There is absolutely shedloads going on this bank holiday weekend, much of which surprisingly won’t cost you a single pound to enjoy.
From an entire music festival up along Deansgate Mews to a CROP Radio takeover at the über cool Bar Shrimp, here are the five best free things to do in Manchester this week…
If you’re yet to check it out, be sure to explore Factory International’s latest exhibition featuring iconic jazz photographs captured by women, before it departs.
As part of Manchester Jazz Festival 2026, the award-winning organisation Women in Jazz Media presents an exclusive photography exhibition spotlighting women jazz photographers, bringing together inspirational figures from across the globe.
If you’re looking for a big one this weekend, look no further than Freight Island’s iconic É Soul Cultura free summer festival.
Expect hours of House, Deep disco, Techno, Astral jazz funk, Latin, Balearic, Afro, Jazz-dance, and Machine soul, all sure to keep you grooving until the early hours
Head to Salford’s Tangerine this weekend for a cracking takeover from beloved Disco and House label Good Custard, who will be putting on a proper good Bank Holiday Sunday special.
Attendees can look forward to live DJs and saxophone players all night as they sit back and sip in the industrial railway-arch setting.
CROP Radio and Bar Shrimp will be teaming up this Bank Holiday weekend for an exciting debut collaboration. Look forward to eight hours of dancing, drinks and some very good tunes courtesy of the famed Manchester-based community radio station.
- Words:
- Rhiannon Ingle
- Published on:
- Mon 18 May 2026
Calling all poets out there, this one’s for you. Salford’s Y2 Cafe is hosting a Poetry Club this Wednesday, in which attendees can expect a blend of writing workshops, spoken word, and live performances, all designed to help you explore your voice and elevate your craft.
Whether you’re putting pen to paper for the first time or you’re a seasoned performer, there’s space for you here.