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. Buy Tickets   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. More Info   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. More Info   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. More Info   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. More Info   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. Book Tickets  

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. Book A Table   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. Book A Table   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. Buy Tickets   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. More Info  

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. More Info   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... Buy Tickets   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. Buy Tickets   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. Buy Tickets  

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. Buy Tickets   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. Buy Tickets   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. More Info   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. Buy Tickets