We’re inching closer and closer to the big day, and while it’s a costly time for many of us, you’ll be chuffed to know there are still plenty of goings on around the city that won’t set you back a thing.
From Sunday sessions at Northern Quarter’s renae bar to cracking glam pop-up at Factory International – here’s our rundown for the five best free things to do in Manchester this week…
In response to Manchester City Council’s commitment to becoming a zero-carbon city by 2038, this exhibition documents how the Manchester Craft & Design Centre’s makers are working individually and collectively towards a more sustainable future. To shape the collection, the venue has asked MCAD’s Makers to reflect on their creative practices and the steps they take towards a brighter future, by finishing the sentence: ‘By 2038, I would like to…’
On until Wed 24 Dec.
Factory International is inviting people to head over and get glammed up with nail, face and body art to celebrate the new exhibition, VOGUE: Inventing the Runway.
Enjoy nail art from Zahra Nadeem and face, body art, and temporary tattoos from Cookie Love, marking the launch of a new immersive experience that explores the history of the fashion runway show.
Swing by Band on the Wall’s The Copper Bar for a festive Latin Christmas party as Salsa Chubasco. Manchester’s hottest new salsa 5-piece will be providing explosive horn lines, percussive grooviness, infectious piano melodies, sultry vocals and danceable basslines, straight from the world of classic salsa.
Chubasco, meaning ‘sudden downpour of rain’, is inspired by and reflects the essence of Manchester, the city that brought them together and which they are proud to represent.
End the weekend with a bang over at renae as Manchester mainstays So Flute will be bringing essential Sunday selections to sign off your week the right way.
Enjoy six hours of top-notch disco, funk and soul as ADJ, Bolts, Danuka, Eccah, Werkha and Yadava take to the decks.
- Words:
- Rhiannon Ingle
- Published on:
- Tue 16 Dec 2025
Join book club hosts Kya Buller and Sophia Wild at The Read Room, where literature meets late nights. They will be welcoming iconic Manchester author Andy Spinoza, who’ll be reading from his book Manchester Unspun. Attendees receive a free copy of the book on the night.