The weather may be grim and your wallet may be hurting after the weekend but, don’t you worry, as there are still plenty of cracking things to get involved in this week that’ll be sure to boost your spirits.

From Band on the Wall’s debut launch of their new Copper Bar to a full-day urban folk affair at Góbéfest – here’s our rundown of the best free things to do in Manchester this week…

Future Visions | Chuck Gallery | Tue 17 Sep | 6pm - 9pm

Swing by the Chuck Gallery this Tuesday for an evening featuring some of the city’s most exciting rising talent.

All about showcasing digital and live literature in ‘weird and wonderful ways’, this mini-festival will feature live poetry readings, activist talks and a reflection on the city’s historical literature.

166 Plymouth Grove, Manchester M13 0AF, Tel: 07414 744518
Beer Hall of Fame | Diecast | Fri 20 Sep | 7pm - late

This Friday sees the launch of the Beer Hall of Fame – a musical journey where the incredible 14-piece Elemental Orchestra deliver iconic renditions live.

Each Friday night promises a unique vibe with this week’s performance celebrating some of pop music’s biggest icons including the likes of Rihanna, Beyoncé, Shania Twain, and more.

51 Ducie St, Manchester M1 2JQ, Tel: 0161 260 0333
La Fiesta | Band on the Wall | Fri 20 Sept | 6 pm - 2 am

Band on the Wall has just announced its partnership with Brooklyn Brewery to create The Copper Bar, inspired by the roaring New York jazz scene.

The exciting new venture kicks off this week with ‘La Fiesta, a free-to-dance global music night.

This week, BOTW will be joined by Bacana – a dynamic crew of session musicians transforming your favourite tunes into a spicy blend of Latin, Funk, Soul, and Afrobeat.

25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ, Tel: 0161 834 1786
Factory Spotlight | Factory International | Sat 21 Sep | 7pm - 11pm

The folks at Factory International kick off their very first Factory Spotlight this Saturday.

The evening, curated by introspective rap artist and producer Lobé, who is known for his unique fusion of drill, R&B and downtempo sounds will feature performances from Sleazy F Baby, a member of rap group Cult of the Damned, as well as Quade Poundsign – a North-West rapper known for his heavy beats, witty lyrics and supervillain mask.

Feel free to stick around afterwards too for a DJ set from Slowpo, whose eclectic club sets have torn up speakers around the world.

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Góbéfest | Cathedral Gardens | Sun 22 Sep | From 11 am

Góbéfest, Manchester’s original international urban folk music and dance festival, is back in Cathedral Gardens with a free all-day celebration on the Sunday.

The Sunday line-up features Hungarian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Ukranian folk dance ensembles alongside a Polish folklore group, the Kalinka Balalaika Orchestra and the Scattered Collective world music band.

Corporation St, Manchester M4 3BG, Tel: 0161 234 5004
Mon 16 Sep - Sun 22 Sep
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 16 Sep 2024