With a new name and new organisers, this will be a big year for Manchester Village Pride. And while you’ll certainly want to spend a significant chunk of your weekend partying in the Village, you might like a break from the festivities to recalibrate and recover away from the mayhem.
Here, we’ve gathered seven hand-picked alternative things to do for Pride in Manchester, including events in the week leading up to and after the bank holiday weekend. From farmers’ markets to cold plunges to thought-provoking discussions about art and science, there’s something for every energy level.
Kick off your Pride week with this special screening of the award-winning (and utterly heartbreaking) TV series It’s a Sin. A panel featuring writer Russell T Davies and actor Nathaniel Curtis (Ash), amongst others, will take place before all five episodes are shown on the big screen. It’s a rare chance to hear first-hand from the creators about the real stories behind the characters, the show’s legacy and how it will be retold for the stage.
Founding father of computer science and LGBTQ+ hero, Alan Turing has reached the level of icon status that gets you your own statue and a major road named after you.
At these talks at the Science and Industry Museum, you can learn about his fascinating life and legacy, including how he helped save millions of lives with his codebreaking work in WWII. The talks will take place in the Revolution Manchester Gallery and will be delivered by expert volunteers.
A collaboration between the Great Northern and Proud 2 b Parents, Proud Fest returns to the heart of Deansgate for a free, joyous celebration that spreads throughout the historic warehouse.
Built to be a welcoming festival for LGBTQ+ families and their allies, visitors will be treated to a day filled with live entertainment, creative activities and playful spaces. Visitors can also enjoy the Manchester Pride Parade from the Proud 2 b Parents Viewing Area in the Community Hall.
It’s not really Pride weekend without a bottomless brunch to set you up for the day. At Caravan in the St John’s district, you can enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks and your favourite brunch dish, with tempting options including vanilla pancakes, jalapeño cornbread with fried egg, Korean-style buttermilk fried chicken and loads more.
There’ll also be DJ sets and a few surprises along the way (don’t ask us – it could be anything), all for £45 per person. A £2 donation from every Pride Brunch sold goes directly to LGBTQ+ charity The Proud Trust. Walk-ins are available.
Sort your head out after your Saturday night shenanigans with this wholesome (ish) contrast therapy session at the outdoor sauna and ice bath place on top of the Treehouse Hotel. Alternate between the cold plunge and the sauna for the ultimate recovery boost. Tickets are 20% off the usual price – and include a Bloody Mary from the bar. Vitamin C plus vodka always gets us back on track.
If you’ve not had your fill of Pride celebrations over the bank holiday, head to Platt Fields Market Garden the following weekend for their fourth annual Alt Pride festival. With talks, workshops, activities, performances and live music – plus nutritious food from Root of Flower Vegan – it’s the perfect post-Pride get-together.
Saturday night, there’ll be a bar and party vibes (bring your dancing shoes or your best wellies), while Sunday will be a more sedate affair, with a focus on connection and rest, plus a free-to-attend farmers’ market with a pop-up LGBTQIA+ market.
- Words:
- Sarah Tierney
- Published on:
- Tue 18 Aug 2026
Dial back the pace a little with this thought-provoking art exhibition from Conor Collins, inspired by the archives of pioneering arts festival Queer Up North. Through painting, photography and archival materials, the exhibition explores themes of identity, visibility and remembrance while celebrating the creativity, bravery and joy that have defined Manchester’s LGBTQ+ communities. It’s a great way to put today’s Pride celebrations into historical perspective; Queer Up North ran from 1992 to 2010 and made a lasting impact on the city’s cultural identity.