Live Music
Manchester is undeniably one of the UK hotspots for live music. With many of its most iconic venues based on the Oxford Road Corridor, we can confidently claim that music is part of our DNA and that we are proud of the long-standing musical heritage that continues to inspire future generations and fuel the city’s night time economy.
Oxford Road Corridor’s love affair with live music dates back as far as 1858 when Sir Charles Hallé formed Manchester’s symphony orchestra at the Lesser Free Trade Hall. Fast forward to 1966 and the Free Trade Hall would become part of musical history again when Bob Dylan was famously heckled for going electric. Ten years later the Sex Pistols played the “gig that changed the world”. Punk was born with Joy Division, The Fall, Magazine and The Smiths, not far behind.
Famous venues like the Ritz and the Academy have hosted many legendary acts over the years, whilst smaller venues such as YES, The Deaf Institute, Big Hands and Gorilla ensure the city keeps its finger on the pulse with an unrivalled programme of contemporary bands and DJs. For the traditionalists, the RNCM is one of the leading conservatoires in the world and The Bridgewater Hall is home to three resident orchestras: the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic and Manchester Camerata.
Keep scrolling to find out more about best live music venues as well as upcoming gigs and concerts.
Upcoming Gigs & Concerts
Surprise Chef’s distinct sound pulls from 70s film scores, the funkier side of jazz, and the samples that form the foundation of hip-hop.
The soundtrack to 50 years of love, hope and celebration, Pride Classical fuses anthemic melodies with irresistible rhythms,
A huge name within the Grime scene, Flowdan is coming to Manchester. Catch a British urban music legend live at Joshua Brooks this summer.
Expect heavy dub-driven monsters and irresistible synth-pop bangers when audiobooks play Yes this June.
Jen Cloher’s taut, terse brand of rock is charged with the static tension that comes with being an eternal misfit. Admirers have naturally gravitated towards Cloher’s incisive, generous songwriting.
Catch Screaming Females at YES this June, one of the most dynamic and devastating touring bands going today.
Join Manchester Sacred Harp for an afternoon of uplifting social singing. Their door is open – sit and sing if you want to join in – or pop in to listen.
Students from the Royal Northern College of Music perform in the South Gallery, overlooking Whitworth Park.
Royal Northern College of Music celebrates its 50th birthday and half a century of forging incredible careers across the music industry.
Manchester Classical sees the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, Manchester Collective and a host of stellar artists come together.
Join RNCM vocal students and the Orchestra of Opera North for a fantastic evening of opera’s greatest hits.
SEEN Magazine and Manchester Museum shine a spotlight on the sounds of the South Asian diaspora for Manchester International Festival.
Lose yourself in the world premiere of Sonic Geography by John Luther Adams, played by pianist Ralph Van Raat.
Belle and Sebastian play Manchester Academy in support of their tenth album, A Bit of Previous, released in 2022.
Join Manchester Sacred Harp for an afternoon of uplifting social singing. Their door is open – sit and sing if you want to join in – or pop in to listen.
Join Manchester Sacred Harp for an afternoon of uplifting social singing. Their door is open – sit and sing if you want to join in – or pop in to listen.
Manchester Psych Fest is an all-day celebration of psychedelic music and art, returning to the Oxford Road Corridor in September.
American alt-country icons Wilco return to the UK in the autumn, for a series of headline shows and festival performances.
Dexys present The Feminine Divine live! Followed by a selection of Dexys classics at The Bridgewater Hall this September.
Legendary artist Graham Nash, as a founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash visits Manchester.
Public Image Ltd. (PiL) return to Manchester with their eleventh studio album and first album in 8 years, End of World.
Following a triumphant sets at Neighbourhood Festival and Gorilla, Manchester’s The Covasettes have announced their biggest headline show to date.
Puma Blue’s music is noted for a blend of intimate fragility, sensual grooves and haunting, nocturnal ambience.
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs are touring their fourth studio album, Land of Sleeper, stopping by The Ritz this September.
Gang of Four, one of the most radically important, and influential rock groups of the last 40 years, play Manchester this October.
Westerman, the west London singer-songwriter, loved by Perfume Genius, heads to Canvas following last year’s show at Yes.
Bleach Lab are always striving to break new ground and be constantly on the move sonically. See them at Canvas this October.
Alabama 3, the legendary acid house country band from Brixton, are back with their fourteenth studio album, Cold War Classics Vol.2.
Hotly tipped Scottish indie rock group Wrest are coming to Manchester’s Deaf Insitute for a headline date.
Personal Trainer is Willem Smit’s rock collective. Live, they have an ever-shifting line-up with members from bands like Pip Blom.
This Is The Kit tour in support of their richly illuminating album Off Off On, a record overflowing with ideas, energy and power.
Celebrating his nearly four-decade hip-hop career, legendary rapper Rakim formed the blueprint for the future of hip-hop.
