Free things to do this weekend ft. Life Drawing, Odd Bod Art Market + more

Weird Science and Galivantes at Old Abbey Taphouse
You can catch this free gig from local bands Weird Science and Galivantes at the Old Abbey Tap House, an old-school boozer on the outskirts of Manchester Science Park. Reggae group Weird Science are something of a regular event at the pub, but it’s hard to glean anything more concrete than that due to their etheric online presence. Galivantes are a different story altogether: After starting out as a DIY gig promotions group, they morphed into a bona fide band playing what they call ‘bouncy horny mancunicorn shabble skank’, but what could be more broadly categorised as ‘ska’. Difficult to know exactly what to expect at this gig, though an evening of wobbly bass is pretty much a given.
Fri 22 Sep, Old Abbey Taphouse, 61 Pencroft Way, Manchester, M15 6AY. 8.30pm – 3am, www.skiddle.com

Largest Number of People Attending a Life Drawing Class in Altrincham
This was one of our picks for the Hidden Altrincham arts festival, which runs until the end of this weekend, and on Saturday daytime, they’re planning a mass life-drawing class. Although likely not record-breaking in size – the record is currently held by the Arts Shed in Brisbane, Australia, who packed in roughly 500 artists – it’s going to be a fun, casual drawing event and a great opportunity to meet and work alongside local artists at an as-yet-unannounced venue. It’s free to enter, but the organisers are also soliciting donations to local children’s hospice Francis House, so you’re encouraged to give generously. You’ll need to bring drawing materials and something to lean on, and you also need to be over 16, as there will be naked people hanging around.
Sat 23 Sep, Altrincham, WA14 1EN. 10am – 4pm, www.eventbrite.com

Pilcrow Pub’s First Birthday at Sadler’s Yard
The Pilcrow Pub – Sadler’s Yard’s so-called ‘handmade pub’ – celebrates one year in business this weekend, and so they’re devoting the entirety of their Saturday and Sunday trading to one big free party. They’re setting up a market in Sadler’s Yard during the day, where you can pick up great street food from the likes of The Ottö-Men – who make beautiful Middle Eastern and Mediterranean snacks – as well as meet some of the creatives who work around Sadler’s Yard, such as ceramicist Stephen Graham, and toy makers Vinny Ratcliff and Josh Dodds. As it’s a pub’s birthday, there will also be plenty of booze flowing, with Mad Hatter Brewing Company providing a special batch just for the occasion.
Sat 23 Sep – Sun 24 Sep, Hanover Street, Sadlers Yard, Manchester, M60 0AB. 12pm – 11.30pm, www.facebook.com

Odd Bod Art Market at Common (pictured)
If it’s art you’re interested in, you’d do well to stop by the Northern Quarter’s Common this Sunday, where you’ll find the Odd Bod Art Market. Organised by One of One pop-up galleries and Common’s own Colouring Club, the market offers you – the discerning art buyer – the opportunity to get your hands on a range of goodies from a handpicked group of local artists, including Colouring Club regular Camille Smithwick and Nous Magazine. From jewellery to limited-edition prints, there’s something from every taste and for every budget.
Sun 24 Sep, Common, 39 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HW. 4pm – 9pm, www.facebook.com