It’s going to be a proper scorcher this week, and I’m sure many of us are hoping to be out and about as much as possible.

To help you on your way, we’ve rounded up a handful of great events around the city this week that won’t hurt your wallet one bit.

From landmark exhibitions at the Whitworth through to day-to-night Record Store Day parties – here’s our rundown of the five best free things to do in Manchester this week…

Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990 | the Whitworth | Tue 8 Apri | From 10am - 5pm

Open now at the Whitworth, the landmark new exhibition Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990 combines works from more than 90 women artists and collectives whose ideas helped fuel the women’s liberation movement during a period of significant social, economic and political change.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to see works by both household names like Lubaina Himid, Sonia Boyce and Ingrid Pollard, alongside less familiar names who have been left out of mainstream art historical narratives.

Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER, Tel: 0161 275 7450
The Future is Ours | HOME | Wed 9 Apr | From 10am - 11am

HOME recently unveiled The Future is Ours, a brand-new exhibition located in its Inspire Gallery, showcasing a series of artwork posters exploring the powerful relationship between creativity and care, capturing the ways these forces shape our communities, emotions, and everyday lives.

Designed in collaboration with a group of young artists who meet weekly at The Horsfall, these works challenge viewers to see creativity not just as an act of expression, but as a form of care – whether for ourselves, others, or the world around us.

2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester M15 4FN, Tel: 0161 200 1500
Crippled With Laughter | Factory International | Thu 10 Apr | 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Swing by Factory International this Thursday for a sure-to-be excellent disabled-led comedy night curated and hosted by Wheels and the Legman.

All about challenging stereotypes and pushing the boundaries of humour, this comedy night aims to break down barriers and debunk misconceptions, all while crippling you with laughter.

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Basement Wax: Record Store Day & Night Special with Bobby | Ramona | Sat 12 Apr | 1pm - 1am

Saturday’s forecast is looking lovely again, and what better way to celebrate than with a Record Store Day groove fest at Ramona?

The venue will be hosting an expanded vinyl fair featuring five guest sellers, including the likes of Haunted Dancehall, Wax Merchant, Rikki H, Elliott Boyd and Alec Pritchard, while the after-party line-up will spotlight Bobby. (Pleasure Club / Fabric) and Elliott Boyd (Penda) as well as Shez & Craven.

The whole day is totally free, but be sure to download a ticket for the afters as entry will be first come, first served.

40 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JG, Tel: 0161 441 9020
Pink Slip: Shelter Belter | Green Arches | Sat 12 Apr | 7.30pm - 12am

Head to Red Bank brewery/taproom Green Arches for an evening of Queer goodness to raise money for LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, AKT.

The likes of blo rida, Kaoti, LILITH, misschief and SHERI (2) will be taking to the decks to soundtrack the evening and keep the dancefloor pumping all night long.

While tickets are free, donations are very much welcome if you’re able to donate a couple of quid to the cause!

11 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4FE
Mon 7 Apr - Sun 13 Apr
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 7 Apr 2025