Free things to do this week ft. Fairchild, Cards Against Humanity + more

Fairchild at Night & Day
As also featured in our gigs of the week, Australian indie band Fairchild rock up to the famous Oldham Street venue this Monday. Also on the bill are electronic group Passion Falls, Piano-led rock from Barron, Mancunian mopecore from Mayflower and a turn from singer-songwriter Livvo. It’s a packed bill for a free gig on a Monday and well worth getting right on. Advanced booking through Skiddle is strongly advised for this gig.
Mon 14 Dec, Night & Day, 26 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JN. Tel: 0161 236 1822, 7pm – 11pm, www.skiddle.com

Cards Against Humanity at Hold Fast (pictured)
Sick joke card game Cards Against Humanity caused a bit of stir when it first appeared a couple of years ago, but in spite of widespread criticism from campaigning groups (who think it’s crass and offensive), board game fanatics (who think it’s simplistic) and comedians (who resent its cookie-cutter templates for gag writing) it’s gone on to enjoy huge success. Nautical dive bar Hold Fast are hosting a tournament for teams of 3-6 people, with a grand prize of a £50 bar tab for the most battle-hardened sickos. So if you’re feeling like having a guilty chuckle and maybe picking up some prizes, why not round up a few mates to register at the bar before 8pm. Don’t forget to check your morals at the door.
Wed 16 Dec, Hold Fast, 50 Newton St, Manchester, M1 2EA. Tel: 0161 883 2950, 8pm, www.hattershostel.com

Darkness and Light at John Rylands Library
This exhibition at the John Rylands Library finally closes this weekend, so this is your last chance to catch up. The exhibition explores the relationship between architecture, science and gothic literature; looking at how towering new constructions and medical advances fed into the dark tales spun by popular writers. Amongst the items on display is a copy of the forgotten early Gothic gem The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole. Aside from the literary side of the exhibition, you can catch photography assembled by students from Salford Uni on the subject of modern-day goths. Check out our full preview here.
Thu 16 Jul – Sun 20 Dec, John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, M3 3EH. Tel: 0161 306 0555, 10am – 5pm, www.library.manchester.ac.uk