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.
anagawa oki nami ura (Under The Great Wave off Kanagawa) [“Great Wave”] Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) On loan from a Private Collection.
Things to do this March
Celebrate International Women’s Day, catch unmissable gigs, theatre, and exhibitions—discover the best things to do in Manchester this March.
Top things to do this month
Knowledge Events
Charlotte Brontë & Elizabeth Gaskell Tour
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House 29 October 2026Discover the friendship of Elizabeth Gaskell and Charlotte Brontë on an exclusive guided tour with tea and cake included.
More things to do
Performing Trees
The Whitworth Until 4 April 2027Performing Trees explores the changing role of trees in art, showcasing more than 50 works from the Whitworth’s collection.
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.
The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme
HOME Until 10 March 2026The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme explores identity and self-discovery in bold, unmissable Japanese cinema.
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.
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.
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.
Tim Key: Loganberry
HOME Until 7 March 2026Tim Key again pops his suit on, plods about, in a brand new show
Folk Bitch Trio
The Deaf Institute 8 March 2026Folk Bitch Trio tour the Deaf Institute this March following their acclaimed debut album Now Would Be A Good Time.
The Antlers
YES 9 March 2026The Antlers perform the stark, intimate songs of Blight in The Pink Room—quietly powerful and deeply affecting.
Poets Who Edit – Rachael Allen
Manchester Poetry Library 12 March 2026A reading series at Manchester Poetry Library featuring award-winning poet-editors from across the UK’s publishing scene.
Lime Garden
Gorilla 16 October 2026Lime Garden bring their indie-electro sound to Gorilla this autumn after a sell-out show at YES earlier this year.
Eastbenders
HOME Until 14 March 2026Eastbenders brings drag, comedy, and chaos to Manchester, celebrating Albert Square and Britain’s iconic soap, EastEnders.
Manchester Camerata: One Damn Thing After Another
Royal Northern College of Music 15 March 2026A celebration of women composers, highlighting rarely heard works led by John Andrews and performed by a distinguished soloist lineup.
Tobi Coventry and Róisín Lanigan in conversation
Blackwell’s Bookshop 16 March 2026Tobi Coventry and Róisín Lanigan discuss housing horror, renting and belonging in conversation with Jodie Matthews at Blackwell’s Manchester.
Buck Meek
YES 17 March 2026Buck Meek performs songs from across his solo catalogue, offering an intimate, guitar-led set shaped by reflective songwriting.
Newcomen presents Ingenious Women by Deborah Jaffé
International Anthony Burgess Foundation 17 March 2026A talk uncovering overlooked women inventors, their patents and ingenuity, from the 17th century to modern innovation.
Crime and Punishment
HOME Until 21 March 2026A gripping adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s classic, as Northern Broadsides explore murder, morality and survival with just three actors.
Ladytron
Gorilla 21 March 2026Electronic pioneers Ladytron return, celebrated for decades of boundary-pushing sound, global reach, and bold, unconventional performances.
Odeal
Manchester Academy 22 March 2026Odeal is a versatile artist whose music standsout for its cross-pollinated sounds and fusion of R&B, Alté, and Afro.
Yumi Zouma
YES 22 March 2026Yumi Zouma revisit their evolving synth- and dream-pop catalogue, mixing early EP gems with recent albums on a UK tour.
Janáček: The Cunning Little Vixen
Royal Northern College of Music Until 28 March 2026A vibrant staging of Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen, exploring freedom, nature and the cycle of life through its evocative, folk-infused score.
Stella Donnelly
YES 23 March 2026Stella Donnelly plays The Pink Room at YES on her Love and Fortune tour, performing songs from her latest and earlier albums.
Vitamin String Quartet
The Bridgewater Hall 23 March 2026Vitamin String Quartet delivers genre-blending string renditions of artists from Billie Eilish and BTS to Taylor Swift and Daft Punk.
Jason Wong
Royal Northern College of Music 23 March 2026Percussionist Jason Wong showcases his artistry in an immersive International Artist Diploma performance exploring growth, identity and aspiration.
Goon
YES 24 March 2026Goon play YES in March, touring their new album Dream 3 and blending lo-fi indie rock with psychedelic textures.
Matilda The Musical
Palace Theatre Until 25 April 2026Matilda The Musical, the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, comes to The Palace in 2026.
A Grain of Sand
HOME Until 28 March 2026A powerful one-woman show blending Palestinian folklore and real testimonies, following a child’s journey of resilience and hope in Gaza.
Food and drink
North Taproom
North Taproom serves up everything from small-batch craft ale to high-end cocktails alongside a well-designed menu of Asian street food.
Federal at Circle Square
Federal at Circle Square sees one of Manchester’s favourite cafes going from strength with their new branch.
Zouk Tea Bar and Grill
Zouk Tea Bar and Grill is a modern, exciting restaurant, serving up some of the very best Indian-Pakistani cuisine in Manchester.
YES
Four floors of YES with something for everyone – including a rooftop bar, two live music spaces, a club space, DJs and extensive coffee, street food and bar selection.
Society Manchester
Society Manchester is a glorious indoor and outdoor space in the very heart of the city, with several street food vendors to choose from and a range of high-quality drinks.