Fun Manchester Events 2026

Few food festivals are quite like Manchester Wing Fest 2026. For one weekend in September, Victoria Baths becomes a hub of wing tasting, live music, drinking and competitive eating, with traders battling to be crowned King or Queen of Wings.

You can try wings individually for £1.50, explore everything from classic Buffalo to experimental Wild creations, and vote for their favourites on the day. You can also expect axe throwing, the fiery Lava Wing Challenge and a buzzing crowd.

Wondering about Manchester events this weekend? Cherry Jam are hosting an epic bottomless afternoon teas and brunches, complete with free-flowing spritzes, bloody mary's, and ice cold beers for 90 glorious minutes. Plus, themed music bingo is on the cards for entertainment.

Looking for a lively event to spice up your weekend plans? Then head to Freight Island, where they often host live music and DJ sets. These are totally free to enter, whether you're heading down for their spring summer series or a dedicated indie night.

Across the spacious indoor and outdoor venue, you'll also find seven bars and 11 street food vendors. Tuck into tasty burgers, gyros and arepas as you enjoy the music.

Food Escapes is a high-tech food trail that's the ultimate interactive day out. By combining the thrill of a time-trial race with a premium culinary crawl, it offers an adrenaline-pumping, satisfying experience that you'll be talking about for weeks.

Because everything is managed seamlessly through WhatsApp, it feels incredibly modern and fast-paced. You're racing against other teams for a coveted spot on the live leaderboard, keeping the energy high between stops. Whether you want to indulge in a mid-week Dumpling Trail or a weekend Craft Beer escape, this is one of the most engaging and dynamic event formats hitting the city this year.

When in need of something a little different (but still totally fun) to do, YO! at Manchester Arndale has you covered. Head in for a sushi masterclass, where you'll tuck into gyozas before learning how to create four different tasty pieces.

If competitive baking has even been on your radar, then The Big Manchester Bake is the perfect event for you. Having been providing award-winning baking experiences in the UK since 2017, this brand really know how to make sure you have the finest whisk-off. You'll get all the equipment and ingredients provided to make a tasty recipe and compete in pairs, with one lucky duo crowned the winner.

When it comes to fun Manchester events today, this hunt is a top-notch choice. Challenge yourself to various puzzles and riddles as you visit iconic city landmarks and venues. Find the treasure and you'll nab 20% off your food and drink bill at the pub.

Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events are hosting some of the best indoor activities in Manchester for adults. Check out their selection of Gaga-themed brunches, bottomless afternoons and weekends with buff waiters alongside some of the UK's top drag stars.  

A relaxed but stylish cocktail bar in the city centre, Dirty Martini is known for it's varied drinks menu and party atmosphere. They host bottomless brunches here throughout the week, starting from as little as £30 per person.

This includes one of their signature birdcage sharers, either classic or vegan, which include delicious eats like hoisin duck wonton cups and potato croquettes. Plus, there's beer, prosecco and select cocktails on the drinks menu.

If you're looking for a lively drag event that comes with plenty of booze, then check out Hot Mess Club: Unhinged Princesses Brunch. This is taking place at ONBAR Manchester, promising four whole hours of entertainment from their chaotic queens.

You can expect lively games and sing-alongs, all with the theme of Disney icons reimagined. Tickets include a delicious burger or wrap, as well as 90 minutes of unlimited drinks.

Kick off your evening with some two-stepping and stay for the infectious energy at Wild Wild Steps. With a mix of live DJ-spun country hits and classic anthems from Dolly Parton to Morgan Wallen, the venue becomes a playground for friends looking to dance, laugh, and soak up the Southern-inspired atmosphere.

Dress the part, challenge each other on the dance floor, and enjoy drinks or shots while enjoying one of the most lively nights out in Manchester.

When it comes down to activities in Manchester for large groups, Flight Club's Brunch Social is a real winner. Whether you want to dig into unlimited prosecco and pizza or upgrade your experience with a few rounds of darts, this venue will impress.

Looking for fun things in Manchester for couples and groups alike? Alcotraz is the prison cocktail experience asking you to put your smuggling skills to the test. Join them at their basement hangout, but come prepared with your own liquor for sneaking past the guards.

Known for their epic Oompah shows, Bierkeller Manchester is giving you something to sing along to. You can enjoy various packages from benches reserved for cocktails, beer and cider or tuck into Bavarian wursts served with skin-on fries and 'keggies'.

Looking for something out of the ordinary this weekend? Electric Shuffle in Deansgate has you covered with its brunch offering from £30 per person. Gather your mates and play and hours worth of shuffleboard before tucking into unlimited pizza. What's more, you'll also bag a bottle of prosecco each.