We’re about two weeks away from Christmas now and, no doubt, we’re all feeling the pinch.
Between Christmas shopping, Secret Santa sorting and work party blow-outs, we could all probably do with some cheap and cheerful plans to save our pennies.
So, we’ve done you a solid and rounded up the best ones. From send-off parties at Ducie Street Warehouse to salsa sessions at Ramona, here’s our rundown of the five best free things to do in Manchester this week…
Drop by the Social at Factory International, where you can find free paper-crafting activity packs for children, including: create your own Shaun the Sheep bunting, Doodle and Draw inspired by David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) and The Moonwalkers and paper doll dress-up inspired by Vogue: Inventing the Runway.
Head to one of the venue’s craft tables at weekends from 11am – 3pm. If you’re visiting outside of these times, just ask for the activity packs at the Orange Box!
Ducie Street Warehouse is set to close its doors next Monday as the ground floor space will be transformed into an all-new concept launching in 2026.
Before the next chapter begins, the beloved city centre venue is inviting the city to come together one last time for a celebratory send-off. Free to attend, the ‘Last Night of Ducie Street’ party.
Guests can expect an evening of music from some of Manchester’s finest DJs, including Gareth James, Reisner, Nathan Burroughs b2b Emile, and Mix-Stress b2b Sharples.
Exciting things at Bar Shrimp this Sunday as French-Japanese DJ, producer, and label manager based in London, Seiji Ono, will be taking to the decks to create a proper good soundscape in the just-opened cocktail and seafood bar from the team behind Higher Ground and Flawd Wines.
Not a bad way to end the week, that.
- Words:
- Rhiannon Ingle
- Published on:
- Wed 10 Dec 2025
Salsa De Cuba are throwing one last party to close out their season of Ramona takeovers. The band is renowned for turning the MOT garage into a night of vibrant rhythm, passion, and community.
Swing by on Wednesday for the venue’s last Salsa Night of 2025 with live music, dancing, drinks, and festive Cuban end-of-year traditions.