It’s the final week before the big day and amidst all the last-minute Christmas shopping, work do antics and all-round festive chaos – there’s still heaps of goings on around the city to get involved in that’ll help you save those pennies.

From Christmas Eve house parties in Levenshulme’s Station South to some cracking DJ sets nestled in the heart of Chorlton, take a look through our rundown of the best free things to do in Manchester this week…

Islington Mill – 200 Years in the Making | Salford Museum & Art Gallery | Tue 19 Dec | 9.30am - 4pm

Be sure to swing by the Salford Museum & Art Gallery to catch this fantastic exhibition all about one of the city’s most reputable stalwart buildings.

2023 sees the 200th anniversary of the construction of Islington Mill, the former cotton spinning mill on James Street in Salford. which since the mid-90s has provided a home for artists seeking new ways to create, think and flourish in community and collaboration.

All about shining a light on the people past, present and future who give this building and this community life – you’ll definitely want to check this one out before it ends in February.

Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford M5 4WU, Tel: 0161 778 0800
Stage Time Comedy Circus | Stage & Radio | Wed 20 Dec | 6.30pm - 10pm

Shake up the working week down at Stage & Radio’s Comedy Circus this Wednesday for a proper good chuckle.

Whether you rock up and do some stand-up yourself or kick back with a mulled wine and check out the local talent – this comedy open mic welcomes everyone, from first timers to seasoned veterans.

With contests, competitions and exciting segments, this warm and inclusive night is sure to get you in that festive spirit.

43 Port Street, Manchester M1 2EQ
Nell's sessions: Live music and Jam night | Kampus | Wed 20 Dec | From 7pm

Cosy up in Nell’s New York Pizza & Bar to check out the fantastic Kampus house band groove through the genres.

Whether you chow down on some banging ‘za or indulge in the generous happy hour while you listen to the tunes, this jam is a great way to tune into some local Mancunian musical talent without blowing the bank.

22 Minshull Street, Manchester M1 3EF, Tel: 0161 806 0516
The Thief Of Time | Electrik | Wed 20 Dec | From 7pm

Get yourself over to the south side of Manchester to one of the buzziest spots in Chorlton to catch a full evening affair of DJ Chris Massey’s The Thief Of Time album launch.

The night will launch a four-week exhibition of artwork created by Manchester-based pen-wielding line specialist, Tom Bevan, which represents each track from the album with the likes of A Certain Ratio, Martin Moscrop, Muddy Feet, Sticky Heat, Martin Moscrop, Supernature Disco and We Are Vinyl Sunday soundtracking the whole thing.

559a Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 0AE, Tel: 0161 881 3316
Xmas Eve House Party | Station South | Sun 24 Dec | From 7pm

If you fancy something a little different from your average telly and mince pies jobby this Christmas Eve then look no further than Station South’s Xmas Eve House Party.

Located in the heart of Levenshulme, Station South invites you to put on your dancing shoes and stock up on a healthy smattering of Crimbo cheer with back-to-back DJ’s playing nothing but house party pop bangers, strictly on vinyl.

All about bringing together good people with good vibes to match – this is a great way to get you ready for the big day that follows.

975- 977 Stockport Road, Off Crayfield Road, Manchester M19 3NP
Mon 18 Dec - Sun 24 Dec
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 18 Dec 2023