Friday Nights In Manchester

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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 3rd May 2026

Whether you've had the best week ever or just can't wait to get out of the office, there's nothing quite like a Friday night out on the town. Chilled out comedy clubs? Quirky cocktail haunts? Date night destinations? The biggest nightclubs events? Whatever your poison, check out our handpicked guide to the best things to do on Friday nights in Manchester.




Mowgli Corn Exchange

Dive into your weekend Indian street food style at Mowgli. Inside the Corn Exchange, this place is all warm, inviting lighting, swinging seats and flavour packed tiffin trays. 

The menu is just as eye-catching, packing in the likes of gunpowder chicken, Himalayan cheese toast, black dhal and Goan fish curry. Be sure to grab a cocktail before you leave too - the masala espresso martini is a taste sensation.

DOUGH-IT YOURSELF PIZZA MASTERCLASS MANCHESTER

@ Pizza Pilgrims Manchester - Deansgate on Saturday 13th June 2026 and 24 other Saturdays

Start the weekend right with a trip to Pizza Pilgrims, where you can become a chef for the night at their Dough It Yourself masterclass. This fun, foodie event is led by their talented kitchen team, who'll teach you all about dough, toppings and baking - resulting in the perfect margherita.

Begin by learning more about the story behind the restaurant, while tucking into the delicious Italian snacks provided. You'll also receive two drinks as part of your ticket price, alongside their scrumptious Nutella ring dessert to finish.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Wednesday 10th June 2026

Do something a little different on a Friday night in Manchester and swing by Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four for a quirky drinking experience. You'll don an orange jumpsuit, smuggle booze into the jail and sip your very own handcrafted hooch from behind bars.