It’s hard to believe that July is almost over, when all we’ve had for 31 days is frizzy hair from the constant misty rain. Although things aren’t entirely looking up regarding the weather this week, there a number of nights out, markets and more that won’t set you back a penny.

There’s a brand-new exhibition at Manchester Central Library that explores the vibrant streets of Rusholme, and two completely free comedy nights are also taking place – Hooch comedy club and The Laughienda. Additionally, there’s a market dedicated to East Asian street food, and, after all of this excitement, why not end your week with a bit of calm at a free outdoor yoga class?

Curry Mile - a changing neighbourhood | Central Library | all week

The neon, fragrant streets of Rusholme have been documented in a new exhibition at Manchester Central Library. Curry Mile – a changing neighbourhood captures the vibrancy of the district’s bustling restaurants and diverse residents via photographs, videos, sketches and recordings.

Legendary businesses including the former Hardy’s Crown Brewery bar, The Huntsman Inn and Manchester Super Store – which was built on the site of the Trocadero Cinema – are documented in the exhibition, alongside portraits of the people that call Curry Mile home.

Central Library, St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD, Tel: 0161 234 1976
Hooch comedy club | 33 Oldham Street | Wed 2 Aug | 7.30pm - 10.30pm

James Heath headlines this Wednesday night comedy club, made even better with 2 for £10 cocktails to sip in-between acts. The comedian will be joined by Ben Silver, Ali Panting, Paul Campbell, Caryl Burke and Kim Smith for an evening of escapisn via side splitting laughs. MC’d by Connor Mac, a legend on the Manchester comedy circuit, the show is an excellent way to fight the dreaded hump day.

33 Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JG, Tel: 0161 832 1299
Common Karaoke | Common | Thu 3 Aug | 8pm - late

You might usually reserve karaoke for 2am on a Sunday morning when the 17 tequila shots have finally kicked in, but this Thursday you can indulge in a bit of Alanis Morrisette on a school night. Common Karaoke runs from 8pm – late and is hosted by stage stars Papa Sage and The Scarlet Mist. There are free shots on offer for the biggest crowd pleasers, as well as excellent happy hour deals and huge slabs of Nell’s trademark New York style pizza. Nostalgic hits and heart-warming renditions of the Barbie soundtrack guaranteed.

Common, 39-41 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW, Tel: 0161 832 9245
The Laughienda Comedy Club | Lion’s Den | Thu 3 Aug | 7.30pm - 10.30pm

There’s more free comedy this week, this time over at Lion’s Den on Deansgate Mews. The Laughienda is a weekly comedy night that focuses on new acts and new material, making sure you never hear the same joke twice. Known for being one of the city’s most popular comedy nights, big names such as Josh Jones, Stephen Bailey and Robin Morgan have graced the stage in the past and this week more acts are set to leave your cheeks aching once again.

Lion's Den Manchester, 253 Deansgate Mews M3 4EN, Tel: 0161 839 3124
East Asian street food market | Edgeley Community Church | Fri 4 & Sat 5 Aug | 6pm - 10pm & 11am - 10pm

Tis the season of sprawling outdoor food markets and this one in Edgeley is dedicated to culinary delights from across East Asia. Running from 6-10pm on Friday and 11am-10pm on Saturday, you can expect numerous street food stalls and a fun family friendly afternoon out. Traders including Kofuku and Tea a Minute have already been confirmed, who will be on hand with bubble tea, waffles, Taiwanese chicken and Hong Kong style toast.

Edgeley Community Church, Edgeley Rd, Stockport SK3 9NB
Amphitheatre yoga | Great Northern Warehouse | Sun 6 Aug | 11am - 11.45am

A Sunday morning stretch is something that we could all do with factoring into our hectic schedules. The Life Centre North is encouraging a moment of calm this weekend, as the yoga centre is hosting a free yoga session for all of the family from 11am-11.45am. Taking place in Great Northern Warehouse’s amphitheatre, this unique location is ideal for a moment of reflection and stillness through the power of yoga, tai chi and breathwork.

Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN, Tel: 0161 832 8136
Mon 31 Jul - Sun 6 Aug
Words:
Emma Davidson
Published on:
Mon 31 Jul 2023