand at distilling, creating a unique 700ml bottle to take home with you. There will also be a guided tasting at this event, which is also available to book on its own for £30.

If the weather's not holding up, these pubs and bars with pool offer light relief. Better yet, some of Manchester's best venues are fronting beer vending machines, arcades, themed cocktails and more games to boot.

Flaunting speakeasy vibes and an amazing performance from Siren Entertainment, The Fitzgerald's Burlesque Bottomless Brunch is one that you won't want to miss. Get ready for two hours of unlimited prosecco, Aperol spritzes and beer, alongside tasty dishes such as halloumi burgers or buffalo chicken tenders, all while you watch a brilliant 1920s-inspired show.

This in-depth, behind-the-scenes tour sees you enjoy a guided insight into each brewery's unique brewhouse. There's beer tastings included at every stop on the Manchester Microbrewery Experience and plenty of insider knowledge to be uncovered too.

Who said painting had to be boring? Certainly not the team at Brushstrokes and Nudes. These guys are hosting a brilliant three and a half-hour event at BLVD Manchester this bank holiday, where you can try your hand at life drawing while a DJ plays hip hop, RnB, Afrobeats, soca and more. All the materials you need will be provided for you to paint their models, with three for £15 cocktails available during their happy hour from 7 'til 8pm.

For a raucous event hosted by Annabelle and her team of talented queens, look no further than The Frockatoo Drag Brunch at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester's Gay Village. Not only will there be hilarious performances and fun games with the chance to win some excellent prizes, but you can also sip 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails while getting stuck into spicy nachos and all kinds of tasty wraps, all for £40 per person.

Offering up the best May bank holiday 2024 events in Manchester, Cherry Jam is your home of boozy and bottomless feasts. Whether you head for afternoon tea on Saturday or sharing platters come Sunday, both will be washed down with unlimited cocktails. Better yet, expect musical bingo for entertainment.

Impossible is giving you plenty to look forward to and celebrate the extra time away from work. From the immersive night life in the downstairs theatre, to a hidden gin emporium and plenty of tasty plates, this is one hot spot.

The Reggae Brunch is coming to Floripa Manchester this May, promising a carnival-style event that lasts all afternoon. Enjoy a sumptuous Caribbean two-course meal which includes jerk chicken, plantain and coconut vegetable curry, while sipping bottomless rum punch for the first hour. In the party which follows, you can expect dance competitions, DJ sets, giveaways and so much more, with hilarious hosts to keep the good vibes going.

Make it a daytime shindig with Flight Club, as the renowned darts bar puts on some of their infamous brunches. Perfect for sharing with friends, the party includes a bash at the dart board, a bottle of prosecco per person, and plenty of pizza.

Is there a better way to spend May bank holiday Monday in Manchester than checking out beer garden with a pint in hand? These are all the places you should mosey over to, should the sun poke its head out from behind the clouds and you need a relaxing afternoon catching some rays with pals.

On Deansgate, you'll uncover simulation sports spot and speakeasy bar Point Blank Shooting. From bottomless brunch on Sundays, to two for £12 cocktails in happy hour and plenty of fun games to try out against mates, this place is a great way to enjoy your weekend.

If outdoor events in Manchester are catching your eye this May, The Great Game is a top choice. Solve the riddles, crack clues and complete puzzles to follow the trail across the city, discovering famous landmarks or hidden streets as you go. And when 'X' marks the spot? You'll get 20% off food and drink at the chosen pub.

Prepare to be amazed by the mystical Steve Price, during one of his two Magic at the Midland shows in Manchester this May. In the city's most iconic hotel, you will be baffled and entertained as he turns everyday objects into impossible scenarios, in a 75-minute show which costs as little as £24.50 per person to attend.

Bank holiday things to do in Manchester this weekend? Spice up your calendar with a trip to Blues Kitchen on the Saturday for hip hop orchestra brunch, with live shows and a DJ accompanying your meal. Better yet, you can expect to munch hot Buffalo chicken sarnies or burgers here.

Voted Manchester's number one Thing To Do on TripAdvisor, The Spirit of Manchester Distillery hosts some pretty fantastic events. This bank holiday weekend, you can take part in a brilliant gin making experience where you'll leave with a unique 700ml bottle made from botanicals of your choice, coming in at £95 per person. But if that's not your tipple of choice, try out their whisky tastings instead.

Take on pirates, samurai, vikings and more when you choose to spend part of your long weekend at Escape Hunt Manchester. You'll have just 60 minutes to work together and figure a way out of this fun, themed environment.

From buff bingo to Gaga-themed brunches and plenty more, Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events are the perfect choice of bank holiday things to do in May 2024. Nab a place at one of their weekend happenings and raise a glass to the bank hols with some of the UK's biggest drag superstars.