There’s a whole load of goings on taking place in and around the city this week that won’t blow the bank.

From vintage pop-ups in the Northern Quarter to family Pride weekenders, here’s our rundown of the best free things to do in Manchester this week…

NOT BAD FOR A GIRL | Renae | Thu 14 Aug | 8pm - 1am

NOT BAD FOR A GIRL will be making its triumphant return to Manchester for a punchy Thursday house and disco residents’ takeover.

Get ready to boogie all evening as you soak in the über cool surroundings of the hot new Northern Quarter haunt.

45-47 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA
La Fiesta X The Henry Revue ft. Chilli Chacha | Band on the Wall | Fri 15 Aug | 10pm - 2am

If you’ve not yet made plans for Friday evening, look no further than Band on the Wall’s weekly La Fiesta night.

The week, the likes of Chilli Chacha – a super talented and passion-driven singer/performer, who loves to bring positivity, energy and good vibes through music and dance – will be taking to the stage to bring you unique and fresh interpretations of Soul, R&B, Jazz, Reggae and Afrobeats tunes.

25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ, Tel: 0161 834 1786
Lockup Vintage Super Sale | Ducie Street | Sat 16 & Sun 17 Aug | 11am - 6pm

Lockup Vintage’s huge End of Season Super Sale pop-up shop at Ducie Street Warehouse is well worth waking up early for this weekend.

You can peruse the £5 & £10 rails with discounts on the vintage hub’s entire summer stock selection of thousands of 90s & y2k pieces.

Whether you cop a bargain or just have a browse – this one is sure to be good!

Ducie St, Manchester M1 2TP, Tel: 0161 503 9460
Manchester Pride celebrations | Arndale | Sat 16 Aug & Sun 17 Aug | 12pm - 6pm (5.30pm on Sun)

Pride is arriving early this year with a free, family-friendly launch party at Manchester Arndale, in partnership with Ghetto Fabulous and Manchester Pride.

The upcoming Pride Weekender will offer a show-stopping live drag catwalk and Lip Sync Brawl performances from the team at Ghetto Fabulous, as well as mini-makeovers from the likes of BPerfect, Lush, The Body Shop and Space NK.

Manchester M4 3AQ, Tel: 0161 833 9851
Hit & Run presents SIT & BUN REGGAE SUNDAY with Mungo's Hi-Fi | Freight Island | Sun 17 Aug | 1pm - 11pm

End the week right over at Freight Island as the mighty Mungo’s Hi-Fi will be treating the city to a cracking three-hour set for free.

DOM BLOOD & FIRE, SL8R x SLAY x J-KEN presents The Friends & Family EP, while SELECTACEE (Sexy Lady Massive), KILLAMANJARO b2b KILLAMUMJARO and Rich Reason will also be making appearances, so you know it’s ‘gonna be good…

Depot Mayfield, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ
Mon 11 Aug - Sun 17 Aug
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 11 Aug 2025