Best Events In August

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By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Writer, DesignMyNight Food, drink and events writer with a decade of experience covering the UK hospitality scene. Has written for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 8th April 2026

This month, the summer is still going strong and so are we. That's why we're putting together a selection of unmissable things to do, from affordable, themed brunches and Pride parties to immersive outdoor adventure hunts. Join us in ensuring the warmer months go out with a bang with our guide to Manchester events throughout August 2026.




Freight Island

If you're looking for free events this month, then head to the buzzing Freight Island. This lively venue promises regular DJ sets, indie nights and talented live musicians, across their indoor and outdoor spaces.

There are seven different bars on-site to keep you supplied with a wide range of drinks, alongside tasty street food from their 11 vendors.

Paintvine

Wondering what's on in Manchester this August 2025? Paintvine have you covered with a range of artistic events where you can also sip drinks courtesy of the hosting bar. Whether you choose canvas painting or pottery sculpting, expect there to be a load of fun waiting at Revs Deansgate Locks or Parsonage Gardens and the King's Arms.

Old Skool Bingo

Do something extra this August at Old Skool Bingo. At this night of non-stop nostalgia, you'll dance to the biggest 90s and 00s hits as you search for a full house.

Expect epic prizes, singalongs and dance offs, as well as the chance to win big prizes. Tickets to this amazing night out start from just £19.25.

Taste + Liquor

If you fancy a knees-up with friends, check out Taste + Liquor's list of things to do in Manchester for August 2025. When it comes to party events, these guys are second to none, fronting afternoons of bottomless booze and the most scrumptious brunch meals. Not to mention amazing themes - think 90s throwback and epic RnB hits.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Sunday 3rd May 2026

Get ready for some of the best events in Manchester today, as Alcotraz brings together unique interiors, immersive action and delicious drinks throughout August. Smuggle in a bottle of your favourite spirit and you'll find yourself sipping with cocktail-savvy inmates throughout the prison-themed experience.

Chotto X Studio 34 Rooftop Pilates & Brunch

@ Chotto Matte on Saturday 16th May 2026 and 9 other Saturdays

By popular demand, the Chotto x Studio 34 Rooftop Pilates and Brunch returns to Chotto Matte. You'll start your day with a 45-minute guided mat Pilates session overlooking the Manchester skyline.

Next up, it's time to refuel with a Chotto protein bowl created exclusively for the Studio 34 collaboration. Grab your ticket for just £43.20 to secure your slot.

Cherry Jam

If you're a sucker for bottomless brunching, this is a quirky alternative. When you're in need of events in Manchester this weekend throughout August, enjoy an afternoon tea or sharing platters at Cherry Jam, which come complete with free-flowing cocktails and musical bingo.

Kitty Yoga Manchester

@ GFFDamian Dance Studio on Saturday 30th May 2026 and 5 other dates

This month, give yourself the gift of relaxation with a trip to one of Kitty Yoga's events. These hour-long sessions take place at a venue on Deansgate, with a yoga instructor leading you through a 40-minute vinyasa flow while cats roam around you.

Afterwards, you'll get 20 minutes of pure playtime with the kittens, making for some great photo opportunities too.

Electric Shuffle Manchester Brunch

@ Electric Shuffle Manchester on Various dates from Sunday 3rd May 2026

Make your way to Electric Shuffle in Spinningfields this weekend, for one of their quirky brunch socials. You'll get to enjoy unlimited pizza paddles throughout the two-hour session, as well as a whole bottle of prosecco each, all while battling against your friends on the shuffleboard tables. You'll finish up by toasting to the winner in their stylish bar, with tickets starting from just £30 per person.

Fabulous Brunch Events Manchester

Need a bit of drag to spice up picks of Manchester events this weekend? Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events are on-hand with buff butlers, drag superstars and plenty of surprises up their sleeves. These unmissable things to do include food and bottomless booze to boot.

The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch (Blues Kitchen)

@ The Blues Kitchen Manchester on Every Saturday

The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch serves up RnB nostalgia with its burgers, taco bowls and loaded veggie plates. Every Saturday, DJs are behind the decks at The Blues Kitchen banging out the biggest 90s and 00s hits, from Aaliyah and Ashanti to Nelly, Usher and Destiny's Child.

To give you the power to party, your ticket includes one brunch main, plus 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco, mimosas and rum punch. Grab yours for just £35 per person.

FunnyBoyz Manchester presents... BENIDORM BINGO

@ New York New York on Saturday 9th May 2026 and 33 other Saturdays

With weekly Benidorm bingo sessions and even appearances from RuPaul's Drag Race stars throughout August, FunnyBoyz Manchester is the ideal way to get your fix of hilarious queens or amazing games. Not only that, but you can upgrade to party packages for hens and special occasions.

Visit These Museums And Galleries

This month is the perfect time to explore some of Manchester's culture and history, and where better to do that than at these museums and galleries? We've got everything from the Science and industry museum to The Pankhurst Centre and the Castlefield Gallery in our guide, so there's something to suit everyone here - including art, transport, the Suffragette movement and more

Manchester Pride 2025

Out of all the August events in Manchester this 2025, Pride has to be on your list. Take to the bars of Canal Street, get stuck into the parade and enjoy the iconic Gay Village Party across a full weekend of fun. A round-up of the best things to do? Right this way.