Quirky Things To Do In Manchester

A birthplace of industry in the UK and known for everything from football to the suffragette movement, Manchester is a city with plenty of history and sights. Discover the very best attractions on DesignMyNight, including:

• beautiful buildings like Victoria Baths and the John Rylands Research Institute and Library
• famous stadiums (Old Trafford, we're looking at you)
• beautiful outdoor spaces such as RHS Garden Bridgewater
• and more...

From fun things to do in Manchester with kids to cultural days with your besties, this guide covers all bases.

Representing Manchester's rich culture that's rooted in everything from literary history to famous football clubs and contemporary Chinese art, the city's best museums and galleries are a must-visit. Highlights include:

• Manchester Museum
• Science And Industry Museum
• National Football Museum
• Pankhurst Centre
• Elizabeth Gaskell's House
• The Lowry 
• Manchester Art Gallery
• esea contemporary
• and more...

The list is also home to a great selection of things to do in Manchester for free.

If you're in Manchester, you'll be glad to hear that not only is pubbing culture still going strong (don't forget to check out the best Manchester pubs) but there are plenty of craft breweries and taprooms to explore too. Uncover the very best serving freshly brewed, local lager, peanut butter stout, and fruity sours on DesignMyNight. The list includes:

• Track Brewing Co
• Pomona Island
• Sureshot
• Cloudwater
• Seven Bro7hers
• and more...

When searching for places to eat, uncover the latest and greatest restaurants on DesignMyNight. Manchester's newest openings cover everything from Skof by Tom Barnes - a chef with Michelin star acclaim - to viral pasta bar Onda, which boasts that famous tiramisu draw.

Manchester is full of gorgeous outdoor spaces, from secret gardens to spacious parks and hidden walkways. Whether you're heading to Sky Park's Castlefield Viaduct, Sackville Gardens or The Secret Valley just outside the city, there's plenty for you to discover in this beautiful part of the world.

Out of all the fun things to do in Manchester at night, discovering a secret bar that dishes out incredible cocktails is one of our favourites. Tucked away behind launderettes, down discreet staircases and disguised as pawn shops, these hidden haunts are well worth the challenge - how many can you find?

Full of fantastic immersive experiences, Manchester boasts everything from The Crystal Maze live experience to Chaos Carts - dubbed 'real-life Mario Kart' on an augmented reality racecourse. Yes, now you can ride Rainbow Road in real life. Whether you're looking to try out some high-tech VR or take on Squid Game, there's something for everyone to be found in this city.

So when things in the city just aren't quite cutting it? Escape with some of the best day trips to nearby areas; think the Lake District, The Peak District, Haworth (home of the Brontë sisters), and more. With great transport links and so much to see, in easy reach by car or train, Manchester has the North-West at your fingertips.

Want to filter it down to just the weekend? Find the best things to do on DesignMyNight, discovering activities, bottomless brunches, key attractions, places to visit and more, as well as fun events like cabaret or baking competitons. 

Whether romance, quirky activities or dates with other couples in tow is what you're after, this loved-up list is helping you discover the finest things to do with your other half. Head to an award-winning cocktail bar hidden beneath the Coronation Street cobbles, try daring dates getting stuck into VR experiences, and enjoy romantic dinners too.

Does iconic bangers, 90 minutes of free-flowing bubbles and glitzy drag stars sound like a good time to you? If baby, you were born this way, then you should snap up tickets to The Cockatoo Club's brunches. In the heart of the Gay Village, iconic drag artists will treat you to cabaret performances while you have bottomless brunch - perfect for groups, hens, birthdays and more.

When you're wondering about things to do in Manchester today, don't forget to check out the lineup of events at GRUB, a welcoming street food venue and event space in the Green Quarter. From boozy pub quizzes to sip and paint sessions, disco bingo and tequila masterclasses, there's always something cool just around the corner here.

What happens when two robots, raised in very different worlds, try to find love in a world divided by class? Find out in Bot Brothers: A Story of Our Times.

