Manchester Events Calendar 2026
undefined • March 26, 2026
Festivals, football, concerts, and cultural highlights happening in Manchester throughout 2026
Manchester is one of the busiest event cities in the UK. Whether you are visiting for a concert, a football match, a festival, or a conference, there is always something going on. Here is our guide to the biggest events happening in Manchester in 2026, updated regularly.
Spring (March to May)
Manchester International Festival. One of the world's leading arts festivals, bringing world premieres in theatre, music, dance, and visual art to venues across the city. The festival typically runs every two years and 2026 is expected to be a major edition. Check the MIF website for dates and programme announcements.
The Manchester 10K and Great Manchester Run. Thousands of runners take to the streets every May. Even if you are not running, the atmosphere across the city is brilliant. Road closures apply, so plan ahead.
Premier League Football. The football season runs through spring with Manchester United at Old Trafford and Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium hosting regular fixtures. Tickets sell fast, so book early. Our apartments are well connected to both grounds by tram.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival Spring Edition. Street food pop-ups, restaurant takeovers, and tasting events across the city. A great excuse to eat your way around Manchester.
Summer (June to August)
Parklife Festival. Manchester's biggest music festival takes place in Heaton Park every June. Two days of live music, DJs, and good times. The city buzzes all weekend. Book your accommodation early as this is one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Concerts at the AO Arena and Emirates Old Trafford. Manchester attracts the biggest names in music throughout summer. The AO Arena in the city centre and Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground both host major tours. Check listings for 2026 dates.
Manchester Pride. Usually held in late August, Manchester Pride is one of the biggest Pride events in the UK. The festival includes a parade through the city centre, live music in the Gay Village, and events across Manchester. It is a fantastic weekend to be in the city.
Manchester Jazz Festival. A week-long celebration of jazz and improvised music held across venues in the city centre. Many events are free.
Autumn and Winter (September to December)
Manchester Literature Festival. Readings, talks, and workshops from established and emerging writers. Held in October across various city centre venues.
Manchester Christmas Markets. From mid-November through to late December, Manchester transforms into one of the best Christmas market destinations in Europe. Stalls spread across multiple city centre locations including Albert Square, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, and Piccadilly Gardens. Expect mulled wine, bratwurst, handmade gifts, and festive atmosphere everywhere you look.
Bonfire Night. Multiple fireworks displays take place across Greater Manchester in early November. Heaton Park usually hosts the largest free display.
New Year's Eve. Manchester knows how to see in the new year. From rooftop parties to club nights to fireworks, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Year-Round Events
Football. With two Premier League clubs and several lower league teams nearby, there is football almost every weekend from August to May.
Live Music. Between the AO Arena, O2 Apollo, Albert Hall, Band on the Wall, and dozens of smaller venues, Manchester has live music every single night.
Theatre. The Royal Exchange, HOME, and The Lowry host world-class productions year round.
Where to Stay
City SuperHost has over 80 fully equipped apartments across Manchester, perfectly located for whatever event brings you to the city. Whether you need a one-bed apartment for a weekend gig or a larger space for a family trip to the Christmas markets, we have you covered.
Book direct at bookdirect.citysuperhost.com and save up to 15% compared to booking platforms. No service fees, no hidden charges, just a great apartment in the heart of Manchester.
