Our curated list of all the best things happening across Greater Manchester this week...
Lots to feed mind, body and soul this week. Try the new Calfreezy X Hawksmoor burger from Monday or sit down for a Palestinian take on Cheshire produce at The White Horse’s guest chef series on Tuesday.
Go to a talk on Manchesterism, the link between Women’s Suffrage and golf, or tales of true crime across the week.
There’s also soul nights, classical music in a cathedral and, of course, Manchester Carnival returns for a huge celebration of community and culture.
As per usual in this great city, there’s something for everyone so whatever you fancy, have at it.
Here are the best things to do in Manchester this week…
Calfreezy X Hawksmoor Burger Launch
YouTuber Calfreezy has teamed up with Hawksmoor as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations to launch a limited-edition bacon double cheeseburger available from the 3rd of August. After years of reviewing burgers for his YouTube channel, Cal has joined the team at Hawksmoor to develop The Burgurr which features two dry-aged British beef patties, American cheese, smoked streaky bacon, white onion and signature burger sauce on a milk bun and will be £20 on it’s own or £25 with fries. This is two titans of burgers coming together and available for a limited-time only, so don’t miss out if you’re a burger-buff yourself.
Fadi Kattan X Gary Usher
The White Horse’s next instalment of their acclaimed Guest Chef Series is bringing together Franco-Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan and British chef Gary Usher with a unique meeting of Palestinian cuisine and Cheshire produce. Diner’s can expect six courses including, labaneh and courgette, Khiar bil Labdan and a lamb rack paired with freekeh, one of the oldest cultivated grains of the Levant. Tickets include the six courses with the option to add-on a Palestinian wine-pairing provided by Nabeeth Wine and Spirits.
Strange Britains Unsolved True Crime Night
True Crime fans and dark humour lovers will be thrilled that UNSOLVED is back for summer 2026 with all new cases. Expect the strange and spooky with unexpected twists, perplexing details and impossible outcomes as storyteller Adrian Finney dives into historic unsolved-murders and baffling investigations. Tickets on sale now, arrive early to secure the best seats.
The Read Room: Book Club
Co-hosted by best-friends Kya and Sophia, The Read Room is re-inventing the book club for a new age. Set in Manchester’s coolest bars and paired with a cocktail, the girls host the author of each edition’s book for a Q&A followed by a DJ set. This month, interdisciplinary artist Tice Cin will talk about her debut novel Keeping the House and perform the DJ set herself, at the CUPRA City Garage. Tickets are free this time around, so make the most of it, and the first fifty through the door get a free copy of the book too.
Make Edible Slime
Slime that’s made of sweets… what more could you want? Oli The Choc, Master Chocolatier, as seen on This Morning and The Cake and Bake Show, will be at Warrington Market Mezzanine teaching you how to make your very own edible chocolate slime. You’ll also get to make you own chocolate lollipop and take it home, if it lasts that long. Open to anyone over the ages of three, getting tickets in advance is advised as Oli’s known to sell out.
Steve Gunn
Former guitarist in Kurt Vile’s Violators, Steve Gunn brings his intricate, quietly hypnotic blend of folk, psychedelia and experimental rock to the YES Basement. Across more than two decades, the New York-based musician has worked with artists including Ryley Walker, Mdou Moctar and Julianna Barwick, while building a cult following through winding guitar meanderings and beautifully understated songwriting. He arrives following the release of Daylight Daylight, a spacious and reflective album exploring memory, mortality and the passing of time.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival
Returning to the beautifully restored Town Hall Square, this year Rochdale’s Feel Good Festival brings two-time Brit award winner and Dreams Can Come True singer Gabrielle to perform a headline set. With support from rock group Ash and melodic indie dons starsailor, as well as a host of emerging local talent, the festival boasts a grade-I listed building as a backdrop and a plethora of food traders and pop-up bars to keep you fed and watered. A truly memorable day and night out in the offing.
The Lard Ascending
Experience The Lard Ascending and Duruflé’s Requiem live in Concert at Manchester’s Cathedral. The concert will be performed by the acclaimed Tallis Choral Foundation set against the beauty of one of Manchester’s most historic landmarks. The programme will feature other classical music favourites performed by an ensemble of handpicked young singers from across the UK. Tickets help the Tallis Choral Foundation in their work supporting exceptional young singers at the beginning of their career and secure your place at what’s set to be an ethereal evening of musical excellence. A limited number are also available free for the under 30s, so secure your place quickly.
The Pop Culture Roots of Manchesterism: Pints of Knowledge
Manchester’s been in the headlines a bit lately, you might’ve noticed. Manchesterism’s become the word but what does it actually mean? Journalist Andy Spinoza reported on the Madchester music scene in it’s prime, later spending 25 years promoting the city and publishing a book, Manchester Unspun, on how the city transformed into the cultural hub it is now. He’ll be speaking at Fairfield Social Club to explain how the city of the moment came to be. Enjoy the 45 minute lecture with a drink followed by a Q&A, and you’ll be well placed to impress your mates next time the topic comes up.
Room At The Top Soul Club
Soul lovers unite for Room at the Top’s third anniversary special. Tucked away in the Northern Quarter, upstairs at Aatma, expect low lighting and minimal seating in a space that captures the dark, gritty nature of the old-school soul scene. They’ll be spinning up-tempo Northern Soul classics as well as rare records from the 60s and 70s. One you’ll be talking about long after the night is all over. Bring talc.
Summer in the City Picnic at Circle Square
Looking for an alfresco Saturday options? Circle Square’s Summer Picnic has you sorted, with arts and crafts, DJs, gym classes, roaming musicians, good food and even a silent disco – all outdoors. Look no further to make the most of the summer sun, whatever your vibe. Kicking off at 11, and running until 5, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained too, including giant lawn games and crazy golf. It’s also completely free to attend, so whether you fancy a cocktail or a coffee (or maybe both?) it’s worth checking out.
Foraging in Didsbury
Foliage, flowers, mushrooms and more will be explored in this foraging course, designed to empower you to make the most of what’s available in the wilds of the suburbs. With half or full-day options, the course takes the form of a guided walk stopping to discuss (and possibly eat) all that nature has to offer. Expect to learn how to identify certain species, avoid the toxic ones and get up to speed on foraging laws to allow you to forage freely. Includes a couple of pre-prepared wild food samples and a follow-up email reminding you of everything you’ve learnt, with the option to add a two-course lunch.
Hole-In-One at The Pankhurst Trust
Have you ever wondered about the role of golf in getting women the vote? No us either, but it’s the subject of a fascinating-sounding lunchtime talk at The Pankhurst Trust on Saturday. Hear about how suffragettes chased prime ministers across golf courses and cut ‘Votes For Women’ into the greens in this hour-long talk. Just a fiver to attend and discover the links between patriarchy, privilege and golf.
Manchester Caribbean Carnival 2026
Manchester Carnival returns for 2026 with a celebration of Caribbean culture across two days and multiple events. Kicking off bright and early join in with Jou’vert from 7am, the main parade will then make it’s way through Moss Side with stunning spectacles, roaming dance troops and more. Carnival in the Park will be offering a massive line-up of musical talent across multiple stages and genre’s in a huge celebration of community and heritage that’s widely anticipated every year.
Drag Queen Story Hour
Acclaimed children’s author and Drag Queen Aida H Dee hosts an inclusive, joyful and inspiring family story hour for LGBTQ+ community, allies and children of all ages. Engaging children’s creativity and love of reading through positive, interactive storytelling experiences expect songs, laughter and a celebration of diversity.