As we finally edge closer and closer to February, we’ve rounded up some excellent budget-friendly activities to see you through what feels like an endless slog of a month.

From all-night Afro-House parties at YES to Pop Art exhibitions at Factory International, here’s our rundown of the best free things to do in Manchester this week…

It Started With a Seed | Manchester Poetry Library | Mon 20 Jan | From 10am - 4.30pm

There’s still some time to catch Manchester Poetry Library’s It Started With a Seed exhibition which explores an inspiring showcase of poetry, film, audio, art, storytelling and more, inspired by Manchester Met’s 200th anniversary.

The exhibition spotlights six early-career artists who were commissioned to create works that explore the University’s history – including hidden and contested narratives – through fresh and imaginative perspectives.

Manchester Metropolitan University, Ormond Building, Lower Ormond Street, Manchester M15 6BX, Tel: 0161 247 2000
Songs For The Storm To Come | HOME | Tue 21 Jan | From 12pm - 8pm

You’ve got until Sun 2 Febr to catch HOME’s Songs For The Storm To Come exhibition which features the work of award-winning and internationally renowned Greek/British artist, Mikhail Karikis, who addresses the urgency of climate change.

The immersive sound and multi-screen installation embraces both science and personal perspectives, centring on collective and individual responses to the impending transformations of the UK based on forecasts from climate change scientists.

2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester M15 4FN, Tel: 0161 200 1500
Factory Remix: The Art of Pop | Wed 22 Jan | Factory International | 7pm- 9pm

Swing by Factory International this Wednesday to catch musicians Venn Smyth and Jamsheed Master as they celebrate pop icons, inspired by artist David Hockney, who is widely hailed as one of Britain’s most important contributors to the Pop Art movement.

Venn and Jamsheed will be delving into The Art of Pop, allowing attendees to delight in music from across the decades and celebrate pop icons, queer pop, original pop and British pop.

ToDaRhythm 009 | Ramona | Sat 25 Jan | 7pm - 1am

There’s yet another cracking TDR event taking place at Ramona this weekend which promises to banish those persistent January blues.

For their first party of the year, attendees will be treated to groovy sets from the likes of Jack Berry, Niz, Nótos, Temp.0 and Triple D.

40 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JG, Tel: 0161 441 9020
Tempo Shift Vol.10: Afro-House Special | YES | Sat 25 Jan | 11pm - 4am

If you’ve yet to make Saturday night plans, look no further than YES which is hosting volume 10 of Tempo Shift featuring local DJ, Obeka.

Celebrating the intricacies of tradition and the current impacts of global expression in music taking the world by storm, Obeka, will be spinning all the bes Afro-House from the late night until the early hours.

38 Charles Street Manchester, M1 7BD, Tel: 0161 273 2725
Mon 20 Jan - Sun 26 Jan
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 20 Jan 2025