The Northern Quarter is Manchester's most distinctive neighbourhood. Stretching from Piccadilly Gardens to the edge of Ancoats, it is a maze of red brick warehouses, independent businesses, and some of the best street art in the country. If you only visit one area during your stay in Manchester, make it this one. Here is our local guide to getting the most out of the NQ. Coffee and Breakfast Start your morning right. The Northern Quarter has some of the best independent coffee shops in Manchester. Takk Coffee House on Tariff Street serves excellent Scandinavian-inspired coffee in a cosy, minimal space. It is a favourite with freelancers and locals who know their flat whites. Ezra and Gil on Hilton Street is perfect for a proper sit-down breakfast. Think smashed avocado, shakshuka, and strong coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. Federal Cafe on Nicholas Croft brings Australian brunch culture to Manchester. The banana bread is legendary and the coffee is consistently excellent. Shopping The Northern Quarter is the antidote to high street shopping. Forget chain stores. This is where you come for things you will not find anywhere else. Afflecks is the iconic indoor market spread across four floors of vintage clothing, vinyl records, handmade jewellery, and curiosities. It has been a Manchester institution since 1982 and it still feels like nowhere else in the city. Oklahoma on High Street is one of the best independent record shops in the UK. Whether you are into vinyl, CDs, or just browsing, it is worth a visit. Magma on Oldham Street stocks art books, design magazines, and independent publications you will not find in mainstream bookshops. Street Art The Northern Quarter is an open air gallery. The murals change regularly, so there is always something new to discover. Start on Stevenson Square, which has some of the most photographed murals in Manchester. From there, walk along Tib Street and Oldham Street to find more hidden gems on side streets and car park walls. Look out for work by local artists like Akse and Qubek. Their large-scale portraits are some of the most striking pieces in the area. Lunch and Dinner Mackie Mayor on Eagle Street is a beautifully restored Victorian market hall with multiple food traders under one roof. Wood-fired pizza, Vietnamese street food, craft beer, and more. It is the perfect lunch spot when your group cannot agree on one cuisine. Ply on Lever Street does excellent sourdough pizza with a solid craft beer selection. More relaxed than some of the busier spots and rarely has a queue. Home Sweet Home on Edge Street is famous for its pancake stacks and comfort food. The portions are generous and the vibe is laid back. Bars and Nightlife The Northern Quarter comes alive at night. There is something for everyone, from quiet cocktail bars to packed live music venues. The Smithfield Social on Swan Street is a great all-rounder. Cocktails, DJs at the weekend, and a relaxed atmosphere during the week. Common on Edge Street is a Northern Quarter institution. Low key, great music, and one of the best beer gardens in the city centre. Band on the Wall on Swan Street is one of Manchester's most celebrated live music venues. Check their listings for everything from jazz to electronic to world music. Night and Day Cafe on Oldham Street is another NQ legend. Part cafe, part bar, part gig venue. Many now-famous bands played their first Manchester shows here. Getting There from City SuperHost Apartments Most of our Manchester city centre apartments are within a 10 to 15 minute walk of the Northern Quarter. If you are staying a bit further out, the area is easily accessible by tram or bus. Piccadilly Gardens is the main transport hub and sits right on the edge of the NQ. Book a City SuperHost apartment and explore the Northern Quarter on your doorstep. Browse our properties and book direct at bookdirect.citysuperhost.com for the best price guaranteed.
