Free things to do this week ft. Markets, Spoken Word + more

Last Day of Christmas Markets
This Monday, the madness finally stops and the sheds dotted around the city centre finally drop their shutters until December 2016. So whether you’re looking to grab that last minute gift at The Triangle or scoop up a final mulled wine at Albert Square, this is your very last opportunity. Check out our full preview
Sat 14 Nov – Mon 21 Dec, Albert Square, Brazennose Street, King Street, St. Ann’s Square, Market Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, 10am – 9pm daily, www.manchester.gov.uk

The Night Before the Night Before the Night Before the Night Before Christmas at The Castle
This long winded but technically accurate title is the name given to a one off spoken word night at The Castle. A joint venture between the poetry and prose dons of First Draft and The Real Story, it features a heady mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comedy and music from Manchester’s brightest, youngest things. Looks to be the last spoken word event of 2015, in what’s been a very packed calendar. Check our preview to see the full line up.
Mon 21 Dec, The Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1LE. Tel: 0161 237 9485, 7.30pm, www.facebook.com

Last Day of SWAG (pictured)
Independent pop up gallery SWAG closes its doors this week, though hopefully not for the last time. SWAG stands for Shop Workspace Art Gallery, and offers a range of handmade clothing, jewellery and art pieces on display and for sale. So if you were looking to pick up a unique piece of work, or just have a browse, you better get in there quick. Or at least pray for its rebirth in the new year.
Fri 20 Nov – Wed 23 Dec, SWAG, 42-44 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1LE. 11am – 6pm, www.twitter.com

Last Quizimodo of the Year at Oddest Bar
Not technically free, but also not expensive, pub quiz leviathan returns for one last hurrah in 2015. Taking place in Wilbraham Road watering hole Oddest. It’s £1 entry, but all that coinage goes into the swelling winners pot. With lots of unique rounds sitting alongside general knowledge favourites, it’s a great opportunity to exercise your brain and your liver. There’s also discounts on food and drink beforehand, so it’s well worth getting in early.
Wed 23 Dec, Oddest, 414-416 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum- Hardy, Manchester, M21 0SD. Tel: 0161 860 7515, 8pm, www.twitter.com