As we speed straight into Autumn, the city is buzzing will be buzzing with some Indian summer vibes, as we dry out from the last week’s thorough soaking.
Be inspired with a networking party at Cupra City Garage, say goodbye to GRUB’s original site at Red Bank and indulge in a good ol’fashioned roast dinner at Freight Island.
These are the very best things to do in Manchester this week…
Experience Is Everything – The Future of Creative Events
Learn about the future of creative events with Cupra as they host a social Q&A followed by a networking party. The expert panel, hosted by Matty White, share their stories of how they continually evolve to build brands through world class event experiences.
Lord Finesse
An icon of the golden-era of hip hop, Lord Finesse (co-founder of the iconic D.I.T.C. crew) makes a rare appearance in Manchester. From his 1990 debut The Funky Technician, to producing for giants like Biggie, Big L, and Dr. Dre, his beats and bars helped define an era. Now a globally respected rapper and DJ, Finesse heads to The Blues Kitchen for a genre-blurring journey through raw hip hop, soul and funk.
Keyshia Cole
AO Arena welcome American R&B superstar Keyshia Cole to the stage. Celebrating two decades since the release of her debut studio album The Way it Is, she will be joined by legendary American rapper Lil Kim as part of The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour. You can catch Keyshia Cole live in Manchester on Thursday 25 September.
MCR Student Social 2025
MCR Student Social once again takes over the city with loads of offers, discounts and freebies in shops, restaurants and leisure venues around the city. Organised by Manchester Arndale and Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, the annual student shopping event will once again welcome new and returning students to the city. Enjoy up to 50% off at over 130 stores including JD, Footasylum, Levi’s, Space NK and The North Face. Plus, up to 50% off food, drink or leisure at the likes of Michaels Coffee House, Barburrito, HOP Vietnamese, Popeye’s and King Pins.
GRUB Closing Weekend Party
After five amazing years at Red Bank, GRUB is saying goodbye the only way they know how – with a three-day blowout of food, booze, music and memories. Expect a Big BOGOF Blowout with 2-for-1 cocktails, shooters and tacos, a 72-hour Happy Hour, and GRUB’s resident DJs going back-to-back as the team clear the cellar. This closing weekend marks the end of an era for GRUB at Red Bank, but also the start of something exciting, as they work on a brand-new city centre site.
J.M.W Turner-inspired watercolour class
Head down to The Whitworth for a JMW Turner-inspired art class. Teaming up with In Demand MCR, the monthly workshop series offers relaxed sessions perfect for beginners. Learn to build a beginner palette, mix colours with confidence, and explore key colour theory using professional-grade watercolours. Each workshop includes indoor practice, drawing in Whitworth Park, and a friendly group review.
Corella
After numerous sold-out headline tours of the UK, and captivating appearances at the likes of Reading & Leeds, Latitude, Kendal Calling and Neighbourhood festivals, as well as stints on the road in Europe, Corella return to home turf to play one of the city centre’s biggest venues – the historic New Century. The phrase ‘indie bangers’ is somewhat maligned, but there couldn’t be a more accurate descriptor when it comes to these four lads.
Open Fire Dining Club: Tartuffe x Tawny Stores
The third edition of Open Fire Dining Club is here, bringing together resident chefs Tartuffe with Beth Hammond of Tawny Stores for a one-night-only, fire-cooked feast at Torr Vale Mill. At the heart of every Open Fire Dining Club is Tartuffe, the Side Street bistro from Ruby Fryman and Gary Weir. Known for their refined take on rotisserie chicken, indulgent sides and playful comfort food, they’ve earned national recognition for dishes that are both comforting and precise – perfectly suited to cooking over flames. Joining them this time is Beth Hammond, whose canalside café and deli Tawny Stores has quickly become a Marple favourite. With a background spanning Yellowhammer bakery, Little Window and Flawd, her cooking blends seasonality, creativity and heart – focaccia baked fresh daily, vibrant small plates, and thoughtful produce from suppliers like Cinderwood Market Garden. Together, they’ll serve up a six-course, fire-led menu (plus a welcome snack) designed for long-table dining.
