Things you can do in Greater Manchester this week (29 May - 4 June)

Our top tips for making the most of the week ahead, with brilliant things to do across the whole of Greater Manchester… For even more ideas, visit our What’s On page. 

Salford’s annual celebration of the weekend returns, this weekend! 

We Invented the Weekend returns to Media City and Salford Quay this weekend. The two-day event in Salford celebrates the diversity of how people spend their leisure time and pays tribute to the origin of the weekend in Greater Manchester in 1843, when Robert Lowes fought for mill workers' right to leisure time. Festival goers will be able to enjoy activities including live performances, storytelling sessions by celebrities and festival guests, and a Junior Art Battle, where young artists will compete in live painting competitions. There will also be a swap shop by Community Clothing, discussions on sustainable fashion and the local textile industry, and over 100 free workshops to boost creativity. 

Unleash your creativity at the People’s History Museum 

Join the People's History Museum on Wednesday 31 May, for an exhilarating, artist-led workshop where you can create your own clay sculpture for free. Be inspired by the awe-inspiring Manchester Argonaut sculpture crafted by the renowned artist Jason Wilsher-Mills and delve deeper into the sculpture's captivating narrative, which carries a powerful message about activism and the rights of disabled individuals. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, this workshop offers a welcoming space for all. Embrace the chance to connect with the vibrant art scene in Manchester and leave with a one-of-a-kind clay sculpture that reflects your own personal style. 

Delve into the life of renowned theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking 

The Science and Industry Museum welcomes visitors to the captivating ‘Stephen Hawking at Work’ exhibition. This unique showcase delves into the extraordinary life of the renowned theoretical physicist through a collection of significant items from his office. Explore the journey of Hawking, a remarkable scientist, influential science communicator, and an individual who defied the challenges of motor neurone disease. Unveiling the connection between Hawking's work and Manchester, the exhibition highlights how scientific breakthroughs in the city paved the way for fundamental concepts such as quantum theory and general relativity. This exhibition is free and runs until January 2024.  

Join in with an amazing celebration of LGBTQ+ culture at The Bridgewater Hall  

A remarkable musical journey spanning 50 years of love, hope, and celebration can be experienced at The Bridgewater Hall on Friday 2 June. Pride Classical, led by Danny Beard, the esteemed winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, features an exceptional lineup of talented singers and musicians presenting a captivating evening of Pride music like never before. Taking place during the opening weekend of Pride Month, the concert boasts an impressive roster of performers. Joining Danny Beard are Matt Henry, a renowned West End star and soloist, Alison Jiear, a regular at Manchester Pride and star of Jerry Springer: The Opera, as well as a chorus, orchestra, and ensemble of exceptional LGBTQ+ performers and allies. Tickets start from £35 

Celebrate arts and culture, community and place with Festival Oldham 

Oldham's annual outdoor arts festival, Festival Oldham, returns on Saturday 3 June. The festival celebrates arts, culture, community, and place, featuring some of the best local, regional, and national street theatre, music, dance, and visual arts. This year's festival's theme is PLAY, offering a diverse program of accessible, family-friendly entertainment and activities to inspire and engage attendees of all ages. Entry is Free for this wonderful Oldham celebration. 

Book Now: Manchester International Festival 

Working with partners regionally and across the globe, Manchester International Festival presents a diverse program of original new work by artists from around the world. The festival will take place in various venues and spaces throughout the city, including the much-anticipated new home of Factory International, which will open its doors for the first time during the festival before its official opening in October. 

Visitors can expect a wide range of events, including a collaboration that explores the connection between art and the beautiful game by curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and footballer Juan Mata, a mixed reality concert by Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, a live photographic performance by Benji Reid, and a musical adaptation of a cult queer classic by Philip Venables and Ted Huffman. The festival's expansive program of new work will merge different art forms, push creative boundaries, and challenge perceptions.  

New Opening: La Clique, Depot Mayfield 

An award-winning, genre-defining cabaret, fresh from sell-out runs of Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Leicester Square, comes to Depot Mayfield for a six-week run from Thursday 25 May. La Clique has wowed audiences around the globe and features the very best of circus, comedy and cabaret. Tickets start from £19.50 (16+ only).