From MOBO Fringe parties to 300-metre art installations in Mayfield Park, here’s our round-up of the best free things to do in Manchester this week…

MOBO Fringe Talent Showcase Supported by PPL | Factory International | Tue 24 Mar | From 6pm

Head to the Social for a celebration of up-and-coming talent as part of MOBO Fringe 2026 – a week-long celebration of Black music, creativity and community ahead of the 2026 MOBO Awards.

Enjoy back-to-back performances by ten emerging artists from across Greater Manchester, as you get a first look at some of the most exciting new voices from the region.

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Piicasa | Mayfield Park | All week | 6am - 7.30pm

Create Mayfield has now launched, opening up spaces and access to a commissioning pot worth tens of thousands of pounds across the evolving Mayfield district for artists to experiment, collaborate and create new work.

The programme has kicked off with a major first commission, believed to be the UK’s longest continuous hand-drawn artwork. Created by Manchester artist Callum Simmons, known professionally as Piicasa, the 300-metre installation Future Loading runs along the edge of Mayfield Park. Hand-drawn and hand-sprayed, the piece stretches continuously across the park’s current edge and is Simmons’ largest work to date.

Boardman Gate Entrance, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY
Sadie B | Bruk | Fri 27 Mar | 7pm - 1am

Swing by Stockport’s buzzing Bruk for a cracking DJ set brought to you by Sadie B, who is widely recognised for her soulful, sleazy choice cuts, playing records the way they’re meant to be heard after dark.

8 Little Underbank, Stockport SK1 1JT
Get In! To Eccles festival | Various locations | Sat 28 Mar - Sun 29 Mar | Various times

A new festival, Get In! To Eccles, is coming to Eccles town centre this weekend. With two days of music, art, performances, workshops, markets and installations – there’s loads to enjoy.

Various locations
MCR ROCKS INDIE NIGHT | Freight Island | Sat 28 Mar | 8pm - 12am

Head to Freight Island this Saturday night for an incredible night of Indie music brought to you by MCR Rocks. Hosted by local legend DJ Paul Ezi Eden, this is sure to be a good one.

1 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ
Mon 23 Mar - Sun 29 Mar
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 23 Mar 2026