Your Year-Round Guide to Must-See Events in Manchester

Manchester is a city that thrives on culture, entertainment, and celebration. From music festivals to cultural parades, there’s always something exciting happening.

With so many incredible events in Manchester, you’ll never run out of things to do. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through a year’s worth of must-see events, so you can plan your calendar and experience the very best of what this city has to offer. 

January – New Year Festivities and Chinese New Year 

The year in Manchester starts with a bang! The New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Albert Square are a spectacular sight. People from all over the city gather to celebrate, dancing to live music, enjoying food stalls, and waiting for the big countdown at midnight. 

Shortly after, Manchester’s Chinese New Year festival transforms Chinatown into a lively and colorful spectacle. Expect vibrant parades featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese music, and cultural performances.  

Many restaurants offer special New Year menus, making it a great time to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. The event often includes a dazzling fireworks display to close the celebrations. 

February – Manchester Film Festival 

For film enthusiasts, February brings the Manchester Film Festival, a prestigious event showcasing independent films worldwide. The festival screens a variety of genres, from thought-provoking documentaries to gripping dramas and innovative short films. 

It’s an excellent opportunity to discover emerging filmmakers, engage in Q&A sessions, and gain insight into the behind-the-scenes creative process. If you love cinema, this is an event you don’t want to miss. 

March – St. Patrick’s Day and Manchester Irish Festival 

March is all about Irish pride and festivities. The Manchester Irish Festival lasts over a week and is packed with music, dance, and cultural events. 

On St. Patrick’s Day, the city comes alive with a grand parade featuring marching bands, Irish dancers, and traditional performances.  

Pubs across the city host special events, offering live music, Irish food, and, of course, plenty of Guinness.  

April – Manchester International Festival of Science and Industry 

April is an exciting time for science and technology lovers. The Manchester International Festival of Science and Industry offers hands-on exhibitions, fascinating talks, and interactive experiences that showcase innovations in space exploration, robotics, and sustainability. 

Families and students especially enjoy this event, as it provides an opportunity to learn about groundbreaking scientific advancements in a fun and engaging way. There are also plenty of kid-friendly activities, making it a fantastic day out for all ages in Manchester. 

May – Manchester Jazz Festival 

Music lovers eagerly await the Manchester Jazz Festival, one of the UK’s most celebrated jazz festivals. Taking place at various venues, this event features a diverse lineup of talented musicians, from classic jazz artists to experimental contemporary performers. 

The festival’s relaxed and vibrant atmosphere makes it a great way to experience live music, whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or a newcomer to the genre. Open-air performances, intimate club gigs, and large-scale concerts all contribute to the magic of this festival. 

June – Parklife Festival and Manchester Day Parade 

June marks the beginning of summer, and that means festival season is in full swing! 

Parklife Festival, held at Heaton Park, is one of the biggest music festivals in the UK. This two-day event attracts top international artists in genres like electronic, hip-hop, pop, and indie.  

With massive crowds, incredible stage setups, and an unbeatable party atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for music fans. 

At the same time, the Manchester Day Parade brings a different kind of celebration to the streets. This family-friendly event features dazzling floats, community art projects, and costumed performers.  

The parade celebrates Manchester’s creativity, culture, and diversity, making it a highlight of the summer. 

July – Manchester International Festival 

Every two years, July hosts the Manchester International Festival (MIF), an extraordinary event that brings world-class art, theatre, and music to the city.  

Unlike typical festivals, MIF is known for debuting exclusive performances and exhibitions, often featuring collaborations between top artists from different disciplines. 

This is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates creativity and cutting-edge artistic expression. Whether you enjoy experimental theatre, avant-garde music, or immersive art installations, this festival offers something truly unique. 

August – Manchester Pride Festival 

Manchester is famous for its inclusivity and vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and nothing showcases this better than the Manchester Pride Festival. 

The event features multiple highlights, including: 

• The Pride Parade: A colorful and lively procession through the city with floats, dancers, and performers. 
• The Big Weekend: A huge music festival featuring top artists and DJs. 
• The Candlelit Vigil: A more reflective moment, honoring those affected by HIV/AIDS. 

The festival is not just about celebrating; it also promotes equality, love, and acceptance. Expect an explosion of color, music, and joy across the city. 

September – The Manchester Food and Drink Festival 

Food lovers eagerly anticipate September’s Manchester Food and Drink Festival. This event brings together the city’s top chefs, street food vendors, and food producers for a mouthwatering experience. 

From gourmet dishes to casual street food, there’s something for every palate. The festival often includes wine tastings, cocktail masterclasses, and live cooking demonstrations, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. 

October – Halloween in Manchester and Literature Festival 

October offers both spooky and literary delights. 

Manchester goes all out for Halloween, with haunted house experiences, themed parties, and ghost tours around the city. The ScareCity Drive-In Cinema is a unique attraction, showing horror classics in a creepy setting. 

For book lovers, the Manchester Literature Festival is an exciting event featuring author readings, panel discussions, and book signings. Writers from around the world come to share their work, making it a great opportunity for literary enthusiasts to engage with their favorite authors. 

November – Bonfire Night and Christmas Markets 

November kicks off with Bonfire Night, when the city hosts spectacular fireworks displays. Major parks like Heaton Park and Platt Fields Park offer family-friendly events with funfairs, food stalls, and massive bonfires. 

Later in the month, Manchester’s famous Christmas Markets begin. These markets transform the city center into a festive wonderland with charming wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, delicious seasonal treats, and warm mulled wine.  

The markets attract visitors from all over the UK, making them one of the best Christmas experiences in the country. 

December – Christmas Festivities and New Year’s Eve Countdown 

As the year comes to a close, Manchester embraces the holiday spirit. The Christmas Light Switch-On is a spectacular event that marks the start of the festive season.  

The city sparkles with beautiful decorations, and there are plenty of activities, including ice skating, Santa’s grottos, and winter markets. 

Finally, New Year’s Eve celebrations take center stage. The city’s bars, clubs, and hotels host incredible parties, and the grand fireworks display ensures a memorable start to the new year. 

Final Thoughts 

Manchester is a city that never stops celebrating. No matter the season, there’s always a festival, concert, or cultural event waiting for you.  

So mark your calendar and start planning your adventures—there’s always something exciting happening in Manchester!