We’ve got yet another bumper bank holiday weekend to look forward to this week and, to help you celebrate the occasion in style, we’ve rounded up a handful of events you can check out this week which won’t cost you a thing!

From manchester jazz festival exhibitions to full-blown groove affairs down at NQ’s favourite new boozer, Renae, here’s our rundown for the five best free events happening in Manchester this week…

Manchester jazz festival | Factory International | From Tue 20 May | Various times

Drop by the Social at Aviva Studios for a free exhibition celebrating 30 years of manchester jazz festival featuring archival photographs, footage, memorabilia and more.

You’ll be able to swing by every day this week from Tuesday so be sure to get this in your diary!

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Paint & Plant Workshop | Trafford Palazzo | Sun 25 May | 12pm - 2pm

This Paint & Plant Workshop is a fun hands-on session where families can decorate planters using tins, paper cups, biodegradable and terracotta pots, then plant seeds to take home and grow.

Creative, colourful and perfect for little green thumbs!

Barton Dock Rd, Trafford City, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AS, Tel: 0161 933 2815
É Soul Cultura | Freight Island | Sun 25 May | 12pm - 12am

If you’re looking for somewhere you can spend the whole of Sunday, look no further than Freight Island.

The buzzing venue will be throwing a day-to-night É Soul Cultura party which will be sure to get your feet moving.

11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ
Lil Miss Jackie | Ramona | Sun 25 May | 7pm - 1 am

Lil Miss Jackie is back at Ramona for her next fabulous takeover this bank holiday. The iconic queen will be slapping house and disco records down for a special party at Ramona to keep the weekend vibes going.

40 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JG, Tel: 0161 441 9020
CROP | Renae | Sun 25 May | 5pm - 1am

CROP is set to take over Northern Quarter’s freshest new dance spot, Renae, with a proper good bank holiday Sunday showdown, featuring residents and guests handpicked for your listening pleasure.

The seven-hour affair – featuring the likes of b.lo b2b D-FOC, EJ (Semi Peppered), Hutch, Katbrownsugar and Natalia – will bring with it warm sounds and even warmer welcomes.

A perfect way to round off the weekend!

45-47 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA
Mon 19 May - Sun 25 May
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 19 May 2025