Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. winter garden markets, art all-dayer & many more

Head down to Platt Fields Park this weekend to kick off the festive season in style. Support the Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD) alongside the many crafty makers in the city for an all-day event of music, arts & crafts, workshops and much more.

Get ready for a whole host of cracking performers, artists, crafters, chefs and everything else in between for MUD’s first-ever Winter Garden Market. Whether you cosy up under a marquee with a cup of something hot or strong, peruse the many market stalls or just get the little ones involved in some crafty activities—this one ticks all the boxes.

Fancy some community and conscious chatter about the climate? Look no further.

This Saturday, über cool Partisan Collective down at New Islington Mill are putting on an afternoon of community cinema. All about connection and collaboration, the event will consist of a screening of David Attenborough’s A Life On Our Planet and will be followed by an informal chat about the climate crisis and a mega zine-making session. Whether you fancy your hand at creating your very own indie zine or you just want to stay along for the discussion—this one is a perfect blend of creativity and compassion.

Head to the ever-so-popular Hallé St Peters for Cotton On MCR’S winter edition of their Art All-Dayer.

Centred around promoting the local art scene, celebrating the talent of this city and encouraging independent artists to keep on keeping on—this is a brilliant event to throw your support behind.

Expect over 60 stellar artists selling their creations from jewellery, to art, to homeware (all of which would make perfect Christmas gifts) alongside a load of festive-themed art workshops. Even better? There will also be a solo art exhibition with an opportunity for you as the audience to cast your vote on who is the Manc of the Month. All of that, plus knowing that you’re supporting the local culture and art scene for a quid is definitely a bargain.

Hosted in East Didsbury, Manchester City Council are putting on another jam-packed climate emergency event.

Expect informative talks from the Climate Champions covering everything from recycling and defending green spaces, to carbon literacy in young people and how local communities can support their neighbourhood in this eco-emergency. With refreshments offered on arrival for an evening of networking, discussing and socialising with one shared mission to unify all—this is a great mid-week motive to get behind and show some much-needed support to.

With the fitting slogan of ‘Come get weird’, head to YES’ basement this Friday to begin the weekend with a bang.

An ode to the odd, the funky and the bizarre—this night is sure to be different from your regular. In charge of the decks are hit duo, Paryah, spinning some wicked House bangers right through to the early hours. Spanning just about every subgenre of House, from tech to disco—this is sure to get you in the mood for a well-earned boogie.