The big day is finally just around the corner! Amidst the Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day antics, we’ve rounded up a handful of some goings on around the city should you want to leave the comfort of your sofa this week.

From open mic nights in the Northern Quarter’s favourite jazz bar to a full-evening rave hosting one of the most iconic names in UK Dance Music History, here’s our rundown of the five best free things to do in Manchester this week…

All Star Jam | Matt & Phreds | Mon 23 Dec | 8pm - 11pm

Head to Matt & Phreds this Monday to see the house band, Dreamer, take to the stage and fill the venue with the very best Funk, Soul, and Disco from across the decades.

Whether you join Dreamer on stage, have a boogie or simply sit back and enjoy the vibes – this is shaping up to be a great way to kick off the week.

64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW, Tel: 0161 273 5495
Unpicking Couture | Manchester Art Gallery | Fri 27 Dec | 10am - 5pm

You’ve still got a few weeks to catch the Unpicking Couture exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery until it ends on Sun 12 Jan.

Told through a collection of stunning pieces from across the last century, the exhibition celebrates a number of groundbreaking moments from the world of fashion.

Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL, Tel: 0161 235 8888
David Hockney: Family drop-ins | Factory International | Fri 27 Dec | 11am - 2pm

If you’re stuck on finding things for your little ones to do over the holidays, check out Factory International’s free holiday drop-ins inspired by their winter exhibition David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away).

Factory International are hosting a series of free activities for families and children including puppet-making, paint and stick collages, 3D photography collages, mono-printing and even zine-creating so check out what’s on during the festive period and turn up!

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Detty December | Eagle Bar Deansgate | Fri 27 Dec | 10pm - 2.30am

If you’re in the mood for a night out post-Christmas, check out Deansgate’s Eagle Bar as they’re putting on a full evening affair featuring the best of Afrobeats, HipHop, Amapiano, and RnB music,

Head over for a night filled with good vibes, good energy and some very groovy music.

310 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4HE, Tel: 0161 839 8951
Ramona Radio Rave | Ramona | Sat 28 Dec | 7pm - 1am

Ramona’s the place to be this weekend as they’ll be hosting one of the most iconic names in UK Dance Music History.

None other than British drum and bass DJ, Grooverider, will be taking to the decks to play a special set of his influences from 30+ years of DJing.

40 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JG, Tel: 0161 441 9020
Mon 23 Dec - Sun 29 Dec
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 23 Dec 2024