Free things to do this weekend ft. Pokémon, Potter + more

Acoustic Stage at Bridgewater Hall
The Bridgewater Hall is running its summer festival this Saturday and there’s a packed programme of both free and ticketed events running throughout the day. One highlight is The Red Balloon Music acoustic stage, which is open all afternoon and absolutely free to enjoy. Former Echo & The Bunnymen support act Liam McClair tops a bill featuring some of Manchester’s best and brightest unplugged acts.
Sat 30 Jul, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS. Tel: 0161 907 9000, 1pm – 6pm, www.facebook.com

Manchester Pokéhunt
Unless you’ve been living under an Onyx for the past few weeks, you’ll be well aware of the sensation that is Pokémon Go: The record-breaking augmented reality app that drags the classic Game Boy game out into the real world. Well now some enthusiastic trainers are organising a Pokémeetup and pub crawl, where you can pop along, drink, meet other players and catch some critters. The meeting spot is outside Manchester Central, which is perfect for you as it’ll be hosting Comic Con that day, ya big nerd!
Sat 30 Jul, Manchester Central,Windmill Street, Manchester, M2 3GX. 12pm, www.facebook.com

Harry Potter Quiz Night at Blackwells
Potterphiles rejoice! There’s a new book out on Sunday, kind of. Harry Potter and The Cursed Child – the non-canonical play sequel – has been a sell-out smash hit for London’s Palace Theatre, with scalped tickets going for hundreds of pounds. To celebrate the imminent release of the playbook, Blackwells bookshop on Oxford Road are hosting a quiz based around all things Potter, even encouraging fans to dress up as their favourite characters. Registration is essential and kids must be supervised, but you’ll also be able pre-order a copy to pick up after midnight, ya big nerd!
Sat 30 Jul, Blackwells, The Precinct Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RN. 10.30pm – 12.30am, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Salford Triathlon (pictured)
The Nuffield Salford Triathlon is back at The Quays this Sunday and promises to be bigger than ever. Obviously, it costs to take part, but nothing to watch the region’s athletes take part in this epic endurance race covering the three disciplines of running, cycling and swimming. Feeling extra lazy? You don’t even have to go down in person, as the website features a virtual tracker so it’s possible to get involved wherever there’s WiFi.
Sun 31 Jul, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2HQ. 8am – 3pm, www.salfordtriathlon.com