There are plenty of terraces and beer gardens to enjoy outdoor drinks in the sunshine around Oxford Road.
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.
Manchester’s biggest city centre music festival, Manchester Psych Fest, gets even bigger this year as they throw open the doors of venues across Oxford Road to celebrate their tenth birthday. Check out our preview and get your tickets while you can. Psych Fest kicks off a fine September for live music, which welcomes alt-rock royalty Wilco to The Bridgewater Hall, Fat White Family to Yes, Manchester Collective returns to RNCM and loads more quality nights, including Coach Party, Bad / Dreems, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs and Puma Blue.
First Street hope to recapture the magic of the Women’s World Cup as they show the Rugby World Cup on their outdoor big screen. Pull up a deck chair and visit one of the excellent nearby bars and restaurants.
Ahead of another excellent edition of Manchester Literature Festival, catch Arlo Parks in a special trailblazer event at Contact. The Mercury Prize-winning artist will also be live in concert next door at Manchester Academy.
Finally, theatre is back! There are lots of great things to see over the autumn months, but we get off to a fine start with Project Dictator at HOME and Cenus at Contact. Also at Contact, Emergency is Word of Warning’s annual showcase for live art and contemporary performance that offers a sneak preview of new live work.
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Oxford Road Corridor has a number of historic parks and contemporary green spaces to enjoy.
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
The Pankhurst Centre | Until 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.
Circle Square is an exciting multi-million pound, mixed-use neighbourhood, created on the site of the former BBC building on Oxford Road.
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 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
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offers an unforgettable stay on Oxford Road Corridor in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.
Hyatt Regency Manchester is an elegant, modern hotel set in the heart of Oxford Road Corridor.
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.
The Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road is a centrally located hotel that offers visitors great value for money.
Hotel ibis on Princess Street offers 126 value for money rooms in a central Manchester location near Oxford Road.