Events not to miss this early May Bank Holiday

• Science and Industry Museum

The countdown has begun for the world (and galactic) premiere of Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, an electrifying new exhibition that launches at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester in February 2026. Step into the Solar System on a thrilling adventure where mystery, mischief, and rocket-loads…

• Depot Mayfield

Manchester is about to get a whole lot more playful with Bubble Planet! This quirky new attraction is all about big, magical bubbles - soap bubbles, air bubbles, even virtual reality bubbles that let your imagination run free. It’s a place to explore, play, and just have fun, no matter your…

• National Football Museum

Kids and grown-ups alike can discover the fascinating connection between football and the human body in our brand new exhibition, Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals. Explore the science behind movement, the stories that shape identity and the joy of football fandom through hands on play, sensory…

• IWM North

Imperial War Museums (IWM) invites visitors to venture into the secret world of espionage this winter with the arrival of blockbuster exhibition Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North (29th November 2025 - 31 August 2026).    Showcasing over 60 objects including gadgets, classified…

Horizon of Khufu: Journey to Ancient Egypt, an immersive virtual reality expedition back in time over 4,500 years ago, is set to make its debut in Manchester next on 2 April. This award-winning VR experience, created by Excurio and presented by Fever, offers audiences an unprecedented opportunity to…

• Lowry

Step inside LOWRY 360, a new FREE immersive gallery experience. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of LS Lowry’s iconic painting, Going to the Match, in the UK’s first FREE permanent immersive experience. Created in collaboration…

• St Peter's Square

Planetarium Go! Manchester is an immersive pop-up planetarium experience that invites audiences of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe in a truly unique way. Inside a large spherical dome, visitors are surrounded by a 360º screen that transforms astronomy and science films into…

Dive into Banksy’s mysterious and provocative universe with The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind, making its highly anticipated UK debut in Manchester. Featuring around 200 recreated works—from bold graffiti and striking photographs to clever sculptures, video installations…

• Science and Industry Museum

Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the engine-driven ideas and industry that started in Manchester and went on to change the world. Rediscover your favourite engines and dive into newly revealed stories as Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery re-opens on 17 October 2025, following a major…

• Manchester Cathedral

Luminiscence arrives in the UK for the first time, transforming Manchester Cathedral into a fully immersive world of sound, story, and light. Featuring new choral arrangements of iconic Manchester songs performed by Collectives Gospel Choir, a specially commissioned script by BAFTA Award winner Tim…

A Recipe for the Ultimate Weekend of Country Living, Local Produce, and Live-Fire Cooking. Fields to Fork Festival returns to Whitebottom Farm, Manchester, on 2-3 May 2026 with a weekend packed with food, music, countryside culture and plenty of stars from the culinary world. Already announced for…

This is SFTOC Created for music lovers by music lovers. For two decades, Sounds From The Other City has championed new music, supported local promoters, and celebrated the off-kilter beauty of Salford - the oft-overlooked “other city” to Manchester. The festival’s distinctive…

Visitors are invited to join a free May Day celebration for all ages, bringing together community, music, dance and traditions rooted in nature and folklore. The event explores the question of what “folk” means within the local community. The May Day gathering offers an opportunity for…

Campfield Market is a brand new weekly city market bringing together independent retail, street food and European inspired food hall culture in the heart of Manchester's St. John's neighbourhood. Curated by GRUB, Campfield Market transforms the historic Campfield campus every Saturday into a…

Zouk's popular Bottomless Brunch returns with a selection of new dishes and fabulous sharing platters. Available from 11:00 to 4:30pm every Saturday with the last sitting starting at 3:00pm. The brunch offers diners the chance to enjoy any main course and unlimited drinks from the bottomless…

• Co-op Live

  John Bishop today announces a major UK and Ireland tour for spring 2027 with a brand-new show, Let's Go Round Again. Hot on the heels of John’s sold out critically acclaimed international ‘25’ tour last year - which celebrated his incredible quarter of a century career…

Celebrate the May Bank Holiday in style at The Cut & Craft Manchester across Sunday 3 May 2026 and Sunday 24 May 2026, with two exclusive bottomless brunch events. Guests can enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing Whispering Angel Rosé, Moët & Chandon Champagne, or both, from…

Brunch, But Make It Northern Inspired by good ol’ Northern favourites, bringing together familiar flavours, local produce and refined comfort food with a distinctly Northern influence. Served from 12-5pm every Saturday and Sunday. Rooted in honest, the menu showcases standout dishes like…

• Lowry

"If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's this: everybody hates bankers." Bank of Dave: The Musical is a home-grown, brand-new British musical - bursting with northern grit, laugh-out-loud humour and what Dave himself calls "the best songs in any musical ever." This…