Free things to do this weekend ft. Vintage at Cathedral, The Smiths + more

Vintage at Manchester Cathedral (pictured)
It’s one of the region’s biggest vintage fairs and it’s back at Manchester Cathedral. With independent traders stocking clothing, furniture and all kinds of artisan/hard-to-find treats, you’re bound to find something to fit your tastes. It also boasts a dedicated gin bar stocking all the labels you’ve heard of – and a few you haven’t. If you can get there on Friday, you’ll be treated to a free vintage fashion show at 6.30pm, but otherwise it’s just a great way to wile away a few hours.
Fri 8 Apr – Sat 9 Apr, Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SX, 10am – 8pm (Fri), 10am – 4pm (Sat), www.facebook.com

Smiths’ Photography Exhibition at The Lowry
This exhibition of photographs covering The Smiths’ five-year career opens this weekend. It’s all the work of local photographer Stephen Wright – most famous for his snap of the band stood outside Salford Lads’ Club – and it covers everything from promotional shoots, to live gig snaps, to some never-before-seen pieces. Check out our full preview for more information.
Sat 9 Apr – Sun 5 Jun, The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ, Tel: 0843 208 6000, 11am – 5pm, www.thelowry.com

Meat Free at Hold Fast
Meat Free are one the Manchester’s most popular club  promoters, with events popping up all over the city. The past few years has seen the innovative DJ collective going from strength-to-strength with them even having a hand in SFTOC. This is their monthly residency at aquatic booze vault Hold Fast and boasts a playlist of disco-heavy dance, and I can think of no better way for you to cut loose for less this weekend.
Sat 9 Apr, Hold Fast, 50 Newton Street, Manchester M1 2EA, 9pm – 3am, www.facebook.com

Last Chance to See AL and AL at HOME
It’s your last chance to catch Incidents of Travel in the Multiverse at HOME. This multimedia exhibition was compiled by surrealist filmmakers/video artists AL and AL, and features contributions from the likes of comic book writer Grant Morrison and physicist Brian Greene. Check out our full preview to see what’s in store.
Until Sun 10 Apr, HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, First Street, Manchester M15 4FN, Tel: 0161 200 1500, 12pm – 6pm, www.homemcr.org 

Last Chance to See Phantoms of the Congo River at Manchester Museum
Another exhibition closing this weekend: Phantoms of the Congo River is a balladic photography exhibition, exploring the themes and narrative of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness in a contemporary context. Burkina Faso-born photographer Nyaba L. Ouedraogo’s work is accompanied by a selection of objects from the museum’s own Congo collection.
Until Sun 10 Apr, Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, 10am – 5pm, events.manchester.ac.uk