Free things to do this weekend, ft. 10×10, Vans + Women in comedy workshop

As the nights begin to draw darker and the frost settles in, October can be a pretty miserable time. But build a bridge and get over it, baby, because you’ve got free art, an event from Vans and a comedy workshop to work your way through this weekend.

10×10 in Process launch at Kosmonaut (pictured)
Did you miss the 10×10 exhibition launching Design Manchester a few weeks ago? No fear, for it is being reincarnated at one of the festival’s host venues this Friday with an evening view – and is there to stay throughout October. Featuring photography of the exhibition, as captured by Sebastian Matthes, the collection of works has been aptly titled 10×10 in Process and includes 3D sculptures of the sound waves of classic Manchester songs, a giant knitted structure and interactive light installation.
Evening view Fri 17 Oct (Exhibition runs Fri 17 – Fri 31 Oct), Kosmonaut, 10 Tariff St, M1 2FF, 6pm – 9pm, FREE, www.designmcr.com

Vans Classic & Manchester at The Arndale
Back in 1960s California, Vans became adopted by the skating community as the shoe of choice. Fast forward half a century to 2014 and the widely loved footwear brand is taking over The Arndale’s Exchange Court with their Classic & Manchester event, a day incorporating t-shirt and tote bag printing from Lovenskate, nails by Wah Nails and fresh cuts from the guys at AONO Barbers. In store you’ll also find various discounts, along with live art throughout the day from London-based Will Barras and female graff artist Cbloxx.
Sat 18 Oct, Exchange Court, The Arndale Centre, 10am – 9pm, FREE, www.vans.co.uk

Stand Up and Be Counted comedy workshop
Part of the Women in Comedy Festival taking place across Greater Manchester throughout October, Stand Up and Be Counted is a free stand-up comedy workshop for lesbian and bisexual women. The funny lasses behind Laughing Cows comedy night will be on board to teach you the basics of stand-up performances, including everything from overcoming nerves to nailing that punchline, before everyone’s invited to showcase their new-found skills. The workshop is comepletely free, but as the event is strictly limited, snag yourself a place by emailing women at lgf dot org dot uk, or calling 0845 3 30 30 30.
Sat 18 Oct, The Kings Arms, 11 Bloom St, Salford, M3 6AN, FREE, www.womenincomedy.co.uk

BONUS: Free theatre at Royal Exhange
So now you’re expecting free things during the week, too? You’re in luck, as Royal Exchange Theatre hosts free lunchtime readings every day at 1pm as part of the Family Matters project. The 20 minute performance features five monologues exploring the complexities of modern family life from writers including Louise Walwein, Tuheen Huda, Yusra Warsama, Ben Mellor and Melanie Ash, with performers’ ages ranging from 7 and 70.
Mon 20 – Fri 24 Oct, Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH, 1pm, FREE, www.royalexchange.co.uk, www.z-arts.org

Know of any free events coming up? Email jess at manchesterwire dot co dot uk with the deets.