With the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day behind us and springtime to look forward to, I’m sure many of us are keen on reeling it in a tad when it comes to the cash department.

So, we’ve done you a solid and rounded up a handful of cracking things to do in the city that’ll cost you absolutely ‘nowt.

From creative socials at Contact Theatre to mid-week music nights at Aviva Studios, here’s our rundown of the best free things to do in Manchester this week…

The Read Room launch party | SOUP | Wed 19 Mar | 7pm - 11pm

Swing by Stevenson Square’s SOUP for The Read Room (TRR) launch party with hosts Kya Buller and Sophia Wild who’ll be letting you in on what you can expect from their brand new book club concept in 2025 and beyond.

Attendees will be treated to a series of readings from authors including Jessie Elland, DJ Paulette and Lucas Oakeley rounded off by a TRR curated playlist to soundtrack the inauguration with happy hour drink prices all night.

31-33 Spear Street, Manchester M1 1DF
Radio Rave x Hit & Run | Ramona | Wed 19 Mar | 7pm - 12am

If you’re searching for somewhere to get your boogie on during the week, look no further than Ramona which will be hosting its weekly Radio Rave session.

This week, attendees can look forward to drum & bass ‘main man’ CLIPZ who will be taking to the decks for a very special three-hour set as part of his UK tour.

40 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JG, Tel: 0161 441 9020
We Gather | Aviva Studios | Thu 20 Mar | 6pm - 9.30pm

Start the weekend a day earlier this week at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, with a free event in the Social featuring live performances, DJ sets, refreshments, sharings and performances from creatives from across Greater Manchester.

A perfect chance to explore and meet new people who make up our community, We Gather is all about celebration, resistance and, of course, JOY!

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Revel Music Summit | Contact Theatre | Fri 21 Mar | From 12.30pm - 10pm

Swing by Contact Theatre this Friday to catch the Revel Music Summit, a cracking creative event which has been programmed and produced by emerging music professionals for emerging music professionals.

The full line-up is full to the brim featuring panel talks, Q&As, workshops, listening sessions, mentoring drop-ins and live music from some local talent.

While general sale tickets are £5, which give you access to the full day of programming and evening gig, including pizza, the lovely lot behind the event don’t want payment to be a barrier to entry, so they also have a limited number of free tickets available, too.

Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA, Tel: 0161 274 0646
Cello Storm: A Live Looping Experience | Matt & Phreds | Sat 22 Mar | 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Start your Saturday night with a cracking early evening gig on Tib Street’s favourite jaz bar as genre-bending cellist, Christian Grosselfinger, will take you on a sonic adventure that defies definition.

For a decade, he’s captivated audiences with his unique blend of classical, rock, metal, and electronic influences with Saturday’s event promising a truly immersive experience, including a groundbreaking concert dedicated entirely to the art of live looping.

Discover Grosselfinger’s genius as he layers cello harmonies, rhythmic beats, and otherworldly textures in real-time, creating an orchestra of sound with a single instrument.

64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW, Tel: 0161 273 5495
Mon 17 Mar - Sun 23 Mar
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Tue 18 Mar 2025