Free things to do in Manchester this weekend ft. Dirt Factory + more

Discolypso at Band on the Wall
Band on the Wall relaunches their beloved free club night Discolypso this Friday night. Our extended preview has the full lowdown.
Fri 15 Mar, Band On The Wall, 25 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ, Tel: 0161 834 1786, 11pm, www.bandonthewall.org

Workshop at Dirt Factory
Dirt Factory is the brainchild of a group of committed pedal heads, who are in the process of converting a disused warehouse into an indoor bike park: All the ramps and hills and tracks of a woodland activity centre, but with none of the weather. This Saturday they’re running a workshop session where you’ll get the chance to have an early peek at their still-under-construction tracks, and also get the opportunity to lend a helping hand putting the finishing touches on the bike park.
Sat 16 Mar, Dirt Factory, Mayfield, Manchester, M12 6HW, 1pm – 4pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Will Pham at CFCCA
Artist Will Pham comes to the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art this Friday to talk about his work and his time travelling around East Asia as part of an artists’ exchange programme. Our full preview has more details.
Sat 16 Mar, Jasmine Suite, Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, Market Buildings, 13 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1EU, Tel: 0161 832 7271, 2pm – 4pm, www.cfcca.org.uk

Everythings Gone Green at YES
Charles Street venue YES is being taken over all Saturday afternoon for this vegan food fest. Meat and dairy free makers from across the region will be setting up shop, offering everything from cheese-free pizza to vegan brownies. Check out our full preview for more details.
Sat 16 Mar, YES, 38 Charles Street, Manchester. M1 7BD, Tel: 0161 273 2725, 12pm – 6pm, www.facebook.com

Saint Patrick’s Day at YES
This Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day and there’s really no shortage of boozers offering a proper knees up, but for our money (or lack thereof) the best pick for Paddy’s Day is – once again – YES on Charles Street. The three-storey venue will be hosting an Eirestravaganza with live music from The Rhythm Method and Afghan Sand Gang, and a DJ set from Scott Brooks. To sweeten the deal, they’re also serving up free Jameson’s cocktails to earlycomers – so get down and get ólta.
Sun 17 Mar, YES, 38 Charles Street, Manchester. M1 7BD, Tel: 0161 273 2725, 7pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com