Things to do this August

The Mancorialist

August brings Pride to Manchester alongside a massive art festival at the Whitworth and new food and drink spaces to explore.

Late summer around Oxford Road can feel a bit like the quiet before the storm, with the arrival of tens of thousands of students just weeks away, but it’s a great time to escape the strain of the city centre and explore Manchester’s knowledge quarter. There are fresh retailers at HATCH, First Street remains the best spot in the city for views of the Deansgate towers, and Circle Square has brought Manchester the summer’s most exciting new eateries. All in all, there are plenty of things to do in August, and we’ve not even got to what’s on.

August is of course Pride here in Manchester. While Canal Street is unquestionably the place to be, The Refuge’s Come As You Are weekender has become something of an essential overspill, and while you’re there, be sure to check out the Together As One – A Celebration of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Community exhibition. If you fancy something a bit leftfield, YES host Tears For Queers and Big Hands are throwing their trademark alt-Pride, weekend-long party.

Things are generally a little quieter in the cultural spaces on the Corridor but there’s still lots to do. Black Gold Arts take over the Whitworth with a two-day outdoor music and arts festival with live music, DJs, dance, performance and there’s even a catwalk. Also at the Whitworth and galleries across the area, it’s your last chance to catch British Art Show 9 which closes on the first week of September. SIGNALS is a short-run exhibition at The Holden Gallery that opens this month and it’s worth making a trip around the corner to SODA’s Modal Gallery for Slip.Stream.Slip.

Elsewhere, HOME’s Young Company are taking to the stage once again with the brand-new play The Lost World, there’s also a cracking season of Taiwanese cinema to enjoy alongside a new animated film about Anne Frank from Waltz with Bashir director Ari Folman.

Finally, the gig of the month is absolutely Zamrock legends WITCH who stop by YES for a special performance and film screening.

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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.

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.

Back of Engels statue at First Street Manchester
First Street

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

External shot of The Whitworth Where you will find The Whitworth Café
Galleries & Museums

Some of the best Galleries & Museums in Manchester are here on Oxford Road Corridor. Explore a diverse programme for all cultural enthusiasts.

More things to do in August

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.

families Fairy Tales
Z-arts | 5 April 2022 – 15 April 2023

Fairy Tales is Z-arts latest exhibition, an interactive world of play and storytelling for children up to 8-years old and their grown-ups.

See what’s on

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.