Our curated list of all the best things happening across Greater Manchester this week...
September already, and the rain clouds heard too, Manchester’s back to being the rainy city we know and love but don’t worry there’s loads to keep you occupied while it chucks it down outside.
Black creatives takeover Aviva Studios to celebrate culture and community, huge stars perform in the city in the form of A$AP Rocky, The Neighbourhood, Jorja Smith, KATSEYE and Daniel Caesar. There’s also supper clubs, guided history walks and Manchester’s very own comedy festival, Laughterama.
Don’t hibernate just yet, there’s still plenty going on.
Here are the best things to do in Manchester this week…
The Neighbourhood
September 1st means autumn is truly on its way and with it, cosy melancholy alt-rock band The Neighbourhood play Manchester’s Co-op Live arena. Despite forming in California, their music is often thought of as the perfect pairing to crisp autumn evenings, most notably their 2013 hit Sweater Weather. Following the release of the new album (((((ultraSOUND)))))+, they’ve embarked on a world tour that lands in Manchester just in time for cosy season. This is the perfect reason to stick your Doc Martins on and romanticise the gloomy turn of the weather.
Black Creative Trailblazers: The Exhibition
This free exhibition focuses on the works of a number of incredible Black artists responding to the theme ‘it takes a village’. No booking required, the exhibition features personal reflections on collective identity and communities, inviting the audience to reflect on the people behind their own achievements and the support, love and encouragement that makes it possible.
Laughterama 2026
Laughterama is heading back to Castlefield Bowl, bringing another packed week of stand-up, street food and al fresco comedy. Running from 2 to 6 September, this year’s edition will see the likes of Jack Dee, Nick Mohammed, Sara Pascoe, Fern Brady, Michelle de Swarte, Stewart Lee, Chris McCausland and Nina Conti all take to the stage across seven huge shows. There’s plenty more on the bill too, including Rose Matafeo, Sarah Keyworth, Jen Brister, Tom Rosenthal, Ivo Graham, Elis James, Harriet Kemsley and John Robins, alongside fast-rising comics like Vittorio Angelone, Kiran Saggu, Jen Nolan and Evaldas Karosas. Christmas for comedy fans, basically.
Jorja Smith
Silky smooth songstress of R&B, funk and afro-beats Jorja Smith is performing at Manchester’s New Century to celebrate her new album release. Her debut, Lost & Found, earned her a Critic’s Choice Award and Best Female Artist at the 2018 and 2019 Brits respectively, and now she’s back for her third. With three special performances across the country, including one in Manchester, this is not a show to be slept on.
Fairytales & Folklore with Dr Sharon Blackie
Join award-winning author and psychologist Dr Sharon Blackie as she explores fairytales and folklore and their role in guiding women through the ages. Reflecting on themes from her new book, Dr Blackie reminds us that fairytales were made for times of uncertainty, change and upheaval, mirroring our realities and reminding us who we are and who we could be.
The Last Caboose
Mancunian alternative folk act The Last Caboose are performing a ‘pay what you can’ concert at The Henry Watson Music Library. With a line up of mandolin, guitar, double bass, piano and vocal harmonies the group have an acoustic feel, bringing together elements of folk, country, Americana and classic pop. Their songs are crammed with meaning and melodies telling tails of the everyday to the extraordinary and donations go to supporting future activities at Manchester Libraries.
Cocktails and co-working at Mollie’s
If you went a little bit too hard on the weekend and you can’t see the end of the four day week in sight, Mollie’s have got you sorted. On Thursday evening they’re hosting co-working and cocktails; set your laptop up in the morning, settle into the immaculate interiors, grab a coffee, get through the day, then when five o’clock hits they’re providing complimentary cocktails set to the sounds of a live set from Blehrin. Cocktails always make the working day a bit more bearable.
Jack Rooke: Good Grief
BAFTA-winning Big Boys writer Jack Rooke is returning to stage with the debut comedy show that inspired the series. Co-written by his nan, the performance will feature the original show and some newer musings on grief, being a class traitor and becoming a ‘telly wanker’ (his words not ours). Rooke fans will know this isn’t one to miss, but if you’re new to his work expect hilarity and heart in equal measure.
