Unmissable Manchester Winter Guide: Art, Theatre and Live Music

Winter in Manchester is full of life, thanks to its amazing art, theatre, and live music scenes. Cosy cafés make it easy to soak up the city’s charm, while galleries, theatres, and music venues keep the excitement going no matter the weather. Whether you’re popping in for a weekend, a mid-week break, or a longer stay, this guide covers the unmissable art, theatre and music in Manchester this winter.

If you want to make the most of your trip, visit between January and March 2026 to grab exclusive hotel deals and save up to 25% on your stay.

Music in Manchester: Iconic Venues & Winter Concerts
Theatre in Manchester This Winter
Art & Exhibitions in Manchester

Music in Manchester: Iconic Venues & Winter Concerts

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Manchester’s music scene really comes alive in winter, and 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting season. Big-name artists like Raye, Kaiser Chiefs, and Florence + The Machine are set to perform in the city, alongside a packed calendar of gigs and concerts across every corner. The season also includes major events like the BRIT Awards and the MOBO Awards, making it the perfect time for music lovers to plan a trip.

When it comes to venues, Manchester has something for every taste. AO Arena and Co-op Live are the city’s largest arenas, hosting huge-scale concerts that attract fans from across the UK. For classical music or more refined performances, Bridgewater Hall is a must-visit, while Albert Hall combines striking architecture with a lively atmosphere to make every show feel special. New Century Hall and Victoria Warehouse offer large-scale concerts with a cool, industrial vibe.

Smaller, more intimate venues are just as compelling. Band on the Wall, The Deaf Institute, Gorilla, and Night & Day Café provide cosy settings for discovering new artists or enjoying local bands. Meanwhile, Manchester Academies and Aviva Studios bring plenty of variety, from rock and indie to electronic and experimental performances.

Whether you’re a devoted music fan or just looking for a lively night out, winter in Manchester offers unforgettable live music. From legendary arenas to hidden gems, the city’s venues provide the perfect soundtrack for your trip.

BRIT Awards

Co-op Live

The BRIT Awards with Mastercard moves to Manchester for first time For the first time in its…

28 Feb 2026 -

Raye

RAYE has today announced THIS TOUR MAY CONTAIN NEW MUSIC — a massive 40-date headline tour…

17 Feb 2026 -

30th MOBO Awards

Co-op Live

For close to 30 years, the MOBO Awards has remained a significant cultural event in the British…

26 Mar 2026 -

Florence + the Machine

After needing lifesaving surgery on the Dance Fever Tour, Florence’s recovery took her down the path…

20 Feb 2026 -

Kaiser Chiefs

In early 2026, the venue will host Kaiser Chiefs as part of their MORE Employment tour - a…

14 Feb 2026 -

Deftones

Co-op Live

One of the most influential alternative metal bands of the last three decades is coming to…

14 Feb 2026 -

Yungblud

AO Arena

YUNGBLUD, the boundary-pushing artist from Doncaster, has taken the world by storm with two UK #1…

25 Apr 2026 -

Manchester Classical - Jonny Greenwood performs Reich with the Hallé

Bridgewater Hall

Following on from its highly acclaimed 2024 festival celebrating the works of Steve Reich, the…

26 Feb 2026 -

Fatboy Slim

Iconic DJ Fatboy Slim celebrates 40 years in music with UK headline tour ACID BALLROOM One of the…

13 Feb 2026 - 14 Feb 2026

Pixies

Rock band Pixies formed in 1986 and released their first album Surfer Rosa in 1988. The original…

25 May 2026 -

All Time Low

Co-op Live

Multi-platinum Maryland quartet All Time Low - Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Rian Dawson and Zack…

23 Jan 2026 -

Weetwood Mac

Leeds-based Weetwood Mac are rapidly making a name for themselves as one of the UK's most…

23 Jan 2026 -

Halsey

Halsey: a better combination of lovable pop and provacative grunge could not have been better…

29 Jan 2026 -

Mika

AO Arena

Global popstar and certified hitmaker Mika announces massive gig in Manchester set for 2026 as part…

11 Feb 2026 -

James Arthur

Known for his warm brand of R&B-inflected pop, James Arthur initially rose to fame as the victor…

21 Feb 2026 -

Theatre in Manchester This Winter

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Manchester’s theatre scene comes alive in winter, offering a rich mix of culture and entertainment across the city’s top venues. From big West End productions to cutting-edge new works, there’s something to inspire, entertain, and delight every visitor.

