Our curated list of all the best things happening across Greater Manchester this week...
Music is taking over town this week and there truly is every genre, BPM and venue you could possibly wish for. Kicking off the week, Kiwi legends SIX60 play Manchester Academy 2 and Tinie Tempah performs his new album in Bury’s brilliant record shop Wax and Beans.
Further on down the week you’ll find, indie music played on brass, Neighbourhood Fest returning across NQ venues and boundary pushing DJ and trumpeter, Takuya Nakamura, performing his mix of jazz and cutting-edge electronic production at New Century.
That and truly loads more music, plus Manchester Wine Fest, The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair and Alice Cooper’s book tour. As per, you can fill your boots across any interest, intersection and niche you so wish.
Here’s the best things to do in Manchester this week…
SIX60
New Zealand band SIX60, bring their rock, reggae, pop and Maouri influences across the UK and to Manchester’s Academy 2. You’ll find every Kiwi in Manchester in the audience but don’t miss out just because you’re not native, the band has made waves for their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics that will appeal no matter nationality.
Tinie Tempah
Award-winning rap artist Tinie Tempah will play an exclusive in-store gig at the ever brilliant Wax and Beans in Bury. The record and coffee shop will host the rapper as he plays songs from his new album ahead of its release. An intimate setting to see the star, entry is free with the purchase of his new album on LP or CD.
Beth Orton
Across her three decade career, Norfolk-born Beth Orton has operated on a slightly different frequency. Open to the forces of the cosmos, her songs are something of a weather vane, broadcasting the inner conditions of an emotional landscape within. From the pioneering folktronica of 1996’s Trailer Park to the earthy classic-rock of 2006’s Comfort of Strangers, through to this year’s critically acclaimed The Ground Above (which Pitchfork called “deeply felt and beautifully arranged”), the through-line of her work is its emotional clarity. She brings that abundant back-catalogue to the fittingly architectural surroundings of Stoller Hall this October.
Blossoms Intimate Album Launch Shows
Following the release of their new album, Songs From The Wedding Cake, local legends Blossoms will play a series of intimate shows. The shows include an early and an evening show in Middlesbrough on October 13, and in Stockport at The Plaza, on October 15, as well as a couple further afield in Kingston and Liverpool. The dates are an exclusive chance to see the band in some more modest venues ahead of their full scale tour across November and December where you can catch them on two dates at the Co-op Live.
Suddenly Real Posters
Creative hub Altogether Otherwise have teamed up with Dr. Martens to launch a free open studio for anyone who needs a poster. Lost cat, starting a club, putting a band together or hosting an event? They’ll help you put together a high-impact poster with low-tech techniques, with the idea of creating a space where people can turn an idea into something real, without needing a big budget or a professional design studio. They’ll be hosting sessions each Monday and Wednesday evening, creating an ongoing space for Manchester’s community of makers, organisers, musicians and simply anyone with something to say. Join them for the launch on the 14th, when you can get stuck into poster making but there’ll also be music and drinks to celebrate. Free to go, just book online.
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
Plunge yourself into an immersive experience exploring the galaxy, witnessing the lifecycle of stars and marvelling at the scale of blackholes. This immersive experience has been created with scientific backing through collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) to create not just an exhibition but a complete experience. Whether you’ve got a rocket obsessed kid or you’ve never been able to stop looking up at the stars yourself, this experience promises to be memorable for all the family.
Dave East
Harlem rapper Dave East heads to Manchester with the gritty street storytelling and heavy East Coast sound that’s made him one of modern New York rap’s most respected names. Signed by Nas after years on the mixtape circuit, East has built a cult following through projects like Kairi Chanel, Paranoia: A True Story and the Karma series, alongside his role as Method Man in Wu-Tang Clan: An American Saga.
Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
More than 200 of the UK’s leading makers are returning to Manchester for the North’s biggest craft fair. Founded 19 years ago, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair has become a highlight of Manchester’s cultural calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from across the UK.Set in the stunning Victoria Baths, designers and makers working across jewellery, ceramics, textiles, furniture and more will be exhibiting and selling their work, each hand-selected by an independent panel of craft experts.