Daniel Caesar
One of the most captivating voices of contemporary R&B, Daniel Caesar is known for his soulful lyrics and stunning vocals, he plays Manchester’s Co-op Live as part of a world tour. With chart-topping hits like Best Part and Who Knows, Caesar made a name for himself with gospel infused melodies, his new album features the likes of Bon Iver, Sampha, Yebba and Blood Orange. Strap in for an evening of moving soul and an exploration of life, legacy and reconciliation.
Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase
A fixture on Manchester’s creative calendar, Black Creative Trailblazers is hosting a night of live music, fashion, dance, food and culture at Factory International. The annual gala shines a light on the work of black creatives and gives attendees the chance to connect with like-minded individuals or just enjoy their most ambitious line-up yet. There’ll be dance performances choreographed by the Yin Yang Twins, fashion shows from Black British Designers, DJ sets, art exhibitions and live music and spoken word.
BBC Radio 4: Any Questions?
BBC Radio 4’s flagship political discussion programme Any Questions? is coming to Bury. First broadcast in 1948, the show remains a staple of the BBC’s programming, touring a different town each week for members of the public to put their questions to politicians, policy makers, writers and thinkers. With a different panel every week, the show is broadcast live with questions submitted by you on arrival. Whether there’s something your passionate about or your just interested in the discussion – this is your chance to be part of the conversation.
Wild Afternoon Tea in Dunham Massey
This special workshop at the glorious Dunham Massey includes a two-hour foraging session, getting into nature and finding your ingredients, then enjoying the fruits of your labour in a wild-inspired afternoon tea. You’ll have the help of a professional forager who’ll guide you through what’s edible and what’s really not, plus an afternoon tea curated with your findings. Past eats have included bilberry coulis, chestnut jam, and a damson, elderberry and common hogweed seed compote, but of course, what you feast on depends on what you forage.
Corella Live Session at bound
Northern Quarter streetwear brand bound are hosting an in-store event to celebrate the launch of Manchester faves Corella’s new album, A Beautiful World To Lose. They’ll be taking over the store on 4 September from 6pm, playing an intimate show of unreleased tracks and classics. Ticket and t-shirt bundles available from their website on a first come, first serve basis.
Just a Girl From The North: A Photographic Exhibition
Esteemed photographer Karen McBride has been photographing the people, places and music of Manchester for the last three decades. This Autumn her new exhibition, Just a Girl from North Manchester, lands at Manchester Central Library. Including a collection of black and white photographs with a focus on musicians, communities and everyday moments that would otherwise have been forgotten, the exhibition provides a journey through Manchester’s musical and cultural history. As well as the exhibition, Karen will be in conversation with Nicola Howard to talk through the story of her photographs on 9 September, with live music from Shimeon.
OK Williams
For those living under a rock, South London DJ and NTS Radio host OK Williams blends techno, funky house and jungle, and is known for her seamless mixing and high energy vibes. She’s taking over regular haunt White Hotel with support from none other than the incomparable SHERELLE, the champion of high speed dance music who has led a new generation of club kids to tempos of 160bpm and well beyond.
A$AP Rocky
Harlem-born rapper A$AP Rocky has dominated the music industry since his emergence in 2011. A huge name in his own right, he’s collaborated with the likes of Lana-Del Ray, The Weeknd and Pharrell Williams to make some of the biggest pop songs of recent years. His world tour, Don’t Be Dumb, lands at Co Op Live this September and is sure to be an unforgettable evening.
Green Island Vol. 3
The third and final instalment of the superb Green Island is upon us. Having already put on two mega events for it’s sixth year, part three takes us to the finale. The line-up includes local emerging artists and international stars (this installment featuring Vieux Farka Toure, Shelarus and Alps 2) great food, all set in the idyllic Hulme’s Community Garden Centre. If you still haven’t been, what are you playing at? This is your last chance until next summer.
