Cool And Quirky Events In Manchester

Our city is a fun-filled hub of activity all year round, with plenty of things to do every week. If you're searching for cool and quirky Manchester events in 2024, then look no further - we've compiled a guide to the very best that offers something a little different. Whether you fancy getting boisterous at a boat party, flirty with flappers, or broody with burlesque babes, this list has just the thing.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 9th June 2025




Paintvine

Need fun activities in Manchester for couples? Paintvine is letting you get creative with a group or your other half, popping up at The King's Arms to bring you a cool class with plenty of opportunity to buy drinks from the bar too. 

Fabulous Brunch Events Manchester

Craving a boozy brunch with a little extra sass, a themed drag night or quirky bingo? The team over at Bougie Drag & Boy Toy events are bound to have something for you. Think everything from waiters in the buff to lip sync battles and games, all accompanied by tasty refreshments. 

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Sunday 22nd June 2025

Head to the city centre speakeasy, Alcotraz, where one of the most fun activities for adults in Manchester awaits. This immersive experience sees you charming your way past suspicious guards while smuggling in bootlegged liquor, before the inmates whip you up some delicious drinks.

Cherry Jam

Some of the most fun things to do in Manchester for couples, Cherry Jam's bottomless events offer up afternoon tea or a sharing platter of treats come the weekend. Wash your food down with unlimited cocktails and finish your afternoon off with musical bingo, or choose a themed brunch too.

Electric Shuffle Manchester Brunch

@ Electric Shuffle Manchester on Various dates from Sunday 22nd June 2025

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, starting off a night out early or just looking for a fun group activity, you can't go wrong with a boozy brunch at Electric Shuffle in Spinningfields. These two-hour sessions begin with some competitive action on the shuffleboard tables, before heading to their cool bar area to raise a toast to the winner. You'll get to enjoy as many slices of pizza as you want during this event, as well as an entire bottle of prosecco each, with tickets starting from just £30 per person.

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

If you're into quirky and cool activities, don't miss The Spirit of Manchester Distillery - the ultimate spot for hands-on experiences. From a Gin Making Experience (from £30 per person) where you can create your own signature spirit, to the Barley & Beyond Tour (£30), there's a unique adventure waiting for you. Spice up your weekend in Manchester with a taste of something different.

What's on at GRUB

GRUB are filled to the brim with some of the quirkiest events in the city. Try out a cocktail masterclass, attend disco bingo or mosey over to a booze-fuelled garden party. If that wasn't enough, they also offer bottomless brunch and burlesque.

MANCHESTER WING FEST 2025

@ Victoria Baths on Friday 19th September 2025 and 2 other dates

Are you ready for the most epic weekend of wings, games, and good vibes? Manchester Wing Fest 2025 has everything you need to spice up your weekend: savour mouth-watering wings, including the best buffalo, BBQ, and wild flavour combinations.

But that's not all - test your skills with axe throwing, challenge your friends at the arcade, or try your hand at the Flying Goose Wing Eating Competition. With live bands, DJs, and a seriously fun atmosphere, this event will have you saying, I'm winging it all weekend. Don't forget your Wing Fest trucker hat to top off the experience, and grab your tickets now, starting from £19.50 per person. 

BOUGIE DRAG EVENTS

Discounts available on certain events

For a vibrant day out across trendy Manchester venues, check out the bottomless brunches on offer from Bougie Drag Events. Expect fabulous queens like Imani Versace and Barb hosting lip syncing, catwalk competitions and dance-offs throughout, as well as banging DJ sets, tasty dishes and 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco, cocktails or beer.

Flight Club Manchester Brunch Social

@ Flight Club Manchester on Various dates from Sunday 22nd June 2025

Give your weekends a big dose of fun with Flight Club's brunch social, one of the best indoor activities in Manchester for adults. From birthday parties to hen dos, nothing will beat bottomless pizza, a bottle of bubbly per person and taking your friends on at a game of high-tech darts.

Freight Island

Searching for the ultimate hangout spot in Manchester? Look no further than Freight Island. This innovative venue is a feast for the senses, with a wide range of food stalls serving up everything from gourmet burgers to plant-based delights.

