Thursday details one thing, and that's that Friday is on the horizon, but don't leave this almost weekend night behind. Boasting a barrage of fun nights out in the city, a Thursday in Manchester just so happens to be a very fine thing.
From quiz nights and club events, to pop-up partying and a whole host of foodie fun, check out our recommendations for the best things to do this coming Thursday in our beloved MCR.
Find out more about how we created our guide in our Editorial Policy.
Stuck for things to do this Thursday in Manchester? Swing by The Liquor Store with your mates to enjoy a range of delicious tipples in a gloriously Mancunian space, all with a fantastic soundtrack made up of indie, classic rock and more.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 17th October 2026
Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four is one of the quirkiest bars in Manchester, making it an absolute must on Thursday nights. Swing by for the chance to sip handcrafted cocktails, served by prisoner bartenders from behind bars.
@ Bunny Jackson's Juke Joint on Every Thursday
They say Thursday is the new Friday, and Bunny Jackson's is one of the best joints to be in come midweek partying. Expect one banging night of Bandaoke as you take to the stage like a legendary front man or woman and let it all out with a live band.
Thursday has a distinct identity in Manchester's nightlife that makes it worth choosing over a Friday or Saturday. The practical advantages are significant: venues are busy and energetic without the weekend-level overcrowding, queues are shorter, service is faster, and the atmosphere tends to be more local and less tourist-heavy.
Revolucion de Cuba is the strongest Thursday happy hour — 2-for-£10 cocktails between 3pm and 7pm, making it one of the best-value pre-night-out drinks options in the city.
Albert's Schloss is the most reliable Thursday live music option — free entry, live entertainment every night of the week including Thursdays (Kunst Kabaret, Baby Grand Slam live music), with no ticket required. Blues Kitchen in Spinningfields has live jazz, soul and blues performances every night of the week, with DJ sets running late.
