Best Manchester Events In January 2026

The weather getting you down? Bundle up in the city's cosy winter restaurants. From sky-high pergolas above the city to charming pubs that are filled with cosy nooks and high-end eateries boasting sublime seasonal menus, these are sure to lift those January blues.

Ready to level up your brunch game? The Electric Shuffle Brunch is here to deliver bottomless drinks, delicious bites, and a healthy dose of competition—all set in the sleek and lively surrounds of Electric Shuffle Manchester.

Your two-hour session kicks off with a tantalizing selection of small plates and free-flowing prosecco, beer, or mimosas to fuel the fun. Then it's time to grab your crew and hit the shuffleboard tables, where high-energy gameplay meets friendly rivalries. 

A cool social club and event space in Stockport, Loft Social has got plenty going on this month. This is great for competitive fun with friends, and there's a lot to do for people doing dry January as well.

Get stuck into everything from archery to shuffleboard, petanque and disco curling. Activities start from £16.50, available from Thursday to Sunday each week.

If you're searching for outdoor events in Manchester this January, look no further than a trip around the city's best sights, completing a fun treasure hunt as you go. From puzzles to riddles and the prize of 20% off at a local pub, you can't go wrong with this group day out.

To get behind the scenes access to the city's best microbreweries? This tour is just the ticket for lovers of beer. Not only will you get to spy some industry secrets, but samples await for you to sip at each destination.

After things to do in Manchester this January 2026? YO! have you covered with their sushi-making sessions at the Arndale. Expect to be guided through the process of making a number of different items, from salmon sashimi to a crunchy Cali roll.

Unleash your inner Van Gogh at a delightful Paint and Sip night with Paintvine in the heart of Manchester at Revolution or Grub. No experience necessary - just bring your creativity, and they'll provide the rest. Not big on paints? Give the Sculpt and Sip night a go and craft pinch pots, candle holders, and dishes to take home.

Ready, steady, bake. The Big Manchester Bake is the ultimate test of your kitchen skills. Situated in a fabulously fun marquee in the heart of Manchester, this isn't your average kitchen - it's a baking showdown like no other. Whether you're a seasoned pro or someone whose baking expertise starts and ends with boxed brownies, this experience is all about rolling up your sleeves and having a laugh.

In just 90 minutes, you'll be whisking, folding, and decorating your way to culinary glory (or glorious chaos). With step-by-step guidance, top-notch ingredients, and all the tools you need, the pressure is on to impress your friends, teammates, or maybe even yourself with your baking prowess.

A retro arcade bar covered in neon graffiti, NQ64is the place to be for nostalgic fun. They've got countless old-school arcade machines and video games consoles, where you can play everything from Street Fighter to Time Crisis and Pacman.

If you're after a bargain, be sure to check out their Supercharge Weekends. From 12 to 5pm every Saturday and Sunday, they're offering 90 minutes of unlimited gaming, alongside four cocktails, beers or another drink of your choice - coming in at £40 per person.

From 13th January, Magic At The Midland brings you a 75-minute evening filled with laughter, wonder and whimsy courtesy of the UK's best magic man, Steve Price. Watch in awe as he turns everyday objects into wondrous memories, leaving you spellbound and questioning the impossible. No breaks, just pure magic.

What's on in Manchester this January doesn't get any tastier than Cherry Jam's bottomless afternoon teas, supper clubs and grazing boards, which come complete with free-flowing drinks. Better yet, they're fronting a non-boozy version with mocktails for all of you cutting back.

Hidden away in the heart of Manchester is immersive prison experience Alcotraz, offering the chance for you to smuggle liquor into a themed speakeasy. Your reward? Bespoke cocktails whipped up by master mixologists and being thrown into the heart of a dramatic story.

When the sun sets, Manchester's music scene comes alive - and there's no better way to dive in than with an evening of live music at O'Neills. From intimate acoustic sets to foot-stomping gigs that'll have you dancing all night, these events showcase the city's electric energy and diverse talent.

Whether it's soulful jazz, indie anthems, or even an unexpected open mic gem, there's something for every music lover to enjoy. Pair it all with a craft beer, cocktail, or your drink of choice, and you've got yourself a recipe for the perfect night out.

January blues ain't no thing here, as Flight Club make sure your group nights out stay hella fun. Join the cool darts space for weekend afternoons that include bottomless pizza, a bottle of prosecco and a bash at their state-of-the-art darts experience.

When you're craving a little heat, venture on over to one of Fabulous Brunch's events. From themed bottomless brunches with stunning drag performances to raucous daytime parties featuring waiters in the buff, these are sure to spice up your winter schedule.

Make your brunch game stronger than ever at the lush and plush On The Hush, the most Instagrammable restaurant hot-spot in Manchester city centre. Starting at £35.95, their award-winning bottomless brunch is available from Thursday to Sunday with a menu that covers everything from chicken waffles to Turkish eggs and bacon blueberry pancakes.

This January, PizzaLuxe in Manchester is serving a slice of the good life with an offer that's tough to top. For just £34.95 per person, you can indulge in bottomless pizza, dough balls, and drinks for 90 minutes.

Grab some pals and get ready to crust the night away with Roman-style thin-crust pizzas, Italian spritzes, and draught beers. Who kneads more?

Step into the vibrant world of Albert's Schloss, the Bavarian-inspired gem in the heart of Spinningfields. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a living, breathing celebration of indulgence, revelry, and downright good times. With its roaring fires, Alpine-inspired interiors, and a bier hall vibe that feels like Oktoberfest every day, this place knows how to bring the party.

By day, it's a foodie haven serving up hearty plates of Alpine cuisine with a Mancunian twist. By night, it cranks up the energy with live entertainment that'll have you dancing on tables (or at least tapping your toes). From cabaret and DJs to bands and eclectic performers, every visit feels like a show-stopping adventure.

Taking part in Dry January this year? We've rounded up all the best things to do in Manchester if you don't drink, from online happenings to sporting activities and unmissable tasting menus. Get your fix of alcohol-free fun with these unique experiences.