Things to do this September

Loads of things to do this September around Oxford Road as students return along with thrilling theatre, new exhibitions and gigs, gigs and more gigs.

September is an exciting time to be in Manchester as more than 80,000 students arrive and Oxford Road springs to life. Along with an influx of new minds, the cultural scene ramps up as we head into the autumn.

Contact and RNCM celebrate their 50th anniversary this year and both have lots to see in their jubilee seasons. Manchester Collective join RNCM as one of their new Artists-in-Residence. From side-by-side initiatives and fantastic performances, they’ll work closely with our students, giving them unprecedented insight into one of the UK’s most innovative chamber orchestras. This September, see WEATHER, a new Manchester Collective performance co-commissioned with the Southbank Centre. Another must-see show at RNCM this month is New Dawn Fades, the story of four ordinary lads who, inspired by the punk revolution of 1970s Manchester, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time, Joy Division.

Ahead of a new show inspired by the Halo Code; a campaign fighting for the protection and celebration of Black hair and hairstyles, Contact celebrates World Afro Day on the 15th of September. Also this month they host highly-anticipated shows by Sophie Hagan, Not Your Circus Dog collective and Spoken Movement.

HOME’s new season kicks off with 12 Last Songs, a 12-hour live exhibition of people in an epic performance that casts the steady rhythms of life on a carnival scale. We’re also excited about Kin, Gecko’s hypnotising dance piece compelled by a global soundtrack.

Finally, there are loads of gigs happening across Oxford Road this September, we’ve picked out a few below, but do seek out the full listings, it’s another massive autumn for seeing live music in Manchester.

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People laughing on University Green one of the many parks and green spaces on Oxford Road
Green Spaces

Oxford Road Corridor has a number of historic parks and contemporary green spaces to enjoy.

Food and Drink on Oxford Road

The food and drink in Manchester is some of the best in the UK with many of the finest offerings found here on the Oxford Road Corridor.

More things to do in September

exhibition At Home with the Pankhurst Family
The Pankhurst Centre | 29 August 2021 – 31 August 2025

The transformation of the Pankhurst Centre exhibition space is incredible thanks to its new permanent exhibition, At Home with the Pankhurst Family.

See what’s on
View of Circle Square from the pavilion at Symphony Park
Circle Square

Circle Square is an exciting multi-million pound, mixed-use neighbourhood, created on the site of the former BBC building on Oxford Road.

Back of Engels statue at First Street Manchester
First Street

First Street is a vibrant neighbourhood between Oxford Road and Deansgate, it is home to a number of businesses and is a popular spot for food, drink and culture.

HATCH Manchester
Hatch

Hatch is Manchester’s pop-up retail, food and drink destination on Oxford Road with something for just about everyone. It is a place to shop, eat and drink, 7 days a week at over 30 independent traders.

Where to stay

The lobby of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester's Oxford Road Corridor
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offers an unforgettable stay on Oxford Road Corridor in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.

Midland Hotel Lobby Manchester Oxford Road Corridr
The Midland Hotel

The Midland Hotel is one of the most famous places to stay in Manchester, and one of Oxford Road Corridor’s most lavishly decorated hotels.

Image of the chandelier at Holiday Inn Express Oxford Road
Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road is a centrally located hotel that offers visitors great value for money.