We’re pretty lucky to be living in Manchester, as not a week goes by without something interesting taking place in the city. Across the next seven days there’s something for fashion lovers, night owls and creatives, and every single one of these events are completely free to attend.

Whether you’re a new student looking to scope out Manchester’s next best party or looking to explore you’re creative flair through a sketch workshop – you’ll find everything you need in our handy guide below.

The Manchester vintage kilo sale | The Union at Manchester Metropolitan University | Tue 26 Sep | 10.30am – 4pm

It’s time for the annual wardrobe swap out to Autumnal browns, biker boots and thick leather coats. Money is tight at the minute, so if you’re looking to see in the new season with some new clothes but don’t want to spend too much a kilo sale is a great place to start. Hosted at Manchester Metropolitan University’s student union, rails will be topped up all day with jumpers, coats, jeans, dresses, branded t-shirts and more.

The Union at Manchester Metropolitan University, 21 Higher Cambridge St, Manchester M15 6AD
Exhibition 360 x Habitat | Exhibition | Wed 27 Sep | 8.30pm – 2am

Legendary Manchester club night Habitat has joined forces with Peter Street food hall Exhibition as part of the venue’s new series of free parties. This Wednesday marks the launch of the new ‘Exhibition 360’ concept that brings with it a centralised DJ booth and sound system. Showcasing some of the hottest collectives, labels and DJs from across the North-West, Habitat kicks off the new night out with an exceptional five-and-a-half-hour journey through funk house, afrobeat and trap. Over the next few weeks, expect more parties from the likes of Disco Puss, Me Gusta, Will Tramp and more.

Exhibition, St George's House, 56 Peter St, Manchester M2 3NQ
Sketch and Café workshop | Loaf | Thu 28 Sep | 11am – 1pm

As the days grow colder and cosier, retiring to a coffee shop with a sketch pad and pen is the perfect way to spend the Autumnal months. Sketch and Café is a touring concept run by artist Jenny and this week the group is heading to Loaf’s New Bailey Street Café to meet, draw and wrap their hands around toasty mugs of coffee. It’s completely free to join, all you have to do is bring something to draw with and draw on – it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, a Bic pen will even suffice. You’ll just pay for anything bought in the café.

Loaf, Affinity Riverview, 29 New Bailey St, Manchester, Salford M3 5GN
Over Here Zine Festival | The People’s History Museum | 10am – 4pm | Sat 30 Sep

Back for 2023, the Over Here Zine Fest showcases the work of artists, creatives and writers specialising in zine making. Organised by a collective of POC, Black, Asian and BAME working class artists, the event this Saturday will welcome talks, workshops, and a mix of zines and stalls from creatives including Glorious Reads, Queer Muslims of Manchester, Coconut Zine and Pennycress Zine.

The People's History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester M3 3ER
Our Shared Cultural Heritage poetry night | Manchester Museum | Sun 1 Oct | 6pm – 8.30pm

The newly renovated Manchester Museum is celebrating the work of the ‘Kick the Dust’ project this weekend. The British Council’s ‘Our Shared Cultural Heritage’ project gives young people across the UK the chance to explore the shared cultural heritage of the UK and South Asia, whilst also assisting museums in creating engaging exhibits for the local community. Performers will share poetry centred on themes of identity, activism and representation, alongside a headline performance from Manchester-based poet and rap artist SAF-S2E.

Manchester Museum, University of, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL
Mon 25 Sep - Sun 1 Oct
Words:
Emma Davidson
Published on:
Mon 25 Sep 2023