Things to do this April

The weather remains unpredictable as we head into spring, but you can hang your hat on there being plenty of things to do in April around Oxford Road.

There are a lot of great exhibitions to see around Oxford Road at the moment; we highly recommend making time this April to get out there and see them. New this month is Archives at Play 2, the second in a two-part series of exhibitions inviting an exciting roster of artists to delve into Castlefield Gallery’s archive. These exhibitions are part of a process of reflection as the gallery approaches its 40th year.

CIPHER is a new exhibition at HOME’s Granada Foundation Gallery by the Manchester Open 2022 Award winner Gwen Evans, previewing on April 6, it joins three exhibitions already on display in the main gallery space. Traces of Displacement opens this month at the Whitworth and delves into the gallery’s collection to address one of the major humanitarian concerns of the 20th and 21st centuries – forced displacement. At Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, a new, year-long exhibition explores how Gaskell presented Manchester and its people through her novels and short stories and the impact she had through her writing.

Some huge names, including Lemar and Peter Doherty, play Oxford Road this month. Manchester Punk Festival returns, and if you’re quick, you might be able to grab one of the few remaining tickets. We’re delighted to see Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet top the bill for Victoria Bath’s SpringFest. Other great bands to see in April include Orielles at Canvas, Petite Noir at YES and Teleman at Gorilla. There are so many more gigs happening in the coming weeks, check our live music guide to discover more.

Other top recommendations for this month are Dave Haslam and Jeremy Deller’s in-conversation at the Whitworth, An Evening with Douglas Stuart and Manchester Literature Festival, Caroline Jay’s Percival Lecture examining the relationship between humans and machines, and Manchester Museum’s Earth Day Big Weekender.

It’s also Easter Holidays and we’ve pulled together some ideas of things to do over half term.

Top things to do this month

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More things to do

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.

exhibition Golden Mummies of Egypt
The Manchester Museum | 18 February 2023 – 14 April 2024

Golden Mummies of Egypt is Manchester Museum’s re-opening exhibition. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience opens in February 2023.

heritage A Tale of Manchester Life – Elizabeth Gaskell’s Manchester
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House | 2 April 2023

A new exhibition exploring how Elizabeth Gaskell presented Manchester and its people through her novels and short stories, and the impact she had through her writing.

exhibition Traces of Displacement
The Whitworth | 7 April 2023 – 7 January 2024

Traces of Displacement uses the Whitworth’s collection to address one of the major humanitarian concerns – forced displacement.

See what’s on

Food & Drink

A plate of breakfast food at federal cafe circle square
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.

A cocktail from Brickhouse Social, one of the many spots to get a Cocktails on 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 Gallery - Parkside
The Whitworth

A visually stunning art gallery located at the heart of Whitworth Park, with a collection containing around 55,000 items.

External shot of Elizabeth Gaskell's House
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.

The Pankhurst Centre
The Pankhurst Centre

Discover the story of the suffragettes and learn about women’s activism, past and present, at the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst and her family.

External shot of Victoria Baths
Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths is located just outside of the Oxford Road Corridor, but it’s an iconic treasure that’s well worth a visit.

Exterior HOME Theatre Arts Centre Manchester Oxford Road Corridor
HOME

Manchester’s multi-purpose hub of creativity and discovery, bringing together film, theatre, art, and some of the city’s best social spaces.

The Holden Gallery

Manchester School of Art’s Holden Gallery curates an exhibitions programme that focuses exclusively on recent developments in international contemporary visual art.

Live Music

Green Spaces

People enjoying the sun in All Saints Park Manchester Oxford Road Corridor
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.

A squirrel eating a nut in Whitworth Park on Oxford Road in Manchester
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.

A person with headphones on enjoying the sun in Bruswick Park
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.

People enjoying sunshine outside Brewdog on University Green one of the many green spaces on Oxford Road in 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.

An overhead view of Symphony Park at Circle Square on Oxford Road in Manchester
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

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.