Cupra Headlight Sessions with Victoria Jane
Headlight is a brand-new weekly residency dedicated to emerging musical talent from Manchester and beyond. Taking place at Cupra City Garage, it will host exclusive listening parties, Q&As and intimate album launches, shining a light on rising stars and the next generation of UK music. On Friday 26 September, soulful singer-songwriter Victoria Jane, will host a Q&A and play her new EP to an invited audience.
Seeds Sounds Weekender
Get ready for the largest multi-venue festival in the UK, celebrating the bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels, the Seed Venues, where music careers truly begin. Powered by GigPig, the festival will see thousands of acts take the stage across towns and cities (including here in Manchester) this weekend in the world’s biggest celebration of the Seed Music Scene. See acoustic singers, drag artists, DJs and more at venues including Ramona, Diecast and The Oast House.
Simply Red 40th Anniversary Tour
Four decades of soulful tunes, chart-topping albums, and a fan base that stretches from Manchester to the far corners of the globe. As Simply Red bring their 40th-anniversary UK tour to Co-op Live on 27 September, and you’ll want to be there when Mick Hucknall belts out every hit from ’85 till now.
Self Esteem
Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, brings her biggest tour to date to Manchester. Celebrating the release of her critically-acclaimed third album A Complicated Woman, the Sheffield-based musician will play at Manchester Academy on 27 and 28 September.
Baby Mosh
FREE Katsu Curry with Tampopo
Tampopo is celebrating National Katsu Curry Day (who knew!) on Saturday 27 September. Head down to one of Tampopo’s restaurants at either Trafford Centre, Corn Exchange or Albert Square for free katsu curry and rice, with 100 available at each venue. Marvellous.
The Pen and Pencil 10th Birthday
The Pen and Pencil celebrate a whole decade of being open with a special birthday party. Taking place in their Northern Quarter home on Saturday 27 September, expect 10 hours of DJs plus performances from the likes of Drag Race UK’s Banksie, Les Corasdaile, Mark Hogg, Danny Wood and more followed by four weeks of special offers. They’ll also be serving up one of their signature bottomless brunch offerings, pouring limited edition cocktails as well as free pints of Red Stripe at 10pm. On the week of the party, a series of special offers and activities will build excitement in the run-up too. On Tuesday 23, there will be double quiz prize money and happy hour all night and on Friday 26, there will be happy hour all night, free tequila shots at 10pm, plus music from DJs Nev Johnson and Gareth James from 7pm.
Platt Fields Market Garden Harvest Festival 2025
Celebrate the Harvest Festival with Platt Fields Market Garden, as they mark the end of a bountiful harvest and a glorious summer with dancing and drinks all weekend. Head down on Saturday for the Day Party, as they pick the best of locally grown talent, showcasing them alongside some seasoned local legends. Then on Sunday, it’s all about family, as the gardens open up for people of all ages to enjoy tasty food from the MUD (Manchester Urban Diggers) Kitchen and drinks from the cafe. Kids can get involved in apple pressing, tree pruning and seasonal crafts, as well as the famous allotment show – just remember to bring your entry.
HEADS Creative Market – End of Summer Party
Join HEADS for a day of creativity, community and celebration at the HEADS Creative Market – End of Summer Party at Collier’s Yard. Open to everyone, this free event will take place on Saturday 27 September, with a programme including free workshops, art, live DJs, interactive pop-ups and shopping with local indie brands. Guests can also meet the founders of groundbreaking organisations like Butterfly Future and BlackOwned Studios and learn more about the work they’re doing and how to get involved in their events and further. There will also be the opportunity to donate to the Mind UK charity raffle for a shot at winning gifts from local businesses like 92 Degrees Coffee, Maray Restaurants, and Doll Parts Beauty.
Sylk Store Open Weekend
Manchester-based vintage and designer brand Sylk Store host another exclusive open weekend at their studio. Relax and browse over 700 pieces of vintage and designer clothing, including one-offs from the likes of YSL, Max Mara and Dior. Guests can shop new-in pieces, before they go live on the website, and preview new stock coming soon.
SECONDS
As the days get shorter, and the weather gets colder, we’re entering back into roast season. Freight Island relaunch their SECONDS carvery, serving every Sunday from 21 September to 30 November. Expect relaxed Sunday dining, with locally sourced produce, hearty flavours, and as many helpings of trimmings as you can handle. Even better, on 28 September, you can get 50% off with our code FINEST50 – just make sure you add it to the notes when booking.
