Free things to do this weekend ft. The Pilcrow, Bitlord + more

Pilcrow Pub Opening Night
The guys from Common and Cloudwater Brewing Company have come together to build a pub from the ground up, and they’ve named it The Pilcrow. Located in the rapidly-gentrifying NOMA district, it’s part traditional boozer, part community space and the whole thing opens its doors this Friday. Check out our full preview for more details.
Fri 23 Sep, The Pilcrow, Sadler’s Yard, NOMA, Manchester, M60 0AB. www.thepilcrowpub.com

Bitlord Launch at The Wonder Inn (pictured)
Bitlord is a new pop-up gaming concept that will be running two days a week at Shudehill’s Wonder Inn from next week onwards. For this free launch night they’re bringing out the big guns with chiptune DJs and plenty of retro treats stretching back through the last 30 years of gaming. Highlights from the game bill include Goldeneye 64, Rock Band and a Street Fighter V/Mortal Kombat X tournament, the grand prize of which is tickets to RAD Film’s next cult screening at Gorilla.
Fri 23 Sep, The Wonder Inn, 29 Shudehill, Manchester, M4 2AF. 8pm – 11pm, www.facebook.com

Nicola Field at People’s History Museum
Author Nicola Field’s important study of class and sexuality Over the Rainbow: Money, Class and Homophobia is being reissued this Autumn, and she’s coming to The People’s History Museum this Saturday to talk about it. One of the founder members of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, she takes a look at how LGBT+ issues have always intertwined with other left-wing concerns, and how these concerns are increasingly marginalised in the face of supposed liberal progress. This is a rare, great opportunity to hear from a genuine firebrand voice, and a continuing campaigning presence.
Sat 24 Sep, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester, M3 3AG. 2pm – 4pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Studio Tours at Rogue Artists’ Studios
If you’re heading down to the Buy Art Fair this weekend, and you’ve not had your fill, you can catch a lift over to Rogue Studios for more art fun: They’re offering a free shuttle bus from Old Granada Studios, taking you right up to the art space. Inside, you’ll get a look at what the resident artists have been up to, and even meet the artists themselves. Contributing artists include John Hamilton, Margaret Cahill, Robin Megannity, Mark Kennard and Owl Project. Spaces are limited if you’re planning on taking the shuttle bus, but you can book in advance by email.
Sun 25 Sep, Old Granada Studios, Quay House, Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3JE. 12.30pm or 2.30pm, Email: rogueartistsstudios@yahoo.co.uk
Rogue Artists Studios, 66-72 Chapeltown Street, Manchester, M1 2WH. www.facebook.com

Soccerex Football Festival
Manchester Central is being taken over this Sunday for the Soccerex Football Festival, the crowning attraction of which is the World Street 3s championship on a purpose-built pitch. To find out more – and to find out what World Street 3s is – check out our full preview.
Sun 25 Sep, Manchester Central Convention Complex, Windmill Street, Petersfield, Manchester, M2 3GX. Tel: 0161 834 2700, 10am – 5pm, www.soccerex.com