Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. OverDrawn + more

Does Art History Matter? at The Whitworth
Manchester University’s Art History Society hosts this afternoon talk at The Whitworth on Monday. They’ve invited self-described ‘art critic baby gods’ The White Pube – the collective moniker for critics Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad – to tackle the question of whether art history still matters today, or if it ever did. This event is currently listed as Sold Out online, but it’s always worth checking for returns on the day.
Mon 13 May, The Whitworth, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER, 3.30pm – 4.30pm, www.facebook.com

OverDrawn at Bay Horse Tavern
Collaborative art night OverDrawn returns to beloved Northern Quarter boozer The Bay Horse Tavern. You’re invited to come and draw on the tables and take part in an illustration showdown against some of Manchester’s brightest and best artists to try and win some big prizes. Also on the night, a guest artist will be creating a piece of large-scale art live in the venue.
Wed 15 May, The Bay Horse Tavern, 35-37 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NA, 7pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com

MIF Spring Social at Fairfield Social Club (pictured)
2019’s Manchester International Festival will be starting up again soon, and you can find out more about it at this Spring Social at Fairfield Social Club. At this social, you can meet the team behind the festival, along with fellow culture vultures, and take part in creative activities and enjoy live performances. It’s all being organised by MIF Young People’s Forum and will tell you all about how to make the most of this year’s festival.
Wed 15 May, Fairfield Social Club, 6 Archway, Temperance Street, Manchester, M12 6HR, 6pm, www.mif.co.uk

The Purge Screening at 70 Oxford Street
70 Oxford Street hosts another screening as part of MMU’s ongoing Crime and Justice Film Festival. This time it’s the 2013 dystopian thriller The Purge, which kick-started a new blockbuster horror franchise on release and signalled a new dawn of experimental low-budget flicks. The screening will be followed by a talk from lecturer and former youth justice practitioner Deborah Jump.
Thu 16 May, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5NH, 6pm – 8.30pm, www.eventbrite.com