Our curated list of all the best things happening across Greater Manchester this week...
Lots on this week. Lots. Kicking off, we have Canadian metal band Kittie taking to the city while Manchester illustrator and all-round icon Stanley Chow brings and his creative world to life with a free evening of music, conversation and entertainment.
There are DJing and mending workshops on offer for the craftily inclined, alongside techno nights, blistering baile funk and an electronic day party for fans of murky MOT garages in Salford.
Here are the best things to do in Manchester this week…
Kittie
Canadian nu/goth metalers Kittie are back in Manchester following a major revival that has introduced their music to a new generation. Formed by sisters Morgan and Mercedes Lander while they were still teenagers, the band broke through with the landmark album Spit before growing into a darker, heavier force across the next two decades. Following their 2022 reunion and the release of Fire, their first album in 13 years, they return with a career-spanning set supported by Split Chain and Harpy.
An evening with Stanley Chow and Friends: The Chow Mein Event at Aviva Studios
Manchester illustrator and all-round icon Stanley Chow is bringing his creative world to life with a free evening of music, conversation, live art and offbeat entertainment. Expect DJ sets from Chow, Andy Votel and Don Leisure, a discussion on Welsh music culture, a live performance from dream-pop duo Twin Flames, and a music quiz (courtesy of Mr Votel). The highlight comes when Chow takes to the stage for a live art session, with a handful of audience members selected on the night to have their portraits illustrated in real time. Be the envy of your mates with your very own Chow, basically. Part exhibition, part social gathering and part variety show, it’s a rare chance to spend an evening inside the orbit of one of Manchester’s most distinctive creative figures.
Manchester Mending Club
Got an old pair of ripped jeans or moth-eaten jumper that you just can’t get rid of? Manchester Mending Club is here to help you re-design not discard. With this event at The Apple Core, MMC will help you fix your favourites – whether that’s socks, joggers or jackets, there’s people to help darn, stitch or sew, saving your beloved belongings from the bin. They’re open to total novices and tickets go for a donation of your choice, so no more excuses for those faves you’ve been meaning to fix.
Creative Women: DJ Workshop
Ever fancied being the selector of your own summer session but didn’t know where to start? Creative Women are hosting a widely requested DJ workshop so you can learn the basics and get set for summer shenanigans. You’ll get the chance to work with professional DJ equipment, learning everything from beat matching to song selection and room reading. If you’ve always fancied yourself behind the decks, this is your chance.
Northern Ecology
This new exhibition at Leigh Spinners Mill, Horrocks Gallery, explores the relationship between people and place, grounded in ecofeminist thought. Paying tribute to the undervalued and underpaid labour of women, the exhibition emphasises the link between the lasting social and ecological effects of the Industrial Revolution as well as the intertwined exploitation of both women and nature.
Asian Food Night Market
Taking place on every second Friday of the month, Stockport’s Asian Food Market is back. Hosted at St Mary’s Church with 16 traders, live music, free entry and a vibrant night market atmosphere, expect authentic Asian cuisine and hospitality. Kick back, make the most of the long-evenings and grab something yummy for dinner.
GOO Day Party
‘Day party’ might be a bit of a stretch for this one which starts at 5pm but given the hour you might usually find yourself at White Hotel, we’ll allow it. Huge names in the techno space Daniel Avery and Richard Fearless will be bringing you deep transcendent synths, transportive techno and ambient soundscapes at this relatively early one (there’s always to the option to join the queue for the next session, once this one finishes, of course).
i/o with O’Flynn
i/o returns to SOUP for another installation of groove-heavy dance music this time with O’Flynn headlining. A key figure in the UK electronic scene, O’Flynn’s sound is rhythmic and jazzy with African-inspired electronics, basically a guaranteed groove fest. After recent collaborations with Barry Can’t Swim and a stellar new album just dropped, if you’re not familiar with O’Flynn now, you will be shortly. Joining O’Flynn on the bill is Flex (UK) as well as resident DJs smiffybros and tworam.
Henri Lloyd Sample Sale
Iconic Manchester-founded sailing brand Henri Lloyd is hosting a sample sale with up to 70% off their current collections. Terrace NQ will host the one day event, where shoppers can not only browse current collections at discounted prices, but will also have exclusive access to the Henri Lloyd archive collection, all set to the backdrop of a live DJ. The event is on until 4pm but stock is limited so get down early to get those discounts!
Bitrate with Mr Weebl
The man behind ear-worms a plenty and many a playground chant plays a live-set at Manchester’s Concept Haus as part of Bitrate electronic day party. An OG of the internet, Mr Weebl has songs on everything from badgers to narwhals and they’re all equally as infectious. He’ll be joined by NTS monthly host Spinee, fearofmako, a Manchester based hyper-pop artist and Kaoti a 2026 BBC Introducing one to watch. Alongside musical acts, expect laughs in the form of Charlotte Cropper’s MCing, Weebl’s signature videos blown up on a video wall and tasty food on offer. Tickets are on sale now, with a limited number discounted if you’re buying for you and a mate.
Alt Baile presents Caio Hot
Alt Baile returns to Off The Square for a night of Baile Funk. Caio Hot headlines with his UK debut as the Brazilian brings his signature blend of funk and underground club influences to the dancefloor joined by residents and local guests. The most exciting music movement coming out of Brazil, a night dedicated to Baile Funk is not one to miss for dance music enthusiasts and pleasure-seekers alike.
Microfunk presents In:Most at Bruk
In:Most are kicking off a new season of Microfunk free events with their signature laid back D&B. The duo are known for a blend of cutting-edge sound design, minimal D&B grooves and elegant arrangements. They’re playing the first Microfunk night of the season hosted at Bruk in the heart of Stockport’s Underbank, dedicated to experimental drum and bass and electronica. Completely free and running until the early hours, get down.
UK B-Boy Championships – World Breaking Finals 2026
Beats, battles and blow-ups are coming to Manchester as the UK B-Boy Championships 2026 take to the Manchester stage. On 16 August, the World Breaking Finals will be lighting up Aviva Studios with the top breakers and global break MCs and DJs serving up dynamic power moves, blazing footwork and killer beats. From electric head-to-head B-Boy and B-Girl battles to fierce 6v6 crew throwdowns, be there to witness the breaking elite compete for the coveted World Titles. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or fresh to the floor, this legendary competition promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the art of breaking and celebrates the heart and soul of hip-hop.
Joji
The SOLARIS World Tour lands in Manchester as Joji plays his most ambitious live show to date. The artist behind Glimpse of Us and SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK brings his distinct mix of lo-fi, R&B and trip hop to the stage as he tours his new album Piss In The Wind. If you’ve been anywhere on the internet in the last few years you’ll recognise his hits and his fourth album cements him as a genre-defining artist, balancing haunting melodies with gritty yet atmospheric production.
Backyard Sauna x The Landing
Backyard Sauna are taking their roaming wellness to Stockport’s The Landing for a session of outdoor saunas and showers. A beautiful rooftop garden providing produce for Where The Light Gets In, The Landing has expanded to host a bunch of events recently and now they’ll be hosting wood-fired Finnish Saunas and cold water showers at £10 for a 50 minute session. Bring swimwear and shoes to walk between the two and enjoy a Sunday wellness session in a gorgeously curated garden.
50% off food and drinks at The Second Floor Brasserie and Bar at Harvey Nichols
Planning a trip to Harvey Nics this summer? A very good excuse for a long lunch in the city… Get 50% off your entire bill throughout August. Enjoy brunch, lunch, small plates or second floor signature dishes including Steak Frites or a Lobster Roll as well as a wide selection of champagne, cocktails and fine wine. Simply mention ‘Manchester’s Finest’ to a member of the team when visiting to claim the offer.
Stopford House Party
Set in Stockport’s Brutalist Square, this free day festival is jam-packed with live music, delicious food and drink and creative workshops. The Ted Branson Quartet set the tone with live jazz, as beverages are provided by Runaway Brewery or HUSTLE for coffee. Auntie Lou’s will be serving up their usual delicious seasonal offerings, while you get stuck into a brutalist badge workshop, a guided photo walk, or just enjoy the vibes.