The mercury is set to rise this week and I’m sure many of us are keen on saving our pennies ahead of the upcoming summer holiday festivities. So, to help you out on the cash front, we’ve rounded up a handful of happenings in the city that won’t cost a thing.

From jazz photography exhibitions over at Factory International to global groove parties down at Band on the Wall – here’s our rundown for the five best free events in Manchester this week…

Volumes | UNITOM | Tue 13 May | 5pm - 7pm

Swing by Stevenson Square’s beloved indie mag shop, UNITOM, for a cracking exhibition showcasing new fashion publication concepts from BA Fashion Communication first year students at the prestigious Manchester Fashion Institute.

1a Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DN, Tel: 07496 267160
Manchester Jazz Festival | Factory International | From Tue 13 May | Various times

Explore a free exhibition celebrating the history of Manchester’s longest running music festival at Factory International this week featuring archival photographs, footage, memorabilia and more.

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
La Fiesta | Band on the Wall | Fri 16 May | 9.45am - 2am

Every Friday in The Copper Bar is La Fiesta! – a free-to-dance global music night featuring Afrobeat, Reggae, Latin, and Jazz with live bands.

This week, attendees can look forward to the E&I Collective, a group based in Manchester specialising in live original Reggae and Dancehall music.

25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ, Tel: 0161 834 1786
Blank Street X The Manchester Social | Aviva Studios | Fri 16 and Sat 17 May | 11am - 7pm

Exciting stuff this weekend as Blank Street has teamed up with tattoo legends The Manchester Social for a first-of-its-kind pop-up.

Introducing the Blank Street Tattoo Studio and Matcha Bar, they’ll be giving away free beverages as well as appointments for free fine line tattoos for spontaneous passersby.

And for customers not brave enough to face the needle or who weren’t able to snag an appointment, temporary tattoos of the same designs will also be available.

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
HAVE YOU SEEN ANCOATS GREEN? | Ancoats Green | Sat 17 May | 12pm - 4.30pm

Head over to Ancoats Green this weekend to celebrate a major milestone in the regeneration of the area which has finally come to fruition.

This City, in collaboration with Manchester City Council, is hosting a community event to mark the reopening of Ancoats Green on Saturday featuring local music, food, family workshops and lawn games.

Wadeford Close, Manchester M4 6LP, Tel: 0161 795 2650
Mon 12 May - Sun 18 May
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Tue 13 May 2025