Friday Nights In Manchester

Lauren Cole's profile picture
By Lauren Cole Lead Editor, DesignMyNight Our Lead Editor, Lauren, has written about the UK's best restaurants, bars and experiences on DesignMyNight since 2021. Bylines in What's On Media Group. Last updated on 8th September 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.




DOUGH-IT YOURSELF PIZZA MASTERCLASS MANCHESTER

@ Pizza Pilgrims Manchester - Deansgate on Saturday 12th September 2026 and 11 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.

MANCHESTER WING FEST 2026

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

Manchester Wing Fest 2026 is officially returning to the iconic Victoria Baths from September 18th to the 20th. Grab your mates and lock in your tickets from just £21.45 per person, with multiple time slots available across the weekend. Every ticket comes fully loaded with a signature trucker hat, plus access to a stacked lineup of live music, DJs, games, and non-stop entertainment.

The main event? Over 20 brilliant vendors battling it out for the ultimate crown - and you get to be the judge. Try as many mouth-watering creations as you can handle for just £1.50 per wing, with categories spanning from classic Buffalo to smoky BBQ. With wild eating competitions and axe throwing, and you've got the ultimate weekend out.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Wednesday 9th September 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.

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.