One of the best things about staying in a serviced apartment is having a real neighbourhood on your doorstep. No tourist traps, no overpriced hotel restaurants. Just genuinely great places to eat, all within walking distance of your front door. Here are our favourite restaurants near City SuperHost apartments across Manchester. City Centre Rudy's Pizza, Peter Street. Neapolitan pizza that consistently ranks among the best in Manchester. The queues speak for themselves. Go early or be prepared to wait, but it is absolutely worth it. Open for lunch and dinner. Hawksmoor, Deansgate. If you want a special night out, this is the one. Famous for its steaks and cocktails, set inside a stunning former courthouse. Book ahead, especially on weekends. El Gato Negro, King Street. Spanish tapas done brilliantly. Great for sharing plates with a group. The patatas bravas and Iberico pork are standouts. They also have a fantastic wine list. Federal Cafe, Nicholas Croft. A brunch favourite with locals. Australian-inspired menu with excellent coffee and relaxed vibes. Perfect for a slow weekend morning before exploring the city. The Northern Quarter Mackie Mayor, Eagle Street. A beautifully restored Victorian market hall with multiple food traders under one roof. You will find everything from wood-fired pizza to Vietnamese street food. Ideal if your group cannot agree on one cuisine. Ply, Lever Street. Another excellent pizza spot in the Northern Quarter. Sourdough bases, simple toppings, and a solid craft beer selection. More relaxed than Rudy's and rarely has a queue. Home Sweet Home, Edge Street. Famous for its pancake stacks and comfort food. Great for breakfast or brunch. The portions are generous and the atmosphere is laid back. Ancoats Sugo Pasta Kitchen, Hewitt Street. Fresh pasta made daily in a tiny, buzzing restaurant. The menu is short, everything is good, and it is one of the best value meals in the city. Expect a wait at peak times. Erst, Murray Street. Modern European small plates in a minimal, stylish setting. Everything is cooked over fire. This is one for food lovers who want something a bit different. Pollen Bakery, Cotton Field Wharf. Incredible pastries and sourdough from one of Manchester's most celebrated bakeries. Perfect for grabbing something on the go or sitting by the canal with a coffee. Deansgate and Castlefield The Wharf, Slate Wharf. A relaxed gastropub overlooking the canal in Castlefield. Great for a sunny afternoon pint and some proper pub food. Fish and chips, pies, and Sunday roasts done well. Albert's Schloss, Peter Street. Part bar, part restaurant, part live music venue. The menu is Bavarian-inspired with a Manchester twist. A fun spot for groups and one of the most atmospheric restaurants in the city. The Ivy, Spinningfields. A beautiful brasserie in the heart of Spinningfields. Smart but not stuffy. Good for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The afternoon tea is also excellent. Where to Stay All of these restaurants are within easy walking distance of City SuperHost apartments. Whether you are visiting Manchester for a weekend break, a work trip, or a longer stay, our fully equipped apartments put you right in the middle of the action. Browse our 84 Manchester apartments and book direct for the best price at bookdirect.citysuperhost.com. No platform fees. No hidden charges. Just a great apartment in a great location.
Manchester is one of the most exciting cities in the UK, and two days is enough to get a proper taste of what makes it special. Whether you are visiting for the first time or coming back for more, this guide covers exactly what to do with a weekend in Manchester. Saturday Morning: Explore the City Centre Start your day with breakfast at Federal Cafe on Deansgate or Ezra and Gil in the Northern Quarter. Both serve excellent coffee and brunch. After breakfast, walk through St Ann's Square and take in the architecture around the Royal Exchange Theatre. The Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street is free to enter and well worth an hour of your time. For shopping, the Arndale Centre and King Street are within easy walking distance. Saturday Afternoon: The Northern Quarter and Ancoats Head to the Northern Quarter for lunch. Mackie Mayor is a must visit, a beautifully restored Victorian market hall with multiple food vendors under one roof. After lunch, wander the streets of the NQ and explore the independent shops, vinyl record stores, and street art. Walk east into Ancoats, Manchester's former industrial heartland turned trendy food neighbourhood. Cutting Room Square is surrounded by some of the city's best restaurants including Rudy's Pizza and Pollen Bakery. Saturday Evening: Dinner and Drinks For dinner, you are spoilt for choice. Hawksmoor on Deansgate is perfect for steak lovers. El Gato Negro serves outstanding Spanish tapas. If you want something more casual, Almost Famous does some of the best burgers in the city. After dinner, head to Deansgate Locks or Peter Street for bars and late night venues. The Refuge on Oxford Street is a favourite for cocktails in a stunning setting, and if you are into live music, check what is on at Band on the Wall or the Albert Hall. Sunday Morning: Culture and History Take a slower start to Sunday. If you are a football fan, the National Football Museum near Victoria station is free and brilliant even if you are not a die-hard supporter. For music lovers, the Science and Industry Museum tells the story of how Manchester shaped modern music, industry, and computing. Alternatively, walk along the Castlefield canals and enjoy the Roman ruins and converted warehouse architecture. It is one of the most peaceful spots in the city centre. Sunday Afternoon: Salford Quays and MediaCityUK Take the Metrolink tram to MediaCityUK for a completely different side of Manchester. The Lowry Theatre and gallery is well worth a visit, and the waterfront area around Salford Quays is perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk. If the weather is good, grab a coffee from one of the waterside cafes and watch the world go by. Old Trafford and the Trafford Centre are also nearby if you want to extend your afternoon. Where to Stay City SuperHost has over 80 professionally managed apartments across Manchester, all within easy reach of the attractions mentioned in this guide. Our city centre, Northern Quarter, and Deansgate apartments put you right in the heart of the action. Book direct with us for the best price guaranteed, no platform fees, and personal service from a local team who knows Manchester inside out. Browse our properties and start planning your Manchester weekend today.
