This week’s best things include a jazz night in a Stockport listening bar and a Malbec-centric celebration in a city centre tapas bar. Gig-goers have plenty to look forward to, from massive arena acts to leftfield electronic artists. If you’re running in the Manchester Marathon, or simply cheering people on, there’s loads of ways to celebrate post-race.
Plus, we’ve teamed up with an exceptionally in-demand chef to bring an exclusive supper club to Stalybridge, of course.
Read the best things to do in Manchester this week…
Whyte’s x Café Continetal
Whyte’s, the cult London restaurant from chef Whyte Rushen, is heading to Café Continental for a one-off dinner that brings one of the capital’s most in-demand names to Greater Manchester. Expect nostalgic comfort dishes done properly, from raw scallop cocktail and smoked mackerel flatbread to devilled roast chicken, braised oxtail and forced rhubarb crumble, as the globally touring pop-up makes one of its final UK stops before wrapping in Melbourne.
Lusaint
Stretford’s own Lusaint returns home as part of her debut headline tour, bringing things back to the place where it all started, from early jazz and blues covers in local bars to viral moments that pushed her onto a global stage. With a voice rooted in those influences but shaped into something distinctly modern, she’s spent the past few years building real momentum, from breakout covers and a Radio 1-backed run of releases to major festival slots and headline shows across Europe. This show at Band on the Wall feels like a proper homecoming, and a chance to catch her at that tipping point between rising talent and something much, much bigger.
Odioba Jazz Night
The fourth Ōdiobā Jazz Night of 2026 sees the Al Scott Trio return for another laid-back evening of live jazz, with Al Scott on keys joined by John Sandham on bass and Ed Kainyek on sax. Your ticket gets you a spot in the intimate top floor of Ōdiobā, a moodily-lit loft space on Stockport’s Underbanks, which is absolutely ideal for this sort of thing.
The Prodigy
Iconic electronic outfit The Prodigy return to Manchester for a huge headline gig at Co-op Live. Formed in 1990 by producer, keyboardist and songwriter Liam Howlett, he’ll be joined by frontman and vocalist Maxim. Support comes from the legendary Carl Cox. Co-op members will be first in line for tickets, with the Co-op pre-sale launching on Wednesday 25 June at 9am. Become a member to grab tickets early.
Lucy Darling
There is a specific brand of magic that works best when it’s served with a side of dry wit and a stiff drink. Lucy Darling – the stage persona of performer Carisa Hendrix – has spent the last few years perfecting exactly that. On April 16 2026, she brings her latest show – Simply Darling – to the appropriately grand surroundings of the Albert Hall.
After The Applause Podcast Live
After The Applause podcast – which looks at the music industry in the North – steps into the spotlight with its first ever live event, bringing Q&A panels, live performances from past guests and an open mic for Manchester producers to share their latest sounds. Hosted by Saoirse Marie, it’s a free, community-led night built around conversation, creativity and celebration.
Peaches
The iconic Peaches returns to Manchester, her first headline show in a fair while (though she brought the shock and awe to Homobloc last year). The No Lube So Rude tour will, as ever, extoll the ‘teaches of peaches’, spurning the faint of heart along the way. Expect X-rated antics from this truly singular artist.
Soul Safari
Manchester-based Kenyan artist Macharia brings Soul Safari, an intimate live show blending original music with coastal and Kikuyu folk traditions. Performed across three languages and shaped by a return to Kenya, it combines storytelling, audience interaction and personal narratives to explore home, belonging and identity.
World Malbec Day at The Beeswing
A laid-back steak and Malbec night at The Beeswing brings together a curated wine flight with steak, chimichurri and sides. It’s in celebration of World Malbec Day – Friday 17 April, as you well know – but you knew that of course, and it marks the start of a new run of World Wine Days celebrating everything from Lambrusco to orange wine with casual, sociable pairing events.
100 Years of Strikes & Solidarity Open Day
People’s History Museum is bringing together archive material, researchers and workers involved in current disputes for an afternoon exploring how communities have supported strikes across the last hundred years. With rare objects linked to the 1926 General Strike and the miners’ strike, plus live discussion from Birmingham refuse workers and Lancashire teachers.
Learn to Weave
Led by artist Jenny Steele, this beginner-friendly workshop in Openshaw introduces the ancient art of backstrap loom weaving, where your body becomes part of the process. Over three relaxed hours, you’ll create your own colourful textile using sustainable yarns, ribbons and natural materials, learning traditional techniques while settling into a slower, more mindful way of making.
Manchester Marathon Celebrations at Chotto Matte
Anyone completing the Adidas Manchester Marathon can celebrate at Chotto Matte with a free drink after the race, with finishers able to claim either a pint of Manchester Union Lager or a glass of prosecco by showing their medal at reception. Running from 12pm until 6pm, it’s a simple but smart post-race offer, giving runners the chance to properly unwind, catch up with friends and take in the view after 26.2 hard-earned miles.
Manchester Marathon Afterparty at The Grosvenor
The Grosvenor is throwing an unofficial Manchester Marathon after party, with free pints of BrewDog Cold Beer for runners who show their medal and free samples of the brand-new Jagermeister Orange landing on the same day. Just moments from the finish line, it is shaping up to be a lively spot for finishers, supporters and spectators to carry on the celebrations.
Messina Hembry Vintage Kilo Sale
A full rails-out vintage kilo sale is bringing a huge mix of branded and retro clothing to The Sports Facility at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, from football shirts and sportswear to denim, knitwear and heavy outerwear, all priced at £20 per kilo. With labels like Nike, Stone Island and Ralph Lauren in the mix and stock topped up throughout the day, it’s built for proper digging and unexpected finds. It’s card only, and you can even pay for a kilo in advance to receive a £5 discount.
