Introducing The Fitzgerald

Tucked just off Stevenson Square, you'll find The Fitzgerald. Inspired by the secret drinking spots of the Prohibition era, The Fitzgerald is a setting built for listening. A discreet entrance and darkened staircase open into an intimate, low-lit room where 1920s glamour frames the experience rather than stealing the spotlight. Polished wood floors, velvet textures and soft, glinting light create a space that feels warm, immersive and perfectly attuned to live performance.

At the heart of The Fitzgerald is its music. Every weekend, the venue comes alive with live sets that span jazz, blues and modern acoustic sounds, flowing naturally into late-night selections of soul, disco, funk and electro-funk. There’s no strict genre rulebook here – just a carefully curated soundtrack that responds to the room, the crowd and the moment, carrying the night through to the early hours.

We recently caught up with Dani McGarry, the venue’s Marketing & Business Development Manager, to uncover what makes The Fitzgerald one of Manchester’s best-kept music gems.

Have any big names performed here before?

"Yes, we've had artists like Sam Buttery, who performed here before going on to the Lowry in The Unfortunate Musical. Drag Race stars have performed here, and young artists have gone on to BBC Introducing. We've also hosted local legends - not necessarily household names, but well-known in Manchester. Our focus is supporting artists who want to make a full-time career in the industry they love, whether or not fame is their goal."

Why should people visit The Fitz?

"People come here and keep returning, often as they progress in their careers, which is great to see. The Fitzgerald always offers something different, showcasing some of the best local talent in Manchester, and we also serve excellent cocktails."

Manchester’s Music Moments of 2026

2025 was a big year for Manchester, thanks to Oasis Live ’25. In 2026, the city keeps that momentum going, hosting both the BRIT Awards and the MOBO Awards and cementing its place on the national and international music stage. Both awards shows, will take place at Co-op Live, Manchester’s new state-of-the-art arena, bringing a few busy weeks of live performances, industry events and artist appearances across the city.

For visitors, it’s a rare chance to see Manchester’s music scene at its most alive. Follow along as we dig into the city’s unmissable music culture, from its best small venues to the artists just starting to make noise.