If you have ever booked a short stay apartment in Manchester through Airbnb or Booking.com, you have probably noticed those extra fees that get added at checkout. Service fees, cleaning fees, and platform charges can add 15% or more to the price you saw in the search results. There is a better way. When you book directly with City SuperHost, you skip those platform fees entirely. You get the same apartment, the same professional service, and the same 5-star experience, but at a lower price. Here is exactly how it works and why thousands of guests are making the switch. Where Do Those Extra Fees Come From? Booking platforms charge fees to both guests and hosts. On Airbnb, the guest service fee typically ranges from 14% to 16% of the booking subtotal. Booking.com works slightly differently, charging the host a commission of 15% or more, which often gets built into the nightly rate you see. Either way, you are paying more than you need to. Let us put that into real numbers. If you book a Manchester apartment for 3 nights at 120 per night, your subtotal is 360. Airbnb then adds a service fee of around 50 to 55 on top. That means you are paying over 410 for a stay that costs 360. When you book the same apartment directly with City SuperHost, you pay 360. No service fee. No hidden charges. The price you see is the price you pay. It Is Not Just About Price Saving money is the biggest reason to book direct, but it is not the only one. When you book through our website, you are dealing directly with us. That means faster responses, more flexibility, and a personal service that platforms simply cannot offer. Here is what you get when you book direct with City SuperHost that you will not get through a platform: Best Price Guarantee. We will always match or beat any price you find for our properties on third party platforms. If you find it cheaper elsewhere, let us know and we will honour that price. Direct Communication. No more waiting for a platform to relay your message. When you book direct, you can contact us straight away by phone, email, or WhatsApp. Need an early check in? Want to arrange airport parking? Just ask. Flexible Booking. Platform cancellation policies are rigid. When you book direct, we can work with you on dates, amendments, and special requests. We are real people running a real business, and we want to make your stay work for you. Local Expertise. Every direct booking guest receives our Manchester guide packed with our favourite restaurants, bars, and things to do. We live here and we know the city inside out. Is It Safe to Book Direct? This is the most common question we hear, and it is a fair one. People trust platforms because they feel protected. But here is the thing: City SuperHost is a registered, established property management company based in Manchester. We manage over 80 apartments across the city and have been doing so for years. Our properties are the same ones listed on Airbnb and Booking.com. The apartments, the cleaning standards, the amenities, everything is identical. The only difference is that when you book direct, you cut out the middleman and keep more money in your pocket. Our booking system is powered by Guesty, a trusted platform used by professional property managers worldwide. Your payment is processed securely and your booking is confirmed instantly, just like any other booking platform. How to Book Direct with City SuperHost It takes less than two minutes. Browse our properties on this website, choose your dates, and book securely online. You will receive an instant confirmation email with everything you need for your stay, including check in instructions, property details, and our direct contact information. If you prefer, you can also email us at hello@citysuperhost.com or call us on +44 7784 760544 and we will handle everything for you. The bottom line is simple. You get the same professionally managed Manchester apartment, the same 5-star service, and the same sparkling clean space. You just pay less for it. Browse our properties now and see how much you could save on your next Manchester stay.