This laugh-out-loud comedy, loosely based on Willy Russell's Blood Brothers, stars Harris Morris and Joe Smith as two robo-clones whose lives collide in unexpected ways. With a critically acclaimed run in London and rave reviews from the Edinburgh Fringe, this unique show finally makes its Manchester debut. 

The OG Albert's Schloss, this Bavarian party den fast became a highlight of Manchester's live entertainment and nightlife scene and has since expanded to Birmingham, Liverpool and London. If you want to try out one of the wildest bars for a quirky night out, you'd be barmy to miss Albert's Schloss.

There's different live entertainment every night of the week, from kooky cabaret to promenading dancers while live bands play, and it's totally free too. Alpine themed food and cocktails, as well as a whole heap of Pilsner, tops off the experience.

Get ready for an unforgettable night at Bougie Drag Events, where fierce performances and high-energy entertainment collide in a celebration of drag culture. Whether you're here to enjoy spectacular lip-sync performances, jaw-dropping costumes, or hilarious comedy, every show at Bougie promises to be a glitter-filled extravaganza.

With a lively atmosphere, interactive performances, and a menu full of delicious drinks and food, it's the ultimate night out for anyone who loves glamour, comedy, and fabulous drag queens.

The Reggae Brunch is bringing a whole array of quirky, carnival-style events to fun bars. Enjoy an hour of free-flowing punch and a mouthwatering two-course Caribbean meal that features jerk chicken, chickpea curry and plantain, alongside massive feel-good tunes across reggae, soca, dancehall and beyond.

One of the most fun indoor activities, THE CUBE lets you dive into the iconic glass boxes of the TV gameshow in real life, right at Urban Playground in the city centre. Take on challenges that include speed, balance, memory and more, with The Butcher burgers, crazy golf and drinks available too.

When you need quirky outdoor activities in Manchester, CityDays is coming in hot with its combo of escape room-style games and puzzles with a hidden gem-finding treasure hunt. Expect bar stop offs, fascinating stories and more as you journey around industrial waterways and Roman ruins while working as a team to unlock the mystery.

Paintvine, London's favourite Paint and Sip, is now in Manchester. But hold on, they're not just painting now; they're sculpting, too. Get your drinks, switch your creative side on, create a masterpiece and the best part? Leave the cleaning to them. You'll be taught how to hand-build with air dry clay, paint using acrylics on canvas, make pinch pots and more.

Get your creative juices flowing at Paint A Pic by Prime Pass. Their resident artist will guide you step-by-step to create your very own masterpiece, be it a night in Paris or rainbow mountains. No need to paw around for supplies; they provide all the materials, including a canvas, apron, paint, and easel, all for just £30 per person.

Out of all the fun things to do in Manchester city centre, Fabulous Brunch Events have to be the most raunchy. Whether you fancy buff butlers, Lady Gaga impersonator shows or whole ABBA shindigs, these guys have you covered. And thanks to tickets starting from £16, these lively activities won't break the bank either.

Looking for something gin-credible? Search no further than The Spirit of Manchester Distillery on Watson Street. From gin-making events to their Barley & Beyond: New-Make Tasting Experience, you'll get to sip on award-winning spirits and even try your hand at being a distiller (with a gin and tonic in hand, of course).

Indoor activities in Manchester for adults don't get much better than Sixes Cricket. A top choice of things to do, this fun time sees you step up to the crease in high-tech batting nets, as well as trying out their bowling simulator, fusball and pool tables. There's a trendy a bar waiting for you to refuel at afterwards, with plenty of cocktails and plates like crispy fried chicken burgers or truffled egg and cheese fries.

Bringing something a little different to bottomless sessions, Cherry Jam have got everything from bottomless afternoon teas, complete with mini quiches, scones and prosecco, to boozy grazing board meals featuring creamy brie and salami kebabs. You can also expect themed supper clubs here with all the same treats, with 90s or RnB music playing as you indulge.

