From Sunday morning open-air raves to techno chess clubs, here’s our rundown of the best free things to do in Manchester this week…

The Dub Techno Chess Club | Red Bull Pub | Thu 16 Apr | 6pm - 12am

Head to Stockport this Thursday for The Dub Techno Chess Club and an evening of driving bass and echoing chords.

Sk1 Records’ Synkro will be joined by Ruf Dug, embellishing your chess playing with hypnotising Dub Techno sounds.

14 Middle Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3AY
THE ZINE CLUB | Altogether Otherwise | Fri 17 Apr | 12pm - 4pm

If you’re free this Friday afternoon, check out The Zine Club hosted at Altogether Otherwise. In this super informal meet up, attendees can browse, swap, make and chat about zines.

6-10 Hanover Street, NOMA Manchester M4 4BB
Good Custard | Ōdiobā | Fri 17 Apr | 9pm - 2am

The energetic Manchester record label Good Custard is set to host a takeover at Stockport’s premier audiophile bar and club space, Ōdiobā.

Expect a broad spectrum of Funk, Soul, House, Nu Disco and everything in between from 9 pm until the early hours of Saturday morning.

26 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JE
Factory Moves: TIME Exchange Jam | Factory International | Sat 18 Apr | From 12pm

Join a street dance celebration featuring cyphers, local DJs and a digital art exhibition at Factory International this Saturday.

Enjoy unique multi-genre sets, including Hip Hop, Popping, Locking, Breaking and House, alongside fashion brand stalls, live art and ‘The Concept’ battle, in which chosen dancers can battle it out and test their improv skills for a cash prize and merchandise.

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ
Sunday Morning Sessions 10kw Sound System Free Rave | Stretford Junction | Sun 19 Apr | 9am - 3pm

Underground Kollektiv are back again under the M60 with a monster 10kw soundsystem playing for the runners of the Manchester Marathon and ravers alike.

TBA - Under Junction 7 of the M60 Stretford
Mon 13 Apr - Sun 19 Apr
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 13 Apr 2026