Yes, the weather may be grim and, yes, it may now be officially the end of summer but you needn’t get too bogged down as there are still heaps of proper good things to throw yourself into this week that won’t cost a squid!

From all-day terrace parties at YES to buzzing poetry nights at Factory International – here’s our rundown for the best free things to do in Manchester this week…

New Orleans Jam | Matt and Phreds | Mon 15 Sep | 8pm - 11pm

Start the week with a bang at Tib Street’s legendary jazz bar, Matt and Phreds, with a night hosted by the mighty house band. The Nightcreatures.

The space will be flooded with blaring bass, funky grooves, and street beats, with audiences transported to the buzzing atmosphere of New Orleans right in the heart of the Northern Quarter.

Chorlton Book Festival x Chorlton Readers - Zine Making Workshop | The Beagle | Wed 17 Sep | 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Head to The Beagle this Wednesday for an excellent zine-making workshop facilitated by Chorlton Book Festival and Chorlton Readers.

All about community, creativity, and sharing stories, this is a lovely little way to meet new people, do something crafty and express yourself – no artistic skills required!

456-458 Barlow Moor Road Chorlton-cum-Hardy M21 0BQ, Tel: 0161 881 8596
7th Birthday All-day Terrace Party | YES | Fri 19 Sep | 4.30pm - 12am

Yes, it may be the end of summer and the end of festival season, but YES has most definitely got you covered.

This Friday, they’re throwing a cracking free day party on the terrace with a heap of the most exciting DJs from across the North as well and tonnes of free drinks that will be dished out across the weekend, just to sweeten the deal.

38 Charles Street Manchester, M1 7BD, Tel: 0161 273 2725
Reggae Thursdays Meets Reggae Saturdays | Withington Public Hall And Institute | Fri 19 Sep | 8pm - 12am

The lovely lot behind Reggae Thursdays and Reggae Saturdays has teamed up for a banging free special launch event at Withington’s Public House Institute.

It’s been almost 10 years since TeadeRoots ran Reggae Saturdays and five years since Shortie Ranks himself ran Reggae Thursdays, so there is a lot of emotion going into this one!

The Trade Roots Soundsystem has been revived and is making an appearance along with Manchester reggae DJs you know and trust, plus the man Shortie Ranks on the MC.

2 Burton Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 3ED
Poetry Place: Poet’s Ponder | Factory International | Sat 20 Sep | 2pm - 4pm

The Poetry Place will present The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, an electrifying night of spoken word and poetry. This weekend features some of the city’s finest wordsmiths and a buzzing open mic hosted by award-winning poet Griot Gabriel.

Sit back and enjoy the likes of multi-talented poets Rory Aaron, Lence, Becksy Becks, and Saf-S2E, as they challenge the status quo, dismantle archaic systems and champion the urgent need for social justice.

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Mon 15 Sep - Sun 21 Sep
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 15 Sep 2025