Combining a speakeasy-style bar with a massive number of fun shooting simulation games, Point Blank is definitely worth a shot. There's even more in store too, including a list of fun cocktails themed around gun-slinging and bottomless brunch on Sundays that feature unlimited, cheesy slices of delicious pizza.

One of the hottest immersive experiences around, Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four will have you donning orange jumpsuits and attempting to smuggle liquor into a high-security prison. Once inside? You'll get to sip on bespoke prison hooch created by your fellow inmates and get involved in the unfolding story.

Offering some of the most fun things to do in Manchester for adults when drinking are Blues Kitchen, who are making even more waves with their Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch. Venture over on Saturdays for Southern-inspired food, three live shows from Untold, 90 minutes of bottomless booze and a DJ host to boot.

Whether you're looking for a unique date, group gathering or social occasion, this is the bar for you. Thanks to their competitive high-tech darts throwing and electronic boards that offer a huge selection of quirky games, it's one seriously fun Spinningfields venue. And if you swing by on the weekend, you can try out their brunch socials that come with unlimited pizza paddles and a whole bottle of prosecco each.

After a little competitive fun? Treetop Adventure Golf boasts two immersive, indoor 18-hole courses, where you and your pals can battle it out. There's even a bonus 19th hole where you can win a free game, and if you're hungry then you can nab fresh, handmade pizza from Pizza Cabana, alongside tropical cocktails and mocktails from The Thirsty Toucan Bar.

The Black Cat Club offers competitive darts with interactive game modes and tech shuffleboard where the scoring is automatically handled - so you can focus on the fun. But it's not just about games as you can revel in the most premium sports viewing experience in the city.

With personal table service, stylish interiors inspired by Manchester's music scene, and push-button ordering, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy every moment of the action. The food, curated by the chefs of El Gato Negro, includes everything from small plates like curry mayo chicken bites to hearty burgers and pizzas.

Fancy learning a little more about your favourite tipples? The Four Sisters Gin Making Experience at 11 Central in Salford is the perfect way to do it. You'll kick off with a refreshing G&T before learning all about the history and process of creating gin, finishing by creating your verry own unique recipe from a choice of over 60 botanicals, leaving with a personalised 700ml bottle to take home. Don't fancy the hard work? Check out their tasting experience instead.

When it comes to unusual activities or something fun to do, check out Doghouse for their beer school sessions. You'll get to try a load of the brand's favourites across 1/3 pint tasters, all while getting in-depth info about the brewing process. Not your thing? There's also live music sessions, and if you stay over night, beer fridges in the showers.

If you're in need of quirky things to do in The Printworks, Boom Battle Bar is a firm choice. Fronting lots of activities, such as shuffleboard, axe throwing, karaoke and more, this is a great spot to let loose. Better yet, there are also live DJ sets and a mouthwatering food menu, featuring blue cheese loaded fries, classic nachos and crispy chicken tenders.

If you're in need of activities in Manchester for large groups, explore the different options at Immersive Gamebox. Your one-stop shop for things to do, this Arndale Centre hangout is combining motion sensor headgear with fun games, which span everything from Squid Game to Angry Birds - ideal for birthdays or team building activities.

One of the most unusual things to do? Drink your way through top exhibitors' rum at the Official Manchester Rum Festival 2025, where your £27.50 ticket includes all rums consumed from the exhibitors. Not only that, but you can upgrade your ticket for an extra tenner to include a seminar with a top brand.

You can also expect a rum cocktail bar and food places to make extra purchases at, keeping you fuelled throughout the one-day-only event.

When you need unique things to do, 1UP is up there as a bar you should head to, complete with quirky decor like an 8ft Donkey Kong. The Didsbury destination not only had D&D tournaments, Pokemon cards, board games, Warhammer figure painting and more, but also the classic consoles and arcade machines to match. After all that fun, enjoy crispy chicken tenders, vegan burgers, Cajun fries and more.