Back Home Brunch: Manchester Outdoors
Back Home Brunch day party comes to Manchester to celebrate all things Afro-Caribbean. There’ll be rum punch, soul food, games, karaoke and red carpet. Music-wise expect dancehall, afrobeats, soca and amapiano. Somehow not already sold? Get down for opening and you’ll get free unlimited rum punch for an hour.
New Manchester Walks: Ancoats and No. 10 North
New Manchester Walks takes you on a tour of the industrial suburb chosen by Andy Burnham for Number 10 North. Guide, Ed Glinert will walk you through the sordid history of one of Manchester’s most sort after neighbourhoods, not least by the Prime Minister. Walking the streets of the area Glinert explains how Ancoats went from being the home of Lords in the 18th century then to factory workers, packed into squalid housing where disease and desperation were rife and it’s transformation to trendy suburb and the home of the PM.
Pollard Yard Open Studio Day
Pollard Yard are hosting another Open Studio Day, an opportunity to browse and buy you’ll get to meet the makers, explore the market stalls and shop independent. There’ll be music all day courtesy of Manchester producer Dan Berry, plus open studios to explore as well as food, cocktails coffee and snacks to keep you fuelled. Home to 160 containers, Pollard Yard hosts a plethora of independents to discover, sample and shop. There’s Palms Bakery for coffee and sweet treats, Fizzles Preserves providing everything pickled, art from Lucky Cat Screen Printing and Frida Cooper Ceramics, gifts and stationary at The Letter Arty or Thirty Eight Jewellery for bespoke bling. All that plus so much more, come along shop your faves or fall in love with a new seller.
Manchester Psych Fest 2026
The UK’s leading psychedelic music festival takes over multiple venues across Manchester city centre again. This year the line-up includes the likes of The Beta Band, Stereolab, Ty Segall and Angine De Poitrine. Alongside the musical offerings there’s also film screenings including The Beatles Yellow Submarine, High Fidelity and Becoming Led Zeppelin, a pre-party at The Abbey and a poetry evening at Sandbar.
KATSEYE
The pop supergroup for the modern ages, KATSEYE take on Manchester’s Co-op Live for a night that is sure to be unforgettable. The girl group are known for their hit singles including Pinky Up, Gabriela and Gnarly, as well as the viral dance routines that go with them. These girls are pure performers and one thing’s for sure, they will put on a show.
A-Kin x Circolo Popolare Supper Club
Super Club chefs A-Kin are collabing with Circolo Popolare for their next dining pop-up. The Manchester favourites behind A-Kin Club Sean and Gasim plus the chef’s from Circolo Popolare will be putting on a massive, family-style banquet with the San Marzano tomato as the star of the show. By now, everyone knows how delicious, a really good tomato can be and A-Kin are taking this Italian tomato to the next level. Each of six courses features the tomato in a new way, including smoked with tomato water and basil oil as a tomato jus on oxtail tortellini or as a burnt tomato consommé with parmigiano foam. Tomato even features in the dessert, this time candied, with a strawberry sorbet, basil cream, olive oil and balsamic caramel. Yes. Please.
The full six courses are £75, or there’s a wine pairing option for £95 and they’re putting on entertainment all evening not that you’ll need it with food like this.
Yotam Ottolenghi: Simple Too Live
Best selling, author, restaurateur and arguably era-defining tastemaker, Yotam Ottolenghi is launching the companion to his seminal cookbook Simple, Simple Too. To launch the book he’s doing a tour of the UK where he’ll be cooking live on stage, sharing the inspiration behind his brand-new vegetable forward meals and talking through his culinary journey and philosophy. The tour lands at Manchester’s Factory International this September and is an unmissable event for any modern cook.
PROGRESS Wrestling Show
PROGRESS are bringing their Wrestling Show to Manchester’s O2 Ritz for an evening of intense wring wrestling and story-driven shows. Having previously launched global stars, this is your chance to witness the next big wrestlers close-up and personal. Faraz from the Traitors is getting involved, he’ll be making his official wrestling debut in a tag team match with Simon Miller after getting physically involved during a match between Nathan Black and Simon Miller previously, he’s got a score to settle with Black. Tickets are expected to sell out so make sure to buy them soon if you want a front-row seat to the chaos.