Cheap And Free Things To Do In Manchester

As the song goes, the best things in life don't need to cost a flippin' fortune. Or something like that. Times are hard right now, so thankfully our city has free gigs, drink deals, cinema dates, and club night offers to save you spending loads. We've selected those stellar options and more in our list of free and cheap things to do in Manchester.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 15th July 2025




Be At One Manchester

🎵 Midweek Mixtape 🍹 £5 Margs & Playlists on Repeat 🎵 and 1 other offer

Looking for a midweek pick-me-up that won't wreck your wallet? Be At One Manchester has cracked the code with their Midweek Mixtape - a buzzing evening of £5 margaritas, great vibes, and playlist perfection. From spicy to frozen to fruity, there's a marg for every mood (and budget).

With £5 spirit mixers, £3 Casamigos shots, and bottles of prosecco for just £20, it's the ultimate affordable night out without sacrificing the fun. Cheap? Yes. Boring? Never.

Taste + Liquor

Taste + Liquor is offering a five-hour R&B Brunch experience, with tunes from the 90s to today's charts, plus 60 whole minutes of bottomless rum punch, all for just £18. It's a great shout when you're wondering what cheap things to do in Manchester city centre are about.

🍹 Paloma Club: Saturdays Just Got Cooler ☀️

@ Be At One Manchester on Saturday 26th July 2025 and 5 other Saturdays

Paloma Club is the ultimate Saturday daytime party, bringing Ibiza energy and sunshine vibes to Be At One's brand-new summer series. Starting from 12pm, you can expect a fresh, feel-good atmosphere filled with sunshiney sounds, DJs on deck, and cocktails in hand.

The party features big tunes, including summer house anthems and 90s Ibiza classics played by house DJs to keep everyone bouncing. Highlights include £5 palomas, tequila trays on deck, and 2-4-1 cocktails flowing all afternoon to keep the fun going. For those who book the Paloma Club experience, there's exclusive merch and a vinyl token to make your own Paloma behind the bar, giving you total cocktail control. 

LIVE: Hip Hop, Afrobeats + R&B 'Til Late

@ The Blues Kitchen Manchester on Every Friday

When the sun sets in Spinningfields, The Blues Kitchen turns up the volume with its electrifying LIVE: Hip Hop, Afrobeats and R&B 'Til Late events. Dive into a night where soulful grooves meet infectious rhythms, as top-tier live bands take the stage.

As the evening heats up, the DJs take over, spinning a mix of crowd-pleasing anthems and deep cuts to keep you dancing into the early hours. With its signature Southern-inspired cocktails, mouthwatering bites, and an atmosphere pulsing with good vibes, this is the spot for music lovers and night owls alike.

Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch Manchester

@ At ON BAR or AREA Manchester on Saturday 2nd August 2025 and 4 other Saturdays

Save £10.00 on ticket Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch @ ON Bar, 46 Canal Street, M1 3WD with discount code SUMMER10
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Get on board the early bird train and you'll embrace an afternoon of shows, minus the cocktails or munch, at Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch for £16. Gimme gimme more? Well, you can party to four hours of Britney classics for the same price.

MANCHESTER WING FEST 2025

@ Victoria Baths on Friday 19th September 2025 and 2 other dates

Indulge in the best wings around at Manchester Wing Fest 2025, where chicken lovers from all over come together for a weekend of delicious food, drinks, and entertainment.

Whether you're here for the Best Buffalo Wing showdown, the Lava Wing Challenge, or just to have a laugh with friends while throwing axes, there's no shortage of fun. Add in live music, arcade games, axe throwing and the chance to win prizes, and you've got yourself the ultimate weekend of fun. Grab your Wing Fest trucker hat and let the wing-filled adventure begin.

What's on at GRUB

A quirky independent street food venue with craft beer, a garden and a cinema, GRUB hosts all kinds of wicked goings-on. And one of our favourite cheap and fun things to do in Manchester? Disco Bingo, which only costs £5 per ticket but promises hours of entertainment.

O'Neill's Manchester

Nestled in the heart of The Printworks, O'Neill's Manchester is your go-to spot for a lively pub atmosphere with an Irish twist. Known for its warm hospitality, hearty pub grub, and an impressive selection of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails, it's the kind of place where every night feels like a celebration.

But the real star is its free live music. From local talents to seasoned performers, the stage comes alive with an eclectic mix of genres, guaranteeing toe-tapping tunes and a feel-good vibe. Don't forget its Sunday quiz nights either if you're keen to test your brain power. 

FunnyBoyz Manchester

FunnyBoyz hosts all kinds of cheap events in Manchester, including Benidorm Bingo, which promises a night of fun prizes and outrageous comedy from a RuPaul's Drag Race star. Tickets start at just £5, so we recommend booking quickly to avoid missing any of the fabulous action.

COURTS CLUB

Looking for some affordable, competitive fun? Then head to Courts Club at Spinningfields' Good Yard Park, where you can book their tennis and basketball court for you and your friends. A great way to unleash your inner big kid, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor places to unwind here as well, and you can enjoy refreshing beer, cocktails or soft drinks at the bar.

There's a selection of cheap eats on offer too, from cheese toasties to Greek delicacies from their street food truck Lucky Gyros. As for their events? Hoops is a Saturday night party that combines basketball with DJ sets and drinks, while Sundays see film screenings in their outdoor cinema - both of which are totally free to attend.

Museums And Galleries In Manchester

Manchester, a city known for its industrial heritage and vibrant arts scene, boasts an impressive array of museums and galleries that cater to every interest. Whether you're drawn to contemporary art, fascinated by history, or intrigued by science, there's something here to inspire your curiosity.

Best of all, many of Manchester's cultural gems offer free entry, making them accessible to everyone. From iconic institutions like the Manchester Museum to hidden gems like the People's History Museum, exploring these spaces is as easy on your wallet as it is enriching for your mind. 

Go On A Gorgeous Walk Around The City

The great outdoors is a real gem for saving cash while having a wholesome time too. When you're yearning for free things to do in Manchester for couples, bring your partner - with sarnies, of course - and stroll along Wharf City Trail or even head out of town to the nearby Peak District.

Albert's Schloss - Manchester

Albert's Schloss in Spinningfields is more than just a bar and restaurant - it's a Bavarian-inspired haven of indulgence, creativity, and endless fun. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, mouthwatering menu, and impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails, this iconic venue takes your night out to the next level.

What truly sets it apart is its free live entertainment. From cabaret shows to live music and DJs, their nightly performances guarantee a dynamic, feel-good vibe that's unmatched in the city.