Free things to do this weekend ft. Rocketship Forest, Pang Pang Brewery + more

Rocketship Forest Single Launch at Aatma (pictured)
Alternative folk punk band Rocketship Forest are putting out a new single, and you can get a free advance listen this Friday night by heading down to their launch party at clandestine Faraday Street venue Aatma. As well as enjoying live performances from RF and multi-instrumental solo support act Patrick McKenzie, attendees will be able to grab free download codes for the new single – the wryly titled Time Slips Like a Disc – and hot-of-the-press-not-released-til-2018 single Lizard Man.
Fri 15 Dec, Aatma, 1st Floor, 14-16 Faraday Street, Manchester, M1 1BE. 7.30pm – 10.30pm, www.facebook.com

Pang Pang Brewery Takeover at Brewdog
Irreverent Swedish brewers Pang Pang Brewery are setting up shop in craft beer powerhouse Brewdog this Friday, where you can go and taste some of their wonderful brews. Amongst the keg and bottled ales on offer is the refined Gaffa Earl Grey IPA and plain weird Bong Water – a stout that’s cigar-smoked in a giant bong. They’ve also got Shower Beer in stock: A 10% beer designed to be consumed in the shower. Stocks are limited, so make sure you get down if you want to try the wackiest brews Scandinavia has to offer.
Fri 15 Dec, Brewdog, 35 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5BG. 6pm – 2am, www.beertoday.co.uk

Christmas Basement Sessions at LEAF
City Centre café LEAF on Portland Street has established itself as a local favourite with great breakfasts and laid-back gigs. They continue with their regular free basement sessions this Saturday night, offering up this Christmas special. Host Dom Major presents five unplugged solo acts including local act Rick Brewin and Lissy Taylor – a Staffordshire country artist who was previously based in Kentucky and brought a little Americana home with her.
Sat 16 Dec, LEAF, 113–115 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DW. 7pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com

Radar Radio Takeover at Eastern Bloc Records
London-based independent urban radio station Radar Radio are making the long journey North this Sunday, for a special all-day takeover event at Eastern Bloc Records. Radar Radio formed three years ago to promote grassroots talent and hosts many regular nights in the capital. For their Eastern Bloc gig they’ve hand-picked a selection of Northern and international acts including touring DJ Hidden Spheres, Mancunian Sonice and Eastern Bloc favourite Means&3rd. This is likely to get packed out, so arrive in plenty of time.
Sun 17 Dec, Eastern Bloc Records, 5A Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DN. 12pm – 8pm, www.facebook.com

Last Weekend of Spinningfields Christmas Makers Market
The Christmas Makers Markets have been running in Spinningfields since mid-November but this weekend is your last chance to pick up a festive handmade treat. Let local producers and craftspeople spark your gift-buying imagination with bespoke seasonal goodies. Check out our full preview for more information.
Until Sun 17 Dec, Spinningfields Square, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH. Thu–Sun 11am – 7pm, www.themakersmarket.co.uk