You can catch classic and contemporary plays at the Royal Exchange Theatre, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season with highlights like Road and Private Lives. For large-scale touring productions, the Manchester Opera House and Palace Theatre bring West End shows straight to the city, while Lowry offers a diverse programme of drama, dance, and touring performances.

For modern, experimental, and cutting-edge work, HOME and Contact Theatre showcase innovative productions that push the boundaries of performance. If you prefer a more intimate setting, Hope Mill Theatre offers a cosy, industrial-chic atmosphere perfect for smaller productions and emerging talent.

Private Lives

Royal Exchange Theatre

In Noël Coward’s savage comedy, there’s nothing a cocktail can’t cure as…

27 Mar 2026 - 02 May 2026

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

Palace Theatre

West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, comes to Palace Theatre…

11 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026

Road

Royal Exchange Theatre

It’s 1986. Your rumbustious chaperone Scullery guides you down the road, picking up the…

13 Feb 2026 - 14 Mar 2026

Six

Palace Theatre

The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash hit musical SIX…

13 Jan 2026 - 17 Jan 2026

Mean Girls

Manchester Opera House

Winner of Best New Musical (WhatsOnStage Awards) and direct from the West End, MEAN GIRLS is the…

23 Feb 2026 - 17 Nov 2026

New Dawn Fades

Lowry

The play tells the story of four ordinary lads who, inspired by the punk revolution of 1970s…

02 Mar 2026 - 04 Mar 2026

Cirque Wicked Wizard of Oz

AO Arena

Combining the magic of cirque with the charm of a classic tale, this breathtaking production…

23 Dec 2025 -

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Palace Theatre

This joyous Broadway and West End hit musical takes you on a hilarious, heart-warming ride as three…

19 Feb 2026 - 28 Feb 2026

The Bodyguard

Manchester Opera House

The international, award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back! Starring Pussycat Doll…

19 Jan 2026 - 31 Jan 2026

MAMMA MIA!

Palace Theatre

The sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! embarks on a new UK tour, including a visit…

03 Mar 2026 - 26 Mar 2026

The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical

HOME

When 16 year old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon…

11 Feb 2026 - 21 Feb 2026

The Classic Rock Show

Lowry

'Over 100 million YouTube views worldwide' 'The Best Rock Show On The Planet…

31 Jan 2026 -

Groove Onto The Moon

Lowry

Strap in and prepare to blast off on a cosmic adventure like no other as you venture into the…

01 Feb 2026 -

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show

Lowry

Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show! With a new arrival on the way the…

06 Feb 2026 - 08 Feb 2026

Pinocchio

Lowry

Visit the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense. Three very funny men seek refuge in a grand but…

17 Feb 2026 - 22 Feb 2026

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Lowry

Olivier Award winners – Best Entertainment and Family Show 2016 Spontaneous musical…

05 Mar 2026 - 07 Mar 2026

Operation Mincemeat

Lowry

2025 TONY® AWARD NOMINEE FOR BEST MUSICAL & 2024 OLIVIER AWARD® WINNER FOR BEST NEW…

16 Feb 2026 - 28 Feb 2026

Art & Exhibitions in Manchester

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Manchester’s art and museum offers plenty to explore while staying warm indoors. Start at the Science and Industry Museum, where interactive exhibitions cover everything from the city’s industrial past to cutting-edge technology. A standout attraction this season is the Power Hall, recently reopened after a major restoration. Here, you can experience one of the UK’s largest collections of historic engines and discover how Manchester’s industry shaped the modern world. The museum also hosts after-hours adult-only events combining music, heritage, and creativity for a unique evening experience. New for 2026 is the Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, an electrifying new exhibition, launches at the Science and Industry Museum in February. Step into the Solar System on a thrilling adventure where mystery, mischief, and rocket-loads of silly science await.

Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Manchester Art Gallery, home to historic masterpieces, contemporary works, and thought-provoking exhibitions, while the Whitworth offers a blend of fine art, textiles, and sculpture in inspiring surroundings. The Manchester Museum provides fascinating displays on natural history, archaeology, and ancient cultures, making it perfect for a winter day out. Sports fans will enjoy the National Football Museum, packed with memorabilia and interactive exhibits celebrating the world’s favourite game, and the People’s History Museum offers a deep dive into the stories of ordinary people who shaped democracy and society.

For something a little off the beaten track, the Manchester Jewish Museum explores the city’s Jewish heritage, and the Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archives offers a unique insight into law enforcement history. History and social change enthusiasts will also appreciate the Pankhurst Centre, the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst, which highlights the suffragette movement’s legacy.

This winter also brings extraordinary temporary exhibitions, including Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North. This free exhibition delves into the secret world of espionage, featuring over 60 fascinating objects - from gadgets and forged documents to art and film - that uncover the daring deceptions shaping conflicts from the First World War to today. Another great exhibition is Helios at Victoria Baths. Created by UK artist Luke Jerram, Helios is a seven-metre-wide, internally lit model of the Sun, complete with sunspots and solar filaments, paired with an immersive surround sound composition. Safe to view up close, it combines art, science, and creativity in a truly unforgettable experience, reflecting Victoria Baths’ exciting new cultural direction.

With so many galleries, museums, and immersive exhibitions, Manchester is the perfect winter destination for anyone interested in culture, history, and creativity.

Helios at Victoria Baths

Step into the light at Victoria Baths Luke Jerram’s Helios comes to one of…

17 Mar 2026 - 06 Apr 2026

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos

Science and Industry Museum

The countdown has begun for the world (and galactic) premiere of Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, an…

13 Feb 2026 - 03 Jan 2027

Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery

Science and Industry Museum

Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the engine-driven ideas and industry that started in…

11 Dec 2025 - 17 Oct 2026

David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)

Aviva Studios

Let David Hockney take you on a personal journey through sixty years of his art in this vibrant…

16 Dec 2025 - 11 Jan 2026

VOGUE: Inventing the Runway

Aviva Studios

Lose yourself in the world of fashion runway shows past, present and future, in this immersive…

17 Dec 2025 - 10 Jan 2026

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks

Aviva Studios

Tom Hanks narrates an epic experience that offers a new perspective on humankind’s past and…

16 Dec 2025 - 11 Jan 2026

Astro Night: Valentine's Special

Jodrell Bank

Escape the ordinary this Valentine's Day with an evening under the stars at Jodrell Bank…

14 Feb 2026 -

Camille Wallala: Square Eyes

Lowry

Square Eyes is a newly commissioned spectacular wall painting by Camille Walala in the Lowry’s…

11 Dec 2025 - 25 Sep 2026

Power Hall: After Hours

Science and Industry Museum

Explore Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery after-hours and enjoy a unique programme of music…

12 Mar 2026 -

Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North

IWM North

Imperial War Museums (IWM) invites visitors to venture into the secret world of espionage this…

11 Dec 2025 - 31 Aug 2026

It Requires Getting Lost

Castlefield Gallery

01 November 2025 - 22 February 2026 It Requires Getting Lost is the result of a unique partnership…

11 Dec 2025 - 22 Feb 2026

Astro Night - Adults

Jodrell Bank

Experience the iconic Lovell Telescope and explore the night sky at Jodrell Bank's popular Astro…

17 Jan 2026 -

The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure

RHS Garden Bridgewater

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Farshore, part of HarperCollins Publishers, are teaming up…

14 Feb 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Getting Around

Explore Manchester easily with our travel guide on getting around. Find practical tips, transportation options, and maps for a seamless city exploration. Whether by tram, bus, or foot, our guide ensures you make the most of your visit, navigating Manchester with convenience.

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Hotels in Manchester City Centre

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility in the heart of Manchester by choosing from the array of hotels and serviced apartments in the bustling city centre.

Find Your Cosy Corner in Manchester This Winter

Whatever brings you to Manchester this winter, you’ll find a city alive with creativity, culture, and warmth. Wrap up, head out, and experience everything that makes Manchester so special in the first months of the year. From cosy coffee shops to cutting-edge exhibitions, there’s always something to make even the chilliest days feel worthwhile.