FunnyBoyz drag cabaret events are sure to fill up your calendar with something a little different. Whether it's weekly Benidorm Bingo, an appearance from a Drag Race star or a Spice Girls-themed event, the queens here bring guaranteed fabulousness. And the best part? Tickets start from just £5.

Fancy competitive baking for your unusual pick of things to do? Then check out The Big Manchester Bake. This fun experience sees you and your baking buddy compete against other pairs to be crowned winning bakers of your 90-minute session. All ingredients and equipment is provided for whipping up your recipe, so all you need to bring if your 'A' game.

Get to know some of the very best microbreweries in town at one of these quirky days out. You'll be shown around innovative microbreweries, get to know all the equipment and learn how they craft every pint of their beer, which you'll get to sample in each taproom - we're talking IPAs, grisettes and wild-fermented beers.

If you're looking for quirky things to do in Manchester, Old Skool Bingo is the answer. With a fun twist on traditional bingo, RnB classics, and hilarious challenges, it's the perfect event for anyone looking for a night full of fun and surprises.

Whether you're competing in bingo or just enjoying the vibe, this event offers something unique for everyone. Grab your friends, and make some unforgettable memories with this quirky and exciting night out.

Wing Fest is returning for another year this September, taking place at Victoria Baths. The weekend-long event promises great food, drink and entertainment, with a whole lot of chicken wings being sold for just £1.50 each. Sample all the best eats from three categories: barbecue, Buffalo and wild wings, before picking your favourites to be crowned the champion.

While you munch your way around the space, enjoy live music, DJ sets, axe throwing and arcade games. What's more, there are eating competitions, hot sauce challenges and more to get involved in.

If you fancy a quirky day out with a little excitement thrown in, look no further than Escape Hunt - one of the best things to do in Manchester for families and friends. Choose between Blackbeard's Treasure, The Last Vikings, Escape The Wild West and The Fourth Samurai and crack the 60-minute challenge to earn your freedom. Whether you're competing in a traditional escape room or on one of their outdoor city hunts, our teamwork skills will be put to the test.

With venues in the Northern Quarter and on Peter Street, NQ64 is the ultimate gaming bar that celebrates all things neon and retro. Unleash your inner kid with old-school arcade games like Street Fighter, Time Crisis and Guitar Hero. They've even got themed cocktails to match, like the Powerstar Martini or a Kong Island Iced Tea, as well as moreish pizzas from Crazy Pedro's.

A top choice of unusual activities in Manchester city centre would be to head over to YO! for one of their sushi masterclasses, which will set you back up to £37.95. Expect to chow down on gyoza and sip prosecco before you learn history, knife skills and how to create everything from maki rolls to sashimi across the session. There's also a class at their Trafford Centre location too.

You'll find Courts Club at Good Yard Park in Spinningfields, complete with fun, sporty activities. This quirky event space is home to both a tennis and basketball court, where you can challenge your friends to some competitive action. Afterwards, be sure to head to their indoor or outdoor tables for tasty eats like loaded gyros, breakfast baguettes or toasties, which you can pair with refreshing draught beers or cocktails.

Electric Shuffle is from the team behind Flight Club, but instead of darts they're bringing you a new take on shuffleboard with fun mini games and high-tech equipment that automatically records your score. Better yet, you can also spice your weekend up with tickets their boozy brunch, which starts at £30 per person. Chomp on two hours of unlimited pizza and enjoy a bottle of prosecco each, with an hour of playing time too.

If you're in Manchester and looking for quirky things to do, look no further than Bongo's Bingo. This isn't your average night out - it's a wild shared social extravaganza packed with dance-offs, rave intervals, and plenty of audience participation.

Get ready to win iconic prizes like giant pink unicorns and karaoke machines, all while reliving nostalgic bingo moments with a fun, modern twist. It's the perfect way to inject some quirkiness into your week.

For those of you who fancy trying something a little different, make sure to give DNA VR a visit. This quirky VR arcade is home to all kinds of wicked games where you can battle it out against zombies, race each other on boats and more, for groups of up to 15 people.