Indie Brass Club
A unique new club night comes to Manchester, taking over the Deaf Institute. A live brass band will reimagine indie classics from the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Courteeners, Oasis and Pulp. The six-piece brass band, known as Dizzie Brascalls, have played in traditional marches and classical arrangements, as well as playing as session musicians for Lily Allen, amongst others. They’ll be blasting indie anthems from 7-10pm on Thursday 15th. Secure your ticket now and you’ll never again have to wonder what Mr Brightside on brass sounds like.
Depths at Sexy Fish
World-renowned Japanese restaurant and Manchester staple Sexy Fish is launching a new cocktail menu inspired by the world beneath the surface of the ocean. They’ve devised the menu, called Depths, to follow four distinct chapters reflecting different stages of the evening; Surface, Sunlight, Twilight and Abyss. Each has an array of cocktails of varying strengths and flavour profiles including the Coral Margarita, (Casamigos Blanco Tequila, yuzushu, watermelon and wasabi) the Reverie, (Zacapa No.23 Rum, chai, coconut, coffee, pineapple) and the Halcyon (Grey Goose Vodka, chamomile, pandan, passion fruit and yoghurt). Available from 8 October, book a table to try them out.
Dahlia Stereo sessions: Gia Fu
The next instalment of Dahlia Stereo’s sessions sees salsa sensation Gia Fu play Manchester for the first time with an extended set. The prominent Chinese DJ and music producer has gained international acclaim for her mastery of Afro-Latin music and her unique blends with traditional Chinese elements. Book a table or get access to the guest list for free.
Takuya Nakamura (Live)
Seamlessly blending deep jazz with cutting edge electronic production, master of his craft Takuya Nakamura will play a live set at New Century supported by edv3ctor and RHI. Having studied under jazz legends and shaping New York’s grime scene, Nakamura has spent years honing his craft and pushing the boundaries of genre. Known for his energetic sets which see him behind the decks and playing the trumpet – this is an event you won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
5 Years of Rollout
Drum & bass label Rollout Records are celebrating five years by throwing a party at The Bag Factory. Linking up with their friends Beet Roots Soundsystem who’ll be supplying the subs, they’ve even got a very special late licence so the party can go on into the early hours. With a stacked line-up including Mortlock, Leks, Widzy B2B Scribe and loads more, get tickets in advance, it’s gonna be a small setting with big speakers and big tunes.
Love Is The Answer presents Ben Park
House Associates are hosting another rave for a good cause. This time it’s at Stage and Radio, and they’ve lined up Max Shaw and Ben Park to take control of the decks and spin an extended set. Expect early 90s house, a friendly dance floor and no pretensions, plus it’s all in aid of a good cause. Tickets are free but donate when you buy one or on the night as they’re raising money for Sarcoma UK plus fostering good vibes and good times.
Alice Cooper: Devil on My Shoulder Book Tour
After more than six decades at the heart of rock and roll history, Alice Cooper is telling all in his long-awaited autobiography and now his book tour. Landing at Manchester Opera House on Friday 16 October, Cooper will talk about the highs and lows of being a rock icon, theatrical pioneer and just generally having an extraordinary life with guest moderator and Absolute Radio host Clair Sturgess.
SALO presents SEVEN with CUPRA
Named one to watch by BBC Introducing Manchester, Salford-based SALO presents an exclusive screening of her song SEVEN’s music video at CUPRA City Garage. Blending soul and jazz with drum & bass and jungle, SEVEN explores finding the resolves to walk away from a troubled relationship. The screening will be followed by a live performance by SALO and her band and then a DJ takes over to host an after-party until 9pm. Entry is free, but places are limited to sign up on line to secure your place and make sure to get there early.
Badger In The Wild
Viral garage sensation Badger takes over the Joshua Brooks basement for a night of mega baseline and jungle in an intimate house-party type setting. As part of his UK tour, Badger’s made a conscious effort to select grass routes venues and smaller clubs, supporting the nightlife that’s so integral to the music scene. He’ll be supported by Larishka and Shadev, as the night goes on from 10pm until 4 in the morning.
