Free things to do this weekend, ft. Waterside Arts, Waterside Food and Craft Market + Heritage Open Days

This week there’s potential for some seriously good – and seriously cultured – free days out, with outdoor theatre, food and craft markets, 19th century books and so much more on the agenda.

Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days have been designed to celebrate England’s architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are either otherwise closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors for these precious few days each September, and many of Manchester’s architectural and cultural gems are getting in on the action this year through tours, events and activities. Go behind the scenes at People’s History Museum, check out a collection of 19th century books in the splendid setting of the Portico Library – or simply browse the map to see what else is on. Honestly, you’ll be spoilt for choice, but you can check out our Top 3 here.
Thu 11 – Sun 14 Sep, Various locations, FREE, www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Waterside Arts Centre 10th Anniversary (pictured)
To kick off its 10th anniversary celebrations, the Waterside Arts Centre has planned a full day of free fun this Saturday. Across the day you’ll be entertained with arts and crafts, comedy, cupcake decorating workshops from Hey Little Cupcake, party games, face painting, balloon modelling and a ‘real life mermaid’, as well as an outdoor theatre performance of The Wind & The Sun by Tell Tale Hearts, a tale of sibling rivalry based on the original Aesop fable. Please note that while most activities are free, some may incur a small charge and thus may need booking – see the website below.
Sat 13 Sep, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF, 11am – 5pm, FREE, www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Waterside Food and Craft Market
And it’s from one waterside to another, as Salford Quays hosts its monthly Waterside Food and Craft Market this Saturday. Organised in association with Great Taste Markets, the day will give visitors a chance to not only sample and browse some of the region’s finest food, drink, artisan arts and crafts, jewellery, home ware and plants, but also meet the friendly producers behind it all that work so hard to get it to us. With over 30 traders including the Muffin Mistress, Shirley’s Pies and Kersch Studio, there will be plenty to do.
Sat 13 – Sun 14 Sep, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AH, Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 11am – 5pm, FREE, www.lowryoutlet.co.uk

Know of any upcoming free weekend events worth shouting about? Email jess at manchesterwire dot co dot uk with the deets.