We’ve nearly made it through the first month of 2026, and to get you over the finish line, there are loads of things to do in and around the city that won’t set you back a single quid.

From day-to-night reggae parties in a Salford pub to vinyl pop-ups in the Northern Quarter, here’s our rundown for the best free things to do in and around Manchester this week…

Tea, Toast and Talk | Aviva Studios | Thu 29 Jan | 10am - 12pm

Swing by Aviva Studios’ Social for some free tea, toast and conversation in the venue’s Public Living Room.

Rock up, meet new people, enjoy a light bite and a brew as Toast and Talk is open to all – whether you want a friendly face to talk to or a space to unwind.

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Onsite Records: Vinyl Pop-Up | Stage and Radio | Sat 31 Jan | 2pm - 6pm

Spend this Saturday afternoon over at Stage and Radio for a pop-up record sale presented by Onsite Records, a new record shop soon opening in Manchester.

Expect a wide range of all electronic music spanning from the 90’s through to the present day, all genres, all styles.

43 Port St, Manchester M1 2EQ
Reggae Party | The Black Lion Hotel | Sat 31 Jan | 12pm - 11.30pm

Get yourself over to Chapel Street’s The Black Lion for a full day and night soundtracked by all the best Reggae classics.

A live DJ set will kick off from 7pm, so expect good tunes, good drinks, and pure positive energy all night long to enjoy the last Saturday in January in style.

65 Chapel St, Salford M3 5BZ, Tel: 0161 400 1219
La Fiesta x The Henry Revue Ft. Chilli Cha Cha | Band on the Wall | Sat 31 Jan | 10pm - 2am

If you’re up for some grooving this weekend, look no further than Band on the Wall’s weekly La Fiesta night.

This week, super talented and passion driven singer/performer, Chilli Chacha, will be taking to the stage. From childhood Sunday school performances to huge global stages across Africa, South East Asia and Europe, Chilli has over 30 years of experience in the music industry, which have crafted her skills to bring you unique and fresh interpretations of Soul, R&B, Jazz, Reggae and Afrobeats tunes.

25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ, Tel: 0161 834 1786
Mon 26 Jan - Sun 1 Feb
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 26 Jan 2026