We are officially finally in spring now and I’m sure we’re all wanting to cut back costs to save up for the impending beer garden antics, summer holiday chaos and all the rest, so we’ve done you a solid and rounded up five of the best things to do around the city that won’t cost you a thing.

From cinematic exhibition launches on Oxford Road to a cracking Sunday showcase of some of the best up-and-coming talent in the Manchester hip-hop scene – here’s our rundown of the best free things to do in Manchester this week…

Jam on the Wall | Band on the Wall | Tues 26 March | 9 pm - 1 am

Check out long-time Manchester soulstress, Jocelyn Knight, this Tuesday as she hosts Jam on the Wall, specialising in music across soul, R&B, motown and heaps more.

All about creating a nurturing environment for up-and-coming artists of all disciplines and backgrounds to experiment, this unique and versatile jam night provides an intimate space to improvise, express yourself and connect through music so swing by and see for yourself the amazing musical talent this city has to offer.

25 Swan Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 5JZ, Tel: 0161 834 1786
SEE MY WORLD: Lagos, Manchester & Me | Contact Manchester | Tues 26 March | 6 pm - 9 pm

If you’ve not got any plans sorted for Tuesday after work then you’ve got to check out SEE MY WORLD: Manchester, Lagos & Me, a short-film exploring cultural and political conditions for artists in Lagos and Manchester, which will premiere at Contact Manchester.

The illuminating film documents makers, thinkers and doers as they create, interpret and evolve their crafts. A learning experience for the beholder, it sets out to demystify the stereotypes that haunt Lagos and Manchester whilst amplifying the true cultural progressions that are consciously and subconsciously taking place in both cities, always just outside of the gaze of mainstream media.

Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6JA, Tel: 0161 274 0600
A Love Letter to the Rave | Clarks Originals | Wed 27 March | From 9 am

Be sure to stop by the Clarks Originals shop this Wednesday to check out this mega in-store exhibition which deep-dives into archival imagery from the iconic 90s Manchester rave scene.

Teaming up with the non-for-profit organisation, Museum of Youth Culture, Clarks will also be running an in-store competition for customers to win a one-of-a-kind sovereign ring featuring the Clarks Originals Trek Man symbol, created by Toby Mclellan exclusively for the love letter to the rave film, directed by Glenn Kitson.

56 King St, Manchester M2 4LY, Tel: 0161 834 1769
Spirit Studios Degree Show | SOUP | Wed 27 March | 7 pm - 10 pm

All about celebrating sound and music from the class of 2024, the final night of Spirit Studios’ 2024 Degree Show will showcase a range of live rap performances and DJ sets for a short and sweet mid-week night out.

Check out some of the local talent, vibe out in the cool vistas of SOUP for a couple hours and throw your support behind the newest generation of Manchester-based MC’s and selectors.

31-33 Spear Street, Manchester M1 1DF
Finnerz and Benwa | Grand Central | Sun 31 March | From 7 pm

The lovely lot over at Oxford Road’s Grand Central pub are hosting a local showcase with a diverse line-up fronted by Manchester-based rapper Finnerz from the duo Fieves, and producer/DJ Benwa.

Expect some proper good music from the heart, community spirit and all-round good vibes so swing by the stalwart venue to end your week the right way.

Alt Bar & Live Music Venue, The Grand Central, 80 Oxford St, Manchester M1 5NH, Tel: 0161 236 8342
Mon 25 Mar - Sun 31 Mar
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 25 Mar 2024