It’s the week before Christmas and I’m sure we’ve all been forking out a fortune on train tickets, last-minute shopping and a whole load of mulled wine and roasts.

So, to help you save those pennies, we’ve rounded up a handful of great things to do in the city that won’t cost you a thing.

From Stells Selections parties in Stevenson Square to a Christmas Rave just off Oxford Road – here’s our rundown of the top five best free things to do in Manchester this week…

David Hockney: Family drop-ins | Factory International | Tue 17 Dec | 11am - 2pm

If you’re stuck on finding things for your little ones to do over the holidays, check out Factory International’s free holiday drop-ins inspired by their winter exhibition David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away).

Factory International are hosting a series of free activities for families and children including puppet-making, paint and stick collages, 3D photography collages, mono-printing and even zine-creating so check out what’s on during the festive period and turn up!

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Art: Active drop-in | National Football Museum | Wed 18 Dec | 10.15am - 12pm

Swing by the National Football Museum this Wednesday morning for another Art Active session in the museum’s Pitch Gallery.

Designed with families in mind, attendees are invited to get their babies moving with sensory free play and fun art activities, inspired by the museum’s new MARKERS exhibition.

Todd Street, Manchester M4 3BG, Tel: 0161 605 8200
Stells Selections | Soup | Thu 19 Dec | 6pm - 3am

Head to Stevenson Square’s Soup this Thursday for a full-evening affair of Stells Selections starting from right after work going on until the early hours of the next morning.

All about connecting music lovers together in Manchester and beyond, this UK dance collective will be sure to have you grooving all night long.

31-33 Spear Street, Manchester M1 1DF
Hold Tight - The Christmas Rave Up | YES | Fri 20 Dec | 11pm - 3am

If you’re up for another late night this Friday, look no further than YES as they’ll be putting on a cracking Crimbo rave blasting all the best garage, bass, house and dub tunes.

Be sure to get there before midnight to get in for free, otherwise it’s a fiver after, with the Hold Tight DJs spinning funky edits from the likes of Joy Orbison, Overmono, Barry Can’t Swim, Nia Archives, Bicep, Four Tet, Jamie xx and many more.

38 Charles Street Manchester, M1 7BD, Tel: 0161 273 2725
Funk Street! X Blush | Band on the Wall | Sat 21 Dec | From 9pm

There’s yet another free event this event if you’re in the mood for a boogie with Band on the Wall’s Funk Street!

Head over for banging DJ set brought to you by Blush, known for their high-energy performances and irresistible rhythms, who is set to transform the night into a funk-filled extravaganza that you won’t want to miss.

Attendees can look forward to a beautifully curated setlist that spans the very best of the genre, featuring timeless classics by Stevie Wonder, Kool & The Gang, Prince, Chic and – of course – Sister Sledge.

25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ, Tel: 0161 834 1786
Mon 16 Dec - Sun 22 Dec
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Tue 17 Dec 2024