Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Doctor Who VR + more

North West Velo Fest
Running for the next two weeks is grassroots regional cycling festival North West Velo Fest, which opens with a glittery UV party at Central Library this Friday night. Check out our full preview for more details.
Fri 31 May – Sat 15 Jun, Various locations around Manchester, Event times vary, nwvelofest.com

Introduction to Acrylics at Cass Arts
Oldham Street art supplies shop Cass Arts is hosting a workshop on Saturday lunchtime to show off their range of own-brand acrylics. You’ll have the chance to get hands on lots of tubes of paint, and also learn some beginners techniques that’ll have you confidently wielding a brush in no time. As a cheeky bonus, you can claim a 15% discount on any purchases made after the session.
Sat 1 Jun, Cass Art, 55-57 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JR, 11am – 1pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Doctor Who VR Experience at Oldham Library (pictured)
The BBC launched their new interactive Doctor Who mini-episode recently to a chorus of fanfare from the nerd media, and Manchester Whovians will have the chance to check it out this Saturday afternoon at a VR installation in Oldham Library. The Runaway features voicework from the 13th Doctor herself Jodie Whittaker, and puts you right in the sonic-screwdriver-swinging action. And there’s not a rubber suit in sight!
Sat 1 Jun, Oldham Library, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, 11am – 4pm, www.eventbrite.com

King Street Festival
This weekend sees the return of the King Street Festival, including a massive 1960s-themed flower show. Our full preview has the whole lowdown.
Sat 1 Jun – Sun 2 Jun, King Street, Manchester, www.cityco.com

Bumble BFF Brew Up at LEAF
Bumble BFF is the friendship version of popular location-based dating app Bumble, and on Sunday afternoon they’re hosting this tea-tasting event. Writer and tea fan L’Oréal Blackett invites you to put away your phone for once and taste a range of brews prepared by the tea connoisseurs at LEAF. Who knows, maybe you’ll make some new friends over a hot cuppa.
Sun 2 Jun, LEAF on Portland Street, 113–115 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DW, 10am – 12pm, www.eventbrite.ie