North Taproom serves up everything from small-batch craft ale to high-end cocktails alongside a well-designed menu of Asian street food.
Things to do this May
Lots to do around Oxford Road this May, with new exhibitions, gigs, classical music, theatre and a special Africa Day Late at Manchester Museum.
Top things to do this month
More things to do
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.
Castlefield Gallery | Until 23 June 2024
40 Years of the Future: Painting welcomes back five artists who exhibited as part of Castlefield Gallery’s 1984 inaugural programme.
HOME | Until 9 June 2024
Matthew Bamber explores themes of memory and trauma, greed and power, queerness, and identity in his work.
The Whitworth | Until 11 May 2024
Over 80 of Shirley Craven’s bold abstract textiles are displayed together for the first time in over 60 years alongside newly acquired works.
SEESAW | Until 9 May 2024
Home Run – is a group exhibition showcasing works by Manchester-based artists Jack Berry, Jasper Cheng and Beth Murray.
Manchester Central Library | Until 29 July 2024
A student led photography project celebrating those who have in some way shaped the city and its surrounding boroughs.
Palace Theatre | Until 5 May 2024
The sensational new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz, comes to Manchester.
The Bridgewater Hall | 2 May 2024
Kahchun Wong, incoming Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Hallé returns to conduct Fauré’s contemplative Requiem in a special post-work Rush Hour concert.
The Whitworth | 3 May – 20 October 2024
Show Me The World Mister is a solo exhibition by Ayo Akingbade comprising two new film commissions.
YES | 5 May 2024
Expect scintillating tapestries of old-school rap with, soul, jazz and proggy psychedelia ad Shabazz Palaces visit YES.
Manchester Academy | 6 May 2024
Scottish indie pop darlings Camera Obscura are out on tour for the first time in five years and new music is on its way.
Circle Square | 9 May 2024
This free, in-person event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurs to explore the latest trends and developments in industrial biotechnology.
HOME | 9 – 11 May 2024
Drawing on the personal narratives of its company of refugee actors, Tender explores the true cost of the migration journey for young people.
The Whitworth | 10 May – 25 August 2024
The spring begins with the first major retrospective exhibition of Caribbean British artist and poet John Lyons.
Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama | 10 May 2024
Experience the vibrant gamelan music from West Java, Indonesia in a concert that features a variety of classical and contemporary pieces.
The Bridgewater Hall | 10 May 2024
In this audio-visual live concert, musicians and composers turn to the painter’s immense canvases for inspiration, reimagining them through sound and light.
Deaf Institute | 11 May 2024
Hurray for the Riff Raff will bring folk rock story-telling and soulful vocals to Deaf Institute this May.
HOME | 15 – 25 May 2024
HOME is excited to announce a brand new co-production musical Frankie Goes to Bollywood, coming to Manchester in Summer 2024.
Gorilla | 16 May 2024
Echobelly brings alternative rock vibes to Gorilla this May, promising a night of indie melodies and nostalgic 90s hits.
The Deaf Institute | 16 May 2024
A moving musical performance, transforming The Deaf Institute venue into a space for connection. An MJF Trailblazer.
Part of Manchester Jazz Festival
First Street | 17 – 26 May 2024
A spectacular opening weekender, Manchester Jazz Festival at First Street is three days of free live music, food and drink.
Royal Northern College of Music | 18 May 2024
Award-winning pianist and composer Nikki Iles takes her 20-piece Jazz Orchestra to RNCM as part of Manchester Jazz Festival.
Part of Manchester Jazz Festival
Manchester Museum | 22 May 2024
Join Manchester Museum for a celebration of Africa Day, Curated by Cultureville, where history, culture, and creativity converge.
YES | 23 May 2024
Australian four piece hard rock and roll band C.O.F.F.I.N bring a good-times-all-the-time attitude to YES.
Manchester Academy | 24 May 2024
The Wedding Present’s latest tour sees the band performing ‘Watusi’ in full – together with other classics from their extensive repertoire.
o2 Ritz Manchester | 24 May 2024
Electronic music pioneer Gary Numan celebrates the 45th anniversary of his 1979 albums Replicas and The Pleasure Principle.
Gorilla | 25 May 2024
Scottish indie rock band Arab Strap returns to Manchester in May in support of their brand new album.
Royal Northern College of Music | 25 May 2024
British composer, saxophonist and clarinettist John Surman will be 80 this year, celebrate with his latest release, Words Unspoken, live at MJF.
Part of Manchester Jazz Festival
YES | 30 May 2024
Coco—the project of Maia Friedman (Dirty Projectors), Oliver Hill (Pavo Pavo), and Dan Molad (Lucius) bring dreamy pop to YES.
Food and drink
Federal at Circle Square sees one of Manchester’s favourite cafes going from strength with their new branch.
Head to Loaf on Oxford Street for exceptional sweet treats from a retro-modern bakery adorned in tonal pinks.
Zouk Tea Bar and Grill is a modern, exciting restaurant, serving up some of the very best Indian-Pakistani cuisine in Manchester.
Bold Street Coffee opens its second Manchester branch. Expect speciality coffee with rotating blends on the menu as well as an all-day menu.
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.