The industrial chic design adds a cool edge, and there's always something going on, from live performances and sports viewings to exciting pop-ups. Whether you're here to grab a quick bite or make an evening of it with friends, you'll be surrounded by good vibes, great tunes, and amazing flavours.

Manchester Comedy Club

Located in the heart of the Gay Village, Manchester Comedy Club takes place at AREA Manchester. They host a wide range of fantastic events on the weekends, starting from as little as £10 per person to attend.

Their shows are a combination of well-established acts trying out new material and emerging comedians, so you're guaranteed a brilliant mix of acts every single time.

FunnyBoyz Manchester

Get a little quirky at some of FunnyBoyz Manchester's events, all making place at New York New York. Not only is there live entertainment from some of RuPaul's Drag Race's finest queens, but there are also Taylor Swift tributes and plenty of bingo. Sign us up.

Official Manchester Rum Festival 2025

@ New Century Hall on Sat, 26th Jul 2025 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

The best of quirky events this July, the Official Manchester Rum Festival 2025 is back and at New Century Hall. As the city's original, dedicated rum festival, it's making sure you have a blast - with all exhibitors' rums included in the £27.50 ticket price.

And when you get peckish or thirsty for a cocktail? There are vendors and a rum cocktail bar on-site for that too.

The Big Manchester Bake

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Sunday 22nd June 2025

Competitive baking sound like your thing? Grab your best baking buddy and pair up; you'll have 90 minutes on the clock to create an edible masterpiece at The Big Manchester Bake. You'll have all the ingredients and equipment provided in the marquee, while one skilled duo will also be crowned winning bakers.

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

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Sunday 22nd June 2025

If non-drinking activities in Manchester are the ones for you, The Great Game Outdoor Treasure Hunt comes in at the top of our list. Solve riddles, crack codes or complete puzzles while travelling across the city, with 20% off a meal at a local pub once 'X' marks the spot.

Soul Supper Immersive Dining Experience - MANCHESTER

@ Freight Island on Sunday 3rd August and Sunday 28th September 2025

Looking for something cool and a little different? Soul Supper in Manchester offers an immersive dining experience that combines soulful Motown music with mouthwatering food.

Picture this: you're enjoying a two-course meal with a glass of wine in hand while the legendary sounds of The Four Tops and Diana Ross fill the air. Whether you're after a fun night with friends or a special birthday celebration, this event is the perfect mix of food, fun, and fantastic music.

Decadence After Dark: Time To Cher!

@ The Fitzgerald on Thu, 10th Jul 2025 @ 19:30 - 22:30

This July, The Fitzgerald are hosting a Cher-themed edition of their Decadence After Dark event. The Northern Quarter location is inspired by speakeasies, promising a sultry atmosphere for the spectacular show to take place in. Expect a fantastic lineup of powerhouse vocalists, brilliant burlesque acts and hilarious comedians - with tickets costing just £10 per person.

Kitty Yoga Manchester

@ Deansgate on Various dates from Sunday 22nd June 2025

Looking for something a little different in Manchester? How about an hour of relaxation and kitten cuddles? Kitty Yoga combines gentle vinyasa flow with the joy of having kittens roaming freely around the room.

Enjoy meditative breathing, stretches, and poses while the purrs of your feline friends add to the calming atmosphere. Wrap it up with twenty minutes of playtime with the kittens.

Taste + Liquor

Searching for fun things to do in Manchester? Taste + Liquor are giving you everything for the best weekends, from Ayia Napa-inspired brunches to RnB music-filled afternoons and 90s throwback themed events.

VOGA @ Treehouse Hotel MANCHESTER

@ Treehouse on Every 1st Saturday of the month

House of VOGA is a unique experience that combines dance and yoga, resulting in a blend of fitness and fashion set to a soundtrack of iconic 80s hits and disco classics. You'll find them at Treehouse every first Saturday of the month, offering sessions for just £20 per person.

These classes involve an hour-long flow led by an expert instructor, followed by a complimentary hot drink or juice. Plus, treehouse have got a delicious brunch menu available for afterwards.