There are now just around six weeks until Christmas, and the festivities are beginning to ramp up. To help manage budgets, we’ve rounded up a handful of cracking events that won’t cost a thing, ranging from artsy pop-ups at Flawd in Ancoats to ultra-cool listening parties at the newly-opened Bar Shrimp.
Here’s our rundown of the best free things to do in Manchester this week.
Swing by Renae this Wednesday for a lovely little night soundtracked by Polyphonic’s blend of Deep, Soulful and Funky house, alongside some special art installations.
Head to Flawd for a pop-up celebrating a collaboration between Manchester-based jeweller Areesha and local artist Jamie Reed, featuring a new collection of jewellery and furniture.
Soundtracked Medlock & Vindya, you’ll be able to experience the collection, enjoy the music and shop exclusive pieces with the pop-up on display until Sun 16 Nov.
Get ready to start the festive season in style as Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday returns to Stockport town centre. Now in its third year, this much-loved event will be bigger and brighter than ever, with live music, festive bands, giant puppets and street performers bringing Christmas cheer to every corner.
Families can enjoy a full day of free entertainment, festive activities and surprises across the town centre. Performances will take place at Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
Laura Jackson, a Manchester-based DJ/radio show host and the founder of hi-fi sound system party, Do It Anyway, will be spinning at the newly-opened Bar Shrimp this weekend. A passionate record collector, Laura’s style fuses her soulful roots with deep house, hip-hop, broken beat, and Afro and Latin rhythms.
- Words:
- Rhiannon Ingle
- Published on:
- Mon 10 Nov 2025
Manchester Animation Festival is back for five days of screenings, premieres and behind-the-scenes talks with the biggest names in the biz.
There’s absolutely shedloads going on this week, so be sure to check out the festival’s jam-packed programme, which expertly celebrates the craft, creativity and community behind animation as we know it today.