Best Events In Manchester

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By Kiera Chapman Junior Editor Expert in food and drink, with 5 years in editorial, including bylines in Marie Claire. Last updated on 26th February 2026

Looking for the best events in Manchester? From club nights to festivals and wine tasting to gigs, we've handpicked the best Manchester events for you to enjoy. Check out our guide to Manchester's top events and parties and buy your tickets in advance through DesignMyNight. 




Hot Mess Club

Hot Mess Club: Unhinged Princesses Brunch is a vibrant drag event, coming to ONBAR Manchester this March. You can expect a cracking four-hour show from the talented queens on stage, who are reimagining the Disney characters you know and love.

The performance will be full of sing-alongs, games and hilarious routines. Plus, you'll get to enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, paired with a delicious burger or wrap.

Freight Island

Freight Island in Manchester is the ultimate destination for anyone who loves good food, good music, and a good time. Located in a massive, transformed industrial warehouse, the venue feels like a celebration of everything cool and eclectic.

The food scene here is top-tier, with everything from gourmet street food to indulgent desserts that will leave you craving more. Celebrity guests. sports viewings and live performances and events ensure that the atmosphere is always lively, so you can feast your eyes and ears as much as your stomach.

Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch Manchester

@ At ON BAR or AREA Manchester on Saturday 4th April 2026 and 8 other Saturdays

With non-stop tunes from DJ Smiley Vyrus and raucous entertainment hosted by iconic queens like Imani Versace and Barb, Bougie Drag's bottomless brunches are bringing the fun to venues across Manchester with their classic or Beyonce-themed bottomless brunches. Expect lip syncing battles, dance-offs and catwalk contests as you tuck into a delicious dish, topped off by 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco, beer or cocktails.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Thursday 19th March 2026

Spice up your next night out with a trip to prison at interactive themed bar Alcotraz. This immersive experience will have you donning orange jumpsuits and lining up for Instagram-worthy mugshots, before smuggling in a bottle of liquor for the inmates to turn into bespoke cocktails for you. Don't forget to watch out for the warden, though.

The Big Manchester Bake

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Thursday 19th March 2026

A top choice of unique events, The Big Manchester Bake is here to ensure you can get put competitive streak to good use while also whisking up a tasty treat. They provide all the ingredients and equipment, so you and your baking buddy can concentrate on being crowned the winners of your 90-minute session.

Kitty Yoga Manchester

@ GFFDamian Dance Studio on Saturday 21st and Saturday 28th March 2026

Possibly the most relaxing event on our list, Kitty Yoga is a day out filled with stretching and cuddles. Taking place at a venue on Deansgate, these hour-long sessions involve adorable kittens roaming around you throughout.

You'll begin with a 40-minute vinyasa flow that's suitable for all abilities. Afterwards, unwind further with 20 minutes of pure playtime with your new fluffy friends.

MANCHESTER WING FEST 2026

@ Victoria Baths on Friday 18th September 2026 and 2 other dates

Looking for something fun to do this September? Then be sure to check out Wing Fest at Victoria Baths. This three-day festival promises a huge number of street food vendors from up and down the UK - who will be competing to win the best wing title across three categories, as voted by you.

Every portion of wings cost just £1.50 each, so you can sample as many as possible for an affordable price. As for the entertainment, you can expect live music, DJs, axe throwing and more, as well as eating competitions and spicy wing challenges.

Paintvine

There's nothing more relaxing than unwinding with a glass of wine and a good crafty activity, and that's just what they offer at Paintvine. Their Manchester events take place at the Northern Monk Refectory for just £29 each, giving you the chance to create your very own work of art with guidance from an expert instructor. They've even got sculpting events too if that's more your thing, with all the materials you need already provided.

Manchester Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt! Single route or double for racing!

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Thursday 19th March 2026

Get to know Manchester on a whole new level with The Great Game Treasure Hunt, an exciting outdoor experience which involves cracking clues and solving puzzles to make your way to a mystery pub. You'll receive a prize of 20% off your food and drink bill at the end – and the best part is tickets for the whole day start from as little as £5 per person.

WildWildStep

Manchester nightlife gets a country twist at Wild Wild Steps, where the music is loud, the drinks are flowing, and the energy is contagious. From beginner-friendly line dancing sessions to moments of sing-along glory, there's something for everyone. Whiskey, cocktails, and shared platters add to the social vibe, while the playful Wild West theme transforms a night out into a full-on interactive adventure. 

Electric Shuffle Manchester Brunch

@ Electric Shuffle Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 21st March 2026

Got any weekend plans? Well, now you do. Snap up tickets from £30 each to Electric Shuffle's brunch, taking place on the weekend. The Deansgate-based events bar is pulling out all the stops with two hours' worth of unlimited pizza paired with a bottle of prosecco per person. There'll even be complimentary carafes of orange juice if you fancy mixing things up a bit and making some mimosas. 

YO! Sushi School

One of the most fun things to do in Manchester, YO!'s masterclass at the Arndale is helping you become a mogul in the kitchen. Nab tickets and head over for gyozas on arrival, followed by the chance to whip up four different sushi items.

Fabulous Brunch Events Manchester

Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events are spicing up your weekend with an afternoon of free-flowing bubbles and delicious dishes served by topless buff butlers. Or if you're just a fan of all things Britney, Beyonce and Gaga? Catch a brunch where you can enjoy fabulous tribute acts.