After a weekend of beer gardens and basking in the rare but welcome October sun, Monday morning felt unbelievably harder than usual. But before you get down about the next few days back on the grind, let us tell you about a range of completely free-to-attend events happening in the city this week.

Random Objects of Kindness | Manchester Arndale | Tue 10 Oct | 9am – 8pm

Tomorrow, a new exhibition opens its doors in the Arndale. In collaboration with Heard Storytelling, Random Objects of Kindness aims to increase the understanding of homelessness in the UK through the support of the local community. Marking World Homelessness Day, the free exhibition brings together the stories and artwork of people who have found themselves either on, or dealing with people who live on the street. Running until the end of the month, Random Objects of Kindness is also supporting Real Change Manchester who help people experiencing homelessness pay for practical items.

Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AD
Salt Dog Slims’ 1st birthday | Salt Dog Slims | Wed 11 Oct | 6pm – 4am

If you’ve bagged yourself a Thursday off work this week and are looking for a school night party, Salt Dog Slims are celebrating their first birthday with a massive ‘birthday throwdown’. It’s not just free entry, there’ll be loads of free booze for you to enjoy, alongside all the weird and wonderful debauchery you’d expect from the boozer – expect jelly wrestling, inter-bar duels, a massive hot dog eating comp with cash prizes and guest DJs.

Salt Dog Slims Manchester, 17 Bow Ln, Manchester M2 4FW
Sample sale | The Norah Store | Fri 13 & Sat 14 Oct | 10am – 6pm

The chillier days are on their way, which means swapping your bikinis for beanies and digging out the trustworthy turtleneck. If you’re after something new, or just fancy treating yourself because…why not? There’s an excellent sale on this week at the very wonderful Norah Store. The slow fashion store that used to share a space with Oklahoma has finally found a new permanent spot on Henry Street in Ancoats, just between KERB and Lily’s Deli. You can expect brands including House of Sunny, Jakke London, Miista and more at up to 70% off.

The Norah Store, Unit 2B, 47 Henry Street, Ancoats M4 5AD
Stockport Alternative Market | Bask | Sun 15 Oct | 11am – 4pm

Another free market for you to explore this weekend, Stockport’s Alternative Market is back with a huge line-up of gorgeous local traders selling unique handmade pieces that are in need of rehoming. Hosted at Bask this time, right opposite Stockport train station, you’ll find everything from witchy trinkets to statement headpieces, spooky bags, film-themed art prints and horror home décor just in time for Halloween.

Bask, 20 Railway Rd, Stockport, SK1 3SW
Mon 9 Oct - Sun 15 Oct
Words:
Emma Davidson
Published on:
Mon 9 Oct 2023