As we recover from the unexpected September heatwave, we can finally start thinking about buying ourselves a decent winter coat and spending the rest of the month purging on pumpkin spice lattes.

Aside from this, this week is fresher’s week, so there’s loads of parties, cheap drinks deals and free events across the city to settle any anxious student in nicely. Media City’s new food hall Kargo MKT launches on Tuesday, too, with 20 independent kitchens with cascading waterfront views.

The launch of Kargo MKT | Central Bay | Tue 12 Sep | 9am - 9pm

This one has been a long time coming. Kargo MKT is the first place to open as part of Media City’s £3.5million Central Bay redevelopment. Opening this Tuesday, the indoor / outdoor food market will house 20 independent traders, including; Leopard Pie, What’s Your Beef, Nila’s Burmese, Ad Moira and more, alongside the River Irwell. Visitors will get to enjoy a range of global cuisine, entertainment, bottomless brunches and happy hour deals.

Kargo MKT, Central Bay, Unit 32, Quayside Media City, Salford Quays, M50 3AG
Say Less free party | The Deaf Institute | Tue 12 Sep | 11pm - 3am

If you’re doing fresher’s week the right way and heading to a party every single evening for the foreseeable, you might want to add this bash at The Deaf Institute to your list. Expect hip hop, R&B, dancehall, jungle and more at this four hour party that’s practically on the doorstop of most Manchester Met student digs. Tickets are completely free and there’ll be drinks deals available at the bar all night, too.

The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HE
Soul 161 | The Old Abbey Tap House | Thu 14 Sep | 9pm - 3am

Another free party this week, but this time over in Hulme. Award-winning local boozer, The Old Abbey Taphouse is hosting a funky fresher’s get-together with a strictly soul and disco playlist. The community pub is known for throwing some of the best parties this side of the city, so expect a very welcome introduction to Manchester’s lesser-known nightlife.

The Old Abbey Taphouse, Guildhall Cl, Manchester M15 6SY
Poetry at the Pank | The Pankhurst Centre | Fri 15 Sep | 11am - 1pm

This Friday a free poetry workshop is taking place at The Pankhurst Centre. Suitable for beginners and more experienced writers, the session starts with a tour of the museum and former home of Emmeline Pankhurst. After you’ve taken inspiration from its historic walls, you’ll then begin the creative Suffrage Sonnets writing session that’s inspired by the work of influential female poets including Sylvia Pankhurst.

The Pankhurst Centre, 60-62 Nelson St, Manchester M13 9WP
Rare Finds Flea Market | Syndikat | Sun 17 Sep | 11am - 4pm

Forgive us, this isn’t completely free to attend but entry is a quid – so it’s not far off. Stockport’s Rare Finds is back at Syndikat on Sunday with a whole host of vintage and second-hand traders with homewares, clothing and accessories ready for rehoming. You’ll usually find the store at its studio inside Hilton House, but its Syndikat pop-up expands on its usual offering with an indoor car boot sale vibe with everything from vintage vases, to dinner sets and glassware, lamps and tons more.

Syndikat, 27 Great Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LN
Mon 11 Sep - Sun 17 Sep
Words:
Emma Davidson
Published on:
Mon 11 Sep 2023