Free things to do this weekend ft. Cowtown, the Deadly Romantics + more

Cowtown at Soup Kitchen (pictured)
It’s a rare treat to catch a free gig in Soup Kitchen’s downstairs space, but here we are with this offering from Leeds-based band Cowtown on Friday night. They play fun, breezy garage rock and are supported on the night by indie-popsters Peaness (snort) and local post-punk group Kyotoya. Doors are at 7pm, with the first band on at 7.40.
Fri 20 Jan, Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear Street, Manchester, M1 1DF. 7pm – 10.15pm, www.facebook.com

The Deadly Romantics at Eagle Inn
The second gig of this evening, and with a distinctly harder edge. The excellently-monikered Canadian hardcore outfit Thunderfuck & The Deadly Romantics will be taking over the Eagle for the evening, and bringing their on-the-nose brand of anarchic rock that weaves in influences as diverse as Queen and The Anti-Nowhere League. Truth be told, they’re more for fans of the latter.
Fri 20 Jan, Eagle Inn, 19 Collier Street, Salford, M3 7DW. 8pm – 11pm, www.facebook.com

Last Chance to See Miniature World at Castlefield Gallery
This quirky exhibition at Castlefield Gallery comes to a close this Sunday. Through several different mediums, a group of artists explore the boundaries of human knowledge. See our full preview for more details.
Until Sun 22 Jan, Castlefield Gallery, 2 Hewitt Street, Manchester M15 4GB. Tel: 0161 832 8034 Open Wed – Sun 1-6pm, www.castlefieldgallery.co.uk 

Spinningfields Makers Market
The Makers’ Markets are firmly back for 2017, offering the best in arts, crafts, food and other goodies. The flagship Spinningfields market, running all through this weekend, features fresh food from the likes of Cheshire Cheese Co. and meathounds Oh My Glaze, you’re bound to find something for every tastebud. See our full preview for more details.
Sat 21 Jan – Sun 22 Jan, Spinningfields Square and The Avenue, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH, 11am – 5pm, www.themakersmarket.co.uk

Maskoon Screening at Rethink Rebuild Manchester
The 2014 documentary Maskoon is a powerful portrayal of the conflict in Syria and its impact on the ordinary people displaced by it. The word ‘Maskoon’ comes from the Arabic for ‘Haunted’, and the film explores the conflict’s victims and their changing relationship with their home country, and the impact this has on their memories and life story. This rare screening takes place at Longsight’s Rethink Rebuild Society, and also includes a Live Skype Q&A with director Liwaa Yazji.
Sun 22 Jan, Rethink Rebuild Society, Unit 7, Longsight Business Park, Hamilton Road, Manchester, M13 0PD. 6pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk