Things To Do This Weekend In Manchester

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By Talia Gilliham Food, Drinks & Events Writer, DesignMyNight Talia has over 8 years of experience writing across hospitality and travel, including bylines in TimeOut. Last updated on 3rd September 2026

Saturday and Sunday are fast approaching, your diary is totally empty, and the thought of another junk food-fuelled Netflix marathon is putting you to sleep... yeah, we've all been there. Luckily, we have an ever-changing city and are never more than a few minutes away from a fun party bar or a quirky event. To help whittle it down, check out list of all the best things to do this weekend in Manchester.




Cherry Jam

Fancy switching up your usual routine? These top choices of things to do in Manchester for couples this weekend pair afternoon teas and Sunday sharing boards with bottomless cocktails, so check 'em out.

Bottomless Afternoon Tea

@ Cherry Jam on Saturday 19th September 2026 and 7 other Saturdays

Afternoon teas never looked so wild thanks to Cherry Jam's bottomless Saturday bonanza featuring free-flowing drinks and a spread of miniature treats. Settle in for Stockport's ultimate Bottomless Afternoon Tea, where the spritzes, beer and bloody Mary's will flow endlessly for 90 minutes. 

Tuck into finger sandwiches, mini quiches, sausage rolls and cheese twists alongside cakes, scones and chocolate covered strawberries. Once you're full, you'll be entered into a game of musical bingo where only the most knowledgable music fans will be in with the chance of winning the cocktail prizes. 

Kitty Yoga Manchester

@ GFFDamian Dance Studio on Sunday 20th September 2026 and 4 other dates

Who said mindfulness can't be fun? Kitty Yoga in Manchester is here to prove otherwise. Join this quirky event for forty minutes of gentle yoga with kittens freely roaming around, bringing extra joy to your practice.

After your session, enjoy twenty minutes of kitten playtime to end your hour of relaxation. It's a delightful, different way to unwind while getting some much-needed cuddles from some adorable felines.

DOUGH-IT YOURSELF PIZZA MASTERCLASS MANCHESTER

@ Pizza Pilgrims Manchester - Deansgate on Saturday 19th September 2026 and 10 other Saturdays

Ever fancied becoming a chef for the day? Then head to Pizza Pilgrims on Deansgate, where their Dough It Yourself pizza masterclass will teach you all you to need to know about creating the perfect margherita - led by their talented chefs.

Begin with a selection of scrumptious Italian snacks, while you learn more about the restaurant's story. You'll then get stuck into shaping dough, picking toppings and baking your pizza to be devoured straight afterwards - with their signature Nutella ring dessert to finish. Tickets start from £50, also including two drinks each.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Friday 18th September 2026

If you're looking for quirky activities in Manchester this weekend, check out Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four for an experience unlike any other. The prison-themed immersive bar features a suspicious warden, crooked guards and master mixologists who'll be serving bespoke bootlegged cocktails. 

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

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Friday 18th September 2026

One of the best outdoor activities in Manchester this weekend is The Great Game, an outdoor treasure hunt exploring the city's most famed landmarks and hidden streets. You'll solve puzzles, crack codes and decipher clues along the way, all to win 20% off food and drink at a nearby pub.

Pretty Bars In Manchester

If you've made it to Saturday or Sunday and are still undecided on things to do, how about checking out some of the city's prettiest drinking dens? We've got the definitive list all wrapped up, including sleek restaurant bars and the spot using a living tree as decor.

Sticks'n'Sushi Manchester

Your weekend just got an upgrade at Sticks'n'Sushi. At the All You Can Sip Brunch, you can tuck into a generous spread from noon to 5pm every Saturday. 

We're talking sharing plates of beef tataki, karaage and tuna tartare, followed by an eight-piece maki roll per person, a choice of nigiri and the likes of shake teriyaki salmon, tsukune chicken meatballs and buta yaki free-range pork straight off the grill. To wash it all down, there's 90 minutes of limitless drinks, plus big beats from resident DJs.

FunnyBoyz Manchester

FunnyBoyz Manchester are bringing you events in Manchester today when Saturdays and Sundays roll around - everything from weekly Benidorm Bingo sessions to one-off shows from Drag Race stars and other top queens in the biz. They're coming to a bar near you, so don't miss out.

Food Escapes

A quirky Manchester experience with a tasty twist, Food Escapes takes place across the city. These are puzzle-solving adventures where you'll crack clues sent to you by WhatsApp, guiding you to three independent restaurants.

There are different themes to each quest, from tacos to dumplings and craft beer. Tickets start from £48.60, including all your food. The timer pauses at each stop, so you can continue racing against the clock afterwards.

Sticks'n'Sushi - All You Can Sip Brunch. Manchester

@ Sticks'n'Sushi Manchester on Every Saturday

Settle in for an All You Can Sip Brunch at none other than Manchester's Japanese-Scandinavian restaurant, Sticks'n'Sushi. Up to their usual tasty tricks, this spot is serving a DJ-led Saturday brunch that will have you munching everything from karaage chicken to spicy tuna maki rolls and seaweed salad. 

They'll start by bringing out a bunch of sharing plates for the table, before each guest is permitted to pick 3 dishes from the maki, nigiri and sticks portion of the menu. A mango coconut rice pudding will serve as the perfect refresher, and you may still have some drinks to get through by the end of the meal – as they'll be free-flowing for 90 minutes. Choose between English spritz, bellinis, Asahi, prosecco or wine. 

RnB, Hip Hop + Afrobeats 'Til Late

@ The Blues Kitchen Manchester on Every Friday

Every Friday night, The Blues Kitchen Manchester turns up the heat with RnB, Hip Hop and Afrobeats 'Til Late party. The evening kicks off early downstairs at 7pm with a laid-back, candlelit soundtrack of live soul and neo-soul. But as the clock strikes 10pm, the main room transforms into a full-scale celebration as Manchester's finest DJs and live performers spin everything from old-school Lauryn Hill anthems to fresh, bass-heavy tracks from Burna Boy and Drake.

The best part? It is completely free entry all night, meaning you can save your cash for the venue's legendary cocktails, private karaoke booths, and retro photo stands. If you happen to miss out on Friday's action, or you simply want to make it a double-header weekend of live music, don't worry - the venue hosts their equally electric sister event, Manchester Got Soul, where the legendary resident house band delivers three incredible live sets of timeless Motown, soul, and rock 'n' roll classics.

Cocktail Classes In Manchester

After fun things to do in Manchester for adults this weekend and want plenty of booze involved? You can whip up some of the city's best cocktails, thanks to the help of master mixologists; shaking, stirring and squeezing your way to success, with even a bit of fire to play with too.

Dirty Martini Manchester

A cool cocktail bar on Peter Street, Dirty Martini promises a brilliant day or night out. They've got a huge cocktail menu and a killer happy hour for affordable drinks, as well as a cracking bottomless brunch.

Starting from just £30 per person, this brunch features 90 minutes of unlimited martinis, prosecco or beer. This comes alongside one of their signature birdcage sharers, featuring tasty bites like pulled beef sliders, hummus bruschetta and potato croquettes.

DNA VR Manchester

Lost for weekend plans? DNA VR Manchester is sure to fill that void. Found in the city centre, this unique arcade venue is host to a fabulous range of interactive games. In each challenge, whether it's a zombie battle or boat race, you'll be able to move freely in a large virtual space.