Recoverist Curators
The Whitworth Until 7 June 2026Recoverist Curators is a new exhibition that will explore the Whitworth’s collection through the lens of recovery.
Things to do this April
April on Oxford Road Corridor is packed with creativity, culture, and live experiences. From cutting-edge music and theatre to art, spoken word, and thought-provoking talks, the city buzzes with opportunities to explore, celebrate, and engage. Whether cheering on runners at the marathon or soaking up performances and exhibitions across the area, there’s something for everyone this month.
Top things to do this month
More cultural things to do this month
Kielder: A photographic exhibition by Dr Helen McGhie
Manchester Poetry Library Until 23 May 2026Helen McGhie explores dark skies, astronomy and night-time encounters in this immersive photographic exhibition.
Delaine Le Bas
The Whitworth Until 31 May 2026The Whitworth presents a new major solo exhibition by Delaine Le Bas, following her recent nomination for the 2024 Turner Prize.
Gabriel Kidd: I found the giant and he was dead
HOME Until 17 May 2026Gabriel Kidd reimagines folktale and landscape in an immersive queer sculptural installation of myth and memory.
Nicola Ellis: Exercises in Knowing
HOME Until 17 May 2026Nicola Ellis explores industry, labour and tacit knowledge through sculpture, steel and film in Exercises in Knowing.
Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai, Hiroshige, and ukiyo-e print
The Whitworth Until 16 November 2026Beneath the Great Wave is the Whitworth’s first exhibition dedicated to Japanese prints in over 100 years.
Broken Ecologies
Castlefield Gallery Until 19 April 2026An exhibition about power, protest, memory and survival by Alana Lake and Deeqa Ismail
An Evening with Mink Stole & Peaches Christ
HOME 11 April 2026An intimate, revelatory, and heartfelt cabaret show starring living legend and cult film icon Mink Stole alongside drag impresario, filmmaker Peaches Christ
Mercy Girl
YES 15 April 2026Mercy Girl play YES Basement on 8th April, performing darkwave and electronic tracks exploring love, despair and human uncertainty.
Peaches
O2 Ritz Manchester 17 April 2026Peaches plays Manchester in 2026 as part of the No Lube So Rude Tour, supporting her new album and latest single.
The Hallé – The Best of John Williams
The Bridgewater Hall 17 April 2026Experience The Hallé performing iconic John Williams scores from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, E.T. and more in a thrilling orchestral tribute.
I, Daniel Blake
HOME Until 25 April 2026I, Daniel Blake is one of the most important stories of a generation. A glimpse behind the headlines and the stark reality of what happens…
Poets Who Edit – Sarah Howe
Manchester Poetry Library 23 April 2026A reading series at Manchester Poetry Library featuring award-winning poet-editors from across the UK’s publishing scene.
Alexis Taylor
YES 24 April 2026Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip plays YES in April, performing songs from his new solo album Paris In The Spring.
1-800 GIRLS
Yes 24 April 2026Jake Stewart has successfully located the pleasure centres of UK ravers via the diverse output of his 1-800 GIRLS artist project.
Northern Publishers’ Fair 2026
Manchester Central Library 25 April 2026Discover northern talent at the Northern Publishers’ Fair in Manchester, with indie presses, books, networking and advice for writers.
BBC Philharmonic: Big Beautiful Dark and Scary
The Bridgewater Hall 25 April 2026The BBC Philharmonic performs Wolfe’s Big Beautiful Dark and Scary, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Berlioz’s dramatic Symphonie fantastique.
Food & Drink
Doug’s Hamburgers
Doug’s brings retro Americana to Oxford Road with top-tier Oklahoma-style smash burgers, crisp fries, and classic cocktails in style.
O’Connell’s
O’Connell’s, a newly renovated Irish pub under Oxford Road’s railway arch, offers live music, whisky, and a classic pub atmosphere.
Seoul Kimchi
Seoul Kimchi is an intimate restaurant on Upper Brook Street that serves Manchester’s most acclaimed Korean cuisine.
Breakfast and Brunch on Oxford Road
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast around Oxford Road, you’re in luck! Manchester’s vibrant knowledge quarter is home to a wide variety of eateries serving up tasty morning meals to kickstart your day.
Sunday Roasts on Oxford Road
Sunday Roasts are one of the UK’s more fiercely guarded traditions, something loved by locals and a must-try for visitors. Luckily, some of the best Sunday Roasts in Manchester are plated right here on the Oxford Road.
Cocktails on Oxford Road
Oxford Road is packed with a great range of bars where you can get your fill of cocktails, spirits and fizz.
Museums & Galleries
The Whitworth
A visually stunning art gallery located at the heart of Whitworth Park, with a collection containing around 55,000 items.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
This beautifully restored Grade II listed villa was once home to Elizabeth Gaskell, one of the UK’s most important Victorian writers.
Modal Gallery
Modal Gallery at SODA is the place to experience cutting-edge, immersive digital artwork from local and international artists.
Manchester Poetry Library
Explore over 10,000 books and recordings at the North West’s first public poetry library, a brand-new addition to Manchester’s literary scene.
HOME
Manchester’s multi-purpose hub of creativity and discovery, bringing together film, theatre, art, and some of the city’s best social spaces.
Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum, part of The University of Manchester, is the UK’s largest university museum with a collection of about 4.5 million items from every continent.
Live Music
Green Spaces
All Saints Park
All Saints Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of the Oxford Road Corridor. Perfect for a quick moment of calm on a busy day.
Whitworth Park
This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is an eye-catching green space and home to the Whitworth Art Gallery.
Brunswick Park
Enjoy views of some of the best architecture in Manchester in this green space which was opened in 2018 by The University of Manchester.
University Green
University Green is a modern home for retailers and food and drink outlets as well as a tree-lined green space for the public to enjoy.
Symphony Park
Circle Square is home to Symphony Park, a beautifully landscaped green space designed for socialising, entertaining, relaxing and exploring.
Alan Gilbert Square
The outdoor area directly in front of the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, the University of Manchester’s 24/7 study and learning space, provides green spaces for students to enjoy during breaks from teaching and learning.
Where to stay
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offers an unforgettable stay on Oxford Road Corridor in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.
Hyatt Regency Manchester
Hyatt Regency Manchester is an elegant, modern hotel set in the heart of Oxford Road Corridor.
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.
Holiday Inn Express
The Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road is a centrally located hotel that offers visitors great value for money.
Hotel ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street
Hotel ibis on Princess Street offers 126 value for money rooms in a central Manchester location near Oxford Road.