It’s the week of love and if you’ve forked out a pretty penny or two on Valentine’s Day excursions then you needn’t worry as we’ve rounded up a handful of great ways to fill up the rest of the week without blowing the bank.

From brand-new art exhibitions at Castlefield Gallery to jazz nights at Band on the Wall – here’s our rundown of the five best free things to do in Manchester this week…

Tequila Tuesday | Blues Kitchen | Tue 11 Feb | From 9pm

Spice up the week over at the Blues Kitchen for some fantastic late-night live music following their cushty £6 margarita deal which is on all night.

Whether you’re planning on taking advantage of the deal or keeping it chill, this event will have you boogying all through the evening regardless.

13 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HN, Tel: 0161 823 6343
Big Enough Umbrella | Band on the Wall | Wed 12 Feb | 8pm - 11pm

Head to Band on the Wall this Wednesday for a night of free jazz as Manchester-based trio, Big Enough Umbrella, will be taking to the stage at the Copper Bar to give attendees a taste of their world-influenced groove construction.

This is a great way to check out a new group of artists and add a bit of excitement to the working week all while supporting the city’s cracking local music scene.

25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ, Tel: 0161 834 1786
Gentle Giant Records | SOUP | Thu 13 Feb | 6pm - 2am

If you simply can’t wait for Friday to kick off the weekend’s antics, look no further than Stevenson Square’s beloved SOUP.

The stalwart venue is hosting a full-evening affair hosted by Gentle Giant gaffer, Inness, who will be sharing his ever-warm energy and sprawling tastes with deep cuts of house, disco, Latin, electro, techno and anything in between.

31-33 Spear St, Manchester M1 1DF
Paint and Sip Workshop | Trafford Palazzo | Fri 14 Feb | 7pm - 9pm

Swing by the Trafford Palazzo for a fabulous Galentine’s celebration on Thursday where attendees can get involved in a super wholesome paint and sip workshop whilst enjoying a tasty beverage of choice.

You’ll also be treated to a ‘I’m Being Kind To Myself’ station with free hand and shoulder massages on offer from specialist beauticians as well as a crystal expert workshop and wall art prints supplied by Who What Claire.

Barton Dock Road Stretford M17 8AS, Tel: 0161 933 2815
40 Years of the Future: Degrees of Duality | Castlefield Gallery | Sun 16 Feb | From 12pm - 5.30pm

Head to Castlefield Gallery this Sunday to catch their latest exhibition brought to you by Manchester Open Awardee Kay Shah who will transform the lower level of the space into an immersive environment.

Shah’s 40 Years of the Future: Degrees of Duality, will be a large-scale installation simultaneously operating as a multifunctional space

Shah’s work delves into the artist’s relationship with culture and identity; the spaces they create are a way to explore bi-cultural identity from an intercultural perspective.

2 Hewitt St, Greater, Manchester M15 4GB, Tel: 0161 832 8034
Mon 10 Feb - Sun 16 Feb
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 10 Feb 2025