Events
Lanterns at Chester Zoo
Friday 12th November – Thursday 23rd December
Returning just in time for the festive period, Chester Zoo will be transformed into an immersive wonderland of illuminated animal lanterns. The zoo’s Christmas food markets are also back, serving up delicious snacks to see you through your adventures around the park.
Hatch Christmas Party
From Friday 12th November
Home to over 30 independent food, drink and retail traders, Hatch is the perfect alternative Christmas shopping destination, with festive entertainment, seasonal menus, live music and DJs, mulled wine and hot cider, Christmas cocktails, fashions shows and LOADS more.
Manchester Christmas Markets Return
From Friday 12th November
In a change of scenery, Piccadilly Gardens will take centre stage for this year’s Christmas markets, with a new-look winter garden arriving until the new year. The usual world-famous markets will also pop-up in more familiar spots at St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, King Street, Market Street and Cathedral Gardens.
The First Day of Christmas
Saturday 13th November
To mark the first day of Christmas, a packed day of live entertainment will take place right across the city. More than 50 performers—including stilt-walking reindeers, a winter circus and the Bloco Brass Band—will take over Exchange Square, Market Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street, Cross Street and Deansgate.
Ancoats Pop-Up in Cutting Room Square
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th November
The Ancoats Pop-Up returns to Cutting Room Square this weekend with around 30 traders offering up everything from food and drink to beauty, crafts, art prints and jewellery. Sunday also sees Potter’s Pies make their triumphant return – so if you want to get your hands on their Gregg’s Steak Bake & Sausage Roll pie – now’s the time.
Victoria Baths Winter Fair
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th November
50 handpicked stalls will take over Victoria Baths this weekend, specialising in everything from handmade artwork and jewellery to ceramics and food. The venue’s tea room volunteers will also be on-hand to provide mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy while you peruse.
Food & Drink
Witch Kings Rum Winter Bohemia Pop-up
Wednesday 10th – Sunday 28th November
Manchester rum brand, Witch Kings, is bringing a winter bohemia pop-up to Spinningfields. Setting up shop at Affinity Living Riverview from 10th – 28th November, expect hearty hot pots, creative rum cocktails, local beers and a packed schedule of live music and rotating indie traders.
The Fountain House Opens
Thursday 11th November
Taking over the old Albert Square Chop House location, The Fountain House will offer a charming Gastro Pub setting, which combines premium dining with an authentic pub experience, spread across three floors.
Old Fashioned Night at GRUB
Thursday 11th November
To celebrate this year’s Old Fashioned week, GRUB are throwing an entire evening dedicated to the whisky favourite. For £10, guests will enjoy an insightful talk and tasting from Woodford Reserve, before learning how to make the perfect Old Fashioned.
Bottomless Slices at Nell’s Pizza
Sunday 14th November
After throwing open the doors on their new restaurant at Kampus last Friday, Nell’s will be slinging a bottomless supply of their now-famous pizza slices at their weekly Sunday Pizza Social, along with three brand new signature cocktails; Nell’s Sbagliato, Nell’s Spritz and the Nell’s Sour.
Clubs & Gigs
The Whiskey Jar Open Mic Night
Tuesday 9th / Wednesday 10th / Thursday 11th
Celebrating eight years of their famous open mic night, the Whisky Jar has extended the usually once-a-week event to three whole days of eclectic live music. More than 30 artists will take to the stage across the 9th, 10th and 11th, meaning plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Squid Game Rave at Deaf Institute
Wednesday 10th November
Netflix’s mega hit, Squid Game, arrives at Deaf Institute for a unique take on your standard night out. Guests will be assigned a number upon entry and will take part in various mini-games throughout the evening to win cash and other prizes. The event does also come with a disclaimer that no participants will be harmed…
Kashmere at the Castle Hotel
Thursday 11th November
Ahead of the band’s German tour, local lads Kashmere will play a special intimate gig at the Northern Quarter’s Castle Hotel. Off the back of their headline Gorilla show, the band will be raising funds before they jet off later this month, appearing on the bill alone and reeling through their entire back catalogue.
Fac51 The Hacienda
Saturday 13th November
Take in the sounds of Mancunian music history, as an evening of artists influenced by the golden era of dance music takes over The Warehouse Project at Depot Mayfield. Appearing on the night will be headliners Hacienda Classical, David Morales, Roger Sanchez, Graeme Park and many more.
Arts & Culture
Jewish Film Festival at HOME
Sunday 7th November – Sunday 14th November
The 25th UK Jewish Film Festival returns to HOME with four feature-length pictures, each exploring Jewish and Israeli life, history and culture in their own unique way. For those who can’t make it to the venue, the festival will also be made available online.
Love Thy Neighbour at Manchester Poetry Library
Friday 12th November
Taking place in the newly-opened Manchester Poetry Library, The Asia Triennial will display more than 200 artworks by over 100 artists from 20 different countries, all exploring the rich histories of Asia through modern and contemporary interpretations including prints, photography, fine art, embroidery and poetry.
Jim Moir: Return of the Gas Miser
Saturday 13th – Saturday 27th November
You may better recognise Jim Moir by his comedic alias, Vic Reeves, and from his brilliant double act with Bob Mortimer in Reeves & Mortimer. However, according to the man himself, art remains his biggest passion—you can catch a glimpse of his unsurprisingly surreal work at the Contemporary Six gallery on Princess Street.
Watercolour Painting Workshop
Saturday 13th November
Fancy yourself as a budding artist? Chapter One Books will be hosting a watercolour painting workshop for anyone wanting to get in touch with their creative side. Perfect for beginners, visitors will master the basics and learn new techniques from an experienced teacher who’ll have you creating masterpieces in no time.
