It’s getting colder and it’s going dark at 4pm—but fear not, there are still heaps of cracking free things to get stuck into during the final stretch of 2021.

From family-friendly market days out in a local community garden to educating-yet-entertaining activism—we’ve got you covered for the best free things to do in Manchester this week.

Here’s the rundown…

Winter Garden Market | Platt Fields Park | Sun 21 Nov | 12pm - 7pm

Head down to Platt Fields Park this weekend to kick off the festive season in style. Support the Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD) alongside the many crafty makers in the city for an all-day event of music, arts & crafts, workshops and much more.

Get ready for a whole host of cracking performers, artists, crafters, chefs and everything else in between for MUD’s first-ever Winter Garden Market. Whether you cosy up under a marquee with a cup of something hot or strong, peruse the many market stalls or just get the little ones involved in some crafty activities—this one ticks all the boxes.

Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6LT, Tel: 07429 263470
Climate, Actions, Zines | Partisan Collective | Sat 20 Nov | 2pm - 5pm

Fancy some community and conscious chatter about the climate? Look no further.

This Saturday, über cool Partisan Collective down at New Islington Mill are putting on an afternoon of community cinema. All about connection and collaboration, the event will consist of a screening of David Attenborough’s A Life On Our Planet and will be followed by an informal chat about the climate crisis and a mega zine-making session. Whether you fancy your hand at creating your very own indie zine or you just want to stay along for the discussion—this one is a perfect blend of creativity and compassion.

New Islington Mill Regent Trading Estate, Oldfield Rd, Salford, Manchester, M5 4DE
Art All-Dayer | Hallé St Peters | Sat 20 Nov | 11am - 6pm

Head to the ever-so-popular Hallé St Peters for Cotton On MCR’S winter edition of their Art All-Dayer.

Centred around promoting the local art scene, celebrating the talent of this city and encouraging independent artists to keep on keeping on—this is a brilliant event to throw your support behind.

Expect over 60 stellar artists selling their creations from jewellery, to art, to homeware (all of which would make perfect Christmas gifts) alongside a load of festive-themed art workshops. Even better? There will also be a solo art exhibition with an opportunity for you as the audience to cast your vote on who is the Manc of the Month. All of that, plus knowing that you’re supporting the local culture and art scene for a quid is definitely a bargain.

40 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Greater Manchester M4 6BF, Tel: 0161 806 0260
Climate Emergency Event | Parrs Wood High School | Wed 17 Nov | 5:30pm - 8pm

Hosted in East Didsbury, Manchester City Council are putting on another jam-packed climate emergency event.

Expect informative talks from the Climate Champions covering everything from recycling and defending green spaces, to carbon literacy in young people and how local communities can support their neighbourhood in this eco-emergency. With refreshments offered on arrival for an evening of networking, discussing and socialising with one shared mission to unify all—this is a great mid-week motive to get behind and show some much-needed support to.

 

Wilmslow Road, East Didsbury M20 5PG, Tel: 0161 446 8640
Paryah | YES | Fri 19 Nov | 11pm - 4am

With the fitting slogan of ‘Come get weird’, head to YES’ basement this Friday to begin the weekend with a bang.

An ode to the odd, the funky and the bizarre—this night is sure to be different from your regular. In charge of the decks are hit duo, Paryah, spinning some wicked House bangers right through to the early hours. Spanning just about every subgenre of House, from tech to disco—this is sure to get you in the mood for a well-earned boogie.

38 Charles Street, Manchester M1 7DB, Tel: 0161 273 2725
Mon 15 Nov - Sun 21 Nov
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 15 Nov 2021