Unlock Manchester Visitor Guide

Manchester What's On, Entertainment, Tickets and Eating Out Guide

Monday 02 Oct 2023

[@]Manchester Festivals

Festival celebrations are often great ways to have shared experiences with your friends and family while enjoying specialist events and live entertainment.

We have selected a few of the best and diverse cultural festivals, coming this summer, including entertainment, parades, performances and film festivals.

In July the Manchester Fringe Festival presents a month’s worth of new theatre, comedy and much more, listen to and engage with writers and storytellers at the Literature Festival, in October, or simply marvel at the beauty of the ‘Steam Age’ at the East Lancs Railway, open all summer.

So grab your shoes, get those tickets and get going.

  • Manchester Food and Drink Festival

    Manchester Food and Drink Festival

    Festival events take place in venues across the City and at the Festival Hub, where a bespoke food and drink centre is custom built. Over the years, names as diverse as Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, Tom Kerridge, Fergus Henderson, Michel Roux, John Torode and even Bill Wyman have all been involved

    When: 22nd Sept - 2nd Oct '23
    Address: Cathedral Gardens, Corporation St M4 3BG
    Website: More information... Twitter: @mcrfoodfest

  • Bolton International Film Festival

    Bolton International Film Festival

    showcasing emerging and established talent. Plus industry talks, masterclasses and networking sessions it aims to break open the door to a creative industry that many people find difficult to access and navigate

    When: 4th - 8th Oct '23
    Address: Venues Across Bolton
    Website: More information... Twitter: @BoltonFilmFest

  • Manchester Oktoberfest

    Manchester Oktoberfest

    Manchester Oktoberfest - a cult event you have to join. Manchester is transformed into a gigantic Oktoberfest. More fun, more party and more Oktoberfest then ever before in Manchester. This year in Platt Fields Park we bring the fun and good mood Manchesterus own and real Oktoberfest creates

    When: 13th - 16th Oct '23
    Address: Platt Fields Park, Platt Lane, Manchester M14 5NF
    Website: More information...

  • Halloween in the City

    Halloween in the City

    Search out the giant inflatable monsters. The menagerie of oddly-endearing creatures have been invading the city for the past five years and are set to do it once more. These huge monsters are scattered across city venues, how many can you find"

    When: 28th - 29th Oct '23
    Address: Venues Across The City
    Website: More information... Twitter: @HalloweenMcr

  • The Ultimate Gin & Spirit Festival

    The Ultimate Gin & Spirit Festival

    Indulge in the extraordinary at the biggest and best Craft Gin and Spirit Festival in England! Prepare to embark on a captivating journey as you step into an Aladdin's cave of craft spirits

    When: 17th - 18th Nov '23
    Address: Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, M13 0FE
    Website: More information...

  • Chinese New Year

    Chinese New Year

    The UKus brightest celebrations. Featuring: Manchesterus famous red lanterns, live performances, stalls and funfair and the return of the cityus legendary Dragon Parade

    When: 10th & 11th Feb '24
    Address: Venues Across The City
    Website: More information... Twitter: @ChineseNYMCR

Manchester a City of ‘Quarters’

Bury - Part of Historic Manchester

Bury

Only 30 minutes by Tram from the City Centre, Bury and its attractions make a good day trip

Castlefield

Castlefield

Nestled between the Irwell and Medloack rivers Castlefield is where the Romans established 'Mamucium'. Experience the old and modern and explore its attractions

China Town - City Centre

China Town

China Town, a stone's throw from Piccadilly Gardens, offers restaurants, specialist supermarkets and entertainment all in one space

Deansgate

Deansgate

Connecting most parts of the city, this mile-long road is worth a stroll along and offers some great shops and places to eat

Read About All Manchester‘s Quarters