Free things to do this week ft. Board Games, Manchester After Hours + more

Games Night at Nexus Art Café
Board games nights have been cropping up across the city lately in all kinds of venues, branching out from the specialist shops that used to house them. This particular one is run by Nexus Gaming Group and takes place in the low key surroundings of the Dale Street café. It will feature a range of board games for you to try your hand at, amongst a mixed group of amateurs and hardcore enthusiasts. Registration for the event is essential, and if you’re dropping by be sure to check out Salford Zine Library, which is based out of the café.
Mon 9 May, Nexus Art Café, 2 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 1JW, 7pm – 10pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk 

Poetry Workshops at Chetham’s Library
This free event at the historic Chetham’s Library features not one, not two, but three poetry workshops delivered by different poetry groups. Mouthy Poets (pictured) present a session on how to develop poetic voice, Write Minds present some taster activities to help get you expressing yourself and a session by Big White Shed encourages you to create autobiographical pieces. An excellent oppotunity for those looking to break into poetry, or just looking for a new way to be creative. Registration is required for the event..
Thu 12 May, Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB, 7pm – 7.45pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Manchester After Hours
This Thursday it’s time for Manchester After Hours, an exciting citywide event where museums, galleries and other artistic spaces leave their doors open for the night. If the thrill of being in a museum after hours isn’t enough, there’s also a host of special events at venues including RNCM, The Whitworth and The Lowry. We’ve already run a preview with some of our highlights, but see the link below for a full breakdown of the Manchester After Hours’ extensive programme.
Thu 12 May, Various venues, 6pm – late, www.creativetourist.com

Fashion and Freedom at Manchester Art Gallery
This new exhibition opens at Manchester Art Gallery this Friday, which looks at the impact of World War One on women’s clothing. As well as being a fascinating history lesson, it also showcases a range of unique pieces by female designers, such as Vivienne Westwood. For more details, check out our full preview of the exhibition.
Fri 13 May – Sun 27 Nov, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL, Tel: 0161 235 8888, 10am – 5pm, www.manchesterartgallery.org