Best Manchester Events In May 2026

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By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Copywriter, DesignMyNight 10-year hospitality, travel and events expert, writing for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 9th March 2026

May signals the end of term for a variety of students, and the turning of spring to summer for the rest of us. From bank holiday parties to drag brunches and Cinco De Mayo celebrations, there's plenty on the menu. So, we'll make life easier with our lovely list of the very best happenings heading your way this month. Certainly not one to be missed, check out our picks of the best things to do in Manchester this May 2026.




FunnyBoyz Manchester

Wondering what's on in Manchester this May weekend? FunnyBoyz is bringing you Benidorm bingo and a choice of events featuring RuPaul's Drag Race stars, so you can expect hilarity alongside fabulous performances.

The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch

@ The Blues Kitchen Manchester on Every Saturday

If you're looking for delicious dishes, free-flowing drinks and non-stop nostalgia, get on down to The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch. Every Saturday, its DJs serve up the very best 90s and 00s RnB, from Aaliyah and Ashanti to Nelly, Usher and Destiny's Child.

To fuel your dancing feet, you'll get a choice of main dishes, plus free-flowing drinks to kick off your day. That's all the beer, wine, prosecco and cocktails you can drink for 90 long minutes.

Electric Shuffle Manchester Brunch

@ Electric Shuffle Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 28th March 2026

Fancy getting a little competitive this month? Then head to the Electric Shuffle weekend brunch, complete with an hour of gaming on their interactive shuffleboard tables. These offer all kinds of fun minigames, as well as large screens that add up your scores for you.

Each guest will enjoy a whole bottle of prosecco or four beers, as well as two hours of all-you-can-eat pizza to share between the group. After you've finished playing, you can toast to the winner in the bar, with tickets starting from £33 per person.

Freight Island

May at Freight Island is packed with exciting events and live music that will have you grooving all month long! Kick off the Spring Summer Series with incredible special guests like Ghosts of Garage, Donae'O & Crazy Cousinz, and É Soul Cultura. Whether you're into garage, indie, or soul, this venue is the place to be for a night of unforgettable music and good vibes.

Catch the MCR ROCKS - Indie Night for a rockin' evening of the best indie tracks, or vibe to Ghosts of Garage and their explosive live sets. For fans of Donae'O & Crazy Cousinz, you're in for an epic night of garage and grime that will keep you dancing all night. 

Restaurants In Manchester City Centre

When it comes to the best places to eat, these city centre restaurants are coming out on top. From Michelin-recognised spots to quirky basements, there's heaps to choose from, whether you're craving light bites or full-blown feasts. 

Cherry Jam

For May events in Manchester this weekend, look no further than Cherry Jam's bottomless dining offerings. There's afternoon tea on Saturdays or grazing platters to share come Sunday, with unlimited cocktails and musical bingo rounding off each day.

Magic at the Midland

@ The Midland on Sunday 26th April 2026 and 6 other Sundays

Magic at the Midland is a exciting and mind-blowing show, performed by one of the UK's top magicians Steve Price. Prepare to be wowed as he turns ordinary objects into impossible things, taking place in one of the city's most iconic hotels. Tickets start from just £24.50 per person, promising over an hour of mesmerising tricks and amazing feats.

What's on at GRUB

Known for their cool May events in Manchester today, GRUB know how to take things up a notch. You can expect a roster of bottomless brunches, disco bingo and fizz-laced quizzes. Good luck choosing.

Beer Gardens In Manchester

Things are hotting up this May, and whether you're looking to make the most of a long weekend or simply fancy an alfresco dinner, there's nowhere better than a beer garden. Our selection of places are perfect for any and all occasions - just have a scroll through 'em here.

Flight Club Manchester Brunch Social

@ Flight Club Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 28th March 2026

Fun and games come in the form of prosecco, freshly baked slices and state-of-the-art darts at Flight Club. Start the shenanigans early with their brunch, which includes a bottle of fizz per person, complimentary jugs of orange juice and steaming hot platters of droolworthy pizza.

The Cockatoo Club

Join Annabelle and her crew of talented queens at The Frockatoo Drag Brunch, taking place at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester's Gay Village. For just £40 per person you can enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails, as well as a free bottle of prosecco for tables of four or above, alongside a menu which features Southern fried chicken wraps, smoked paprika nachos and more. What's more, there will be high-energy drag performances and fun games with cracking prizes throughout.

Old Skool Bingo

Move your body this May at Old Skool Bingo. As you go eyes down in search of a full house, you'll groove to the biggest tracks from 90s and 00s RnB.

There's plenty more here to keep you entertained. We're talking singalongs, dance offs and epic prizes. Tickets start from just £19.25.

The Big Manchester Bake

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Tuesday 24th March 2026

Whether you're looking for a unique date idea or something fun to do with your friends, The Big Manchester Bake is always a brilliant idea. You'll find their custom marquee in Salford, complete with 12 baking stations, a cake-themed bar, a hospitality suite and a stunning drinks garden. 

You'll work in teams of two, competing against all the other pairs, to bake the very beat treat. The theme changes every month, and they'll provide all the pre-measured ingredients you'll need as part of your ticket price.

Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch Manchester

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

Bougie Drag's bottomless brunch is known for one thing - and that's raucous affairs. They've got days out themed around iconic artists like Beyonce, all hosted by iconic queens like Imani Versace and Barb, complete with lip sync battles, dance-offs and catwalk contests. What's more, you can sip on 90 minutes of free-flowing booze and enjoy delicious dishes while DJs play banging tunes.

DNA VR Manchester

Located in the city centre, DNA VR is a virtual reality arcade boasting a choice of fun, interactive games, from boat racing to zombie battles or dancing with your friends. Every one-hour session is led by an expert guide who will take you through the digital landscape, available for groups of up to 15 people at once. If you fancy planning a bigger event? They also have private hire options for up to 45 guests as well.