Eric Prydz
House mega-star Eric Prydz makes his return to Manchester after four long years with a headline show at The Warehouse Project, taking on the cavernous Concourse room solo. Due to the nature of the show, tickets will be very limited and it’s recommended you get on the wait for presale. It’s no phone’s allowed so you’ll have no choice but to be immersed in the euphoric music of a man whose shaped the scene for decades, can’t complain at that can you.
Neighbourhood Festival 2026
Manchester’s biggest multi-venue festival is back with a mega lineup. Neighbourhood is taking over venues across Manchester city centre, with headliners including Keo and Red Rum Club plus over 80 other artists. With one wristband you’ll get access to all the shows and venues with music starting from midday on Saturday 17 October. Previous alumni of the festival include Blossoms, Sam Fender and Mabel, so this could be your chance to see the next big thing before they blow up, plus get to know Manchester’s incredible music scene and support the city’s grass roots venues with just one ticket. Be quick though, tickets are on their final release.
Jeans And A Nice Top
A big night out for the huns, New Century are hosting a night of indie-sleaze and bratty pop with drag artist Koko Popperz selecting the tunes. Expect to hear all the best pop-girlies including Charli XCX, M.I.A, La Roux, Kate Nash, Lady Gaga, Lilly Allen, Britney Spears and much, much more. No stress about attire, it’s obviously jeans and a nice top. Just pour yourself some Echo Falls and get down.
Manchester Wine Festival
Back after three sold out years, Manchester Wine Festival is back at Victoria Warehouse across two sessions on Saturday 17 October. For the price of your ticket, you’ll get unlimited wine (plus bottles with exclusive discounts to buy, if you discover a banger), loads of tastings, games and masterclasses plus live DJs bringing the vibes, access to exclusive merch and food from favourite local food vendors including The Crafty Cheeseman, Oyster Buoys and Erst. Choose your session afternoon (1pm-4.30pm) or evening (5.30pm-9pm) and get down to see what all the fuss is about.
Harvest Celebrations at Platt Fields Market Garden
A glorious annual celebration of harvest season, Platt Fields Market sees local artist Jasmin Issaka hold a number of creative workshops this year, for all ages resulting in a ‘play in a day’. There’ll be set building, costume creating and performance workshops between 10-4 with a performance held at the end of the day at 5pm. There’ll also be a seasonal feast for both the performers and attendees. MUD Kitchen and ARMR will host a lunch for those involved in the workshops and a dinner for attendees of the play to tuck into after the show. It’s all being held in conjunction with wildly on-trend perfumery Ffern, as part of their Folk Foundation initiative, supporting the new generation of British folk arts and traditions.
Richy Ahmed
As Sankeys’ autumn season gets into full swing, their new Sidney Street venue welcomes long-time Sankeys fave Richy Ahmed to take over the decks. Keeping their music-first ethos and dancefloor experience focus there’s still a no-phone policy and a spotlight on the community and shared experience that’s made them renowned for being at the forefront of the underground scene. The new venue is an intimate 500 capacity with a new secret second room and more dancefloor space. Richy will be joined by Sankeys regulars Luca606 and Alex Bourne amongst a stacked lineup throughout autumn/winter.
Sleazy F Baby: Northern Quarter Confidential Party
Stage & Radio are hosting a launch party for Sleazy F Baby’s new EP, Northern Quarter Confidential. The EP sees Sleazy step into a smoother, jazzier and more introspective world and to celebrate, he’s put together a seriously strong line-up of the best Manchester talent including Sniff from Blah Records, China Lilly, Gilly MCR and Diminutive Arthur, before performing a headline set himself.
AMC Gospel Choir
AMC Gospel Choir perform at Factory International’s Aviva Studios for black history month. Known for their vibrancy and power, AMC Gospel Choir is one of the UK’s top Gospel Choirs, regularly performing in venues across Manchester, on BBC Songs of Praise and as part of the legendary Hacienda Classical tour. Expect awe-inspiring soundscapes, impressive solos and incredible musical arrangements with a rich and joyful sound. Tickets are free, just reserve your space on the Factory International website.