From all-day parties in Stockport’s Underbanks to a four-hour DJ set over at Salford’s coolest listening café, here’s our rundown of the five best free things to do in Manchester this week…

CUPRA FM x SHADEV presents with Sir Spyro | CUPRA | Fri 21 Aug | 8pm - 12am

This Friday night, get yourself over to CUPRA for a proper treat as grime and dubstep legend Sir Spyro will be arriving in town, with SHADEV and imad:re as stellar support. From eight ’til late, this is sure to start your weekend with a bang.

4-6 St Ann St, Manchester M2 7LG
Piano In The City x The Faces Of Afrohouse | renae | Fri 21 Aug | 8pm - 3am

After delivering a cracking winter warmer for renae back in February, Piano In The City will be making a triumphant return, getting collaborative with The Faces Of Afrohouse for a night of Pan-African dance styles.

Boasting a stacked line up of Hizü, Ms Dee, Artist Lebo, Malandro and Moss-K, this is another ideal start to anyone’s weekend.

45-47 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA
Factory Pride: Family | Aviva Studios | Sat 22 Aug | 11am - 3pm

This Saturday, swing by Aviva Studios to celebrate Pride with free creative activities for the whole family – including badge making, face painting, a family game show and more.

Expect a series of activities including a Feeling Fabulous Workshop with Ghetto Fabulous, a LEGO station and a Place to Belong banner-making workshop led by artist and facilitator Kane.

The Social, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Robin Herge & Joy Social | The Underbank | Sat 22 Aug | 1pm - 1am

This Saturday, The Underbank in Stockport is throwing a day-to-night party spotlighting tunes from the likes of local DJ Robin Herge and Manchester DJ collective Joy Social. Swing by for some tunes in the sun, a cocktail, a pint and definitely a boogie as you soak up the final rays of summer!

27 Great Underbank, Stockport, SK1 1LN
Annie Errez B2B Jordan James | Cult Sounds Listening Café | Sun 23 Aug | 10am - 4pm

This Sunday, head to the Cult Sounds Listening Cafe as Annie Errez will be going four hours back-to-back with Jordan James for an all-day journey through underground house, deep cuts and everything in between. Expect flawless programming, incredible records and the kind of set that keeps you locked in from start to finish.

Unit 1 , Waterman Walk, Salford, M50 3AD
Mon 17 Aug - Sun 23 Aug
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Tue 18 Aug 2026