Best Manchester Events In May 2026

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By Scarlett Welch Junior Editor, DesignMyNight Food, drink and events expert with 4 years in editorial and Media & Journalism MA. Last updated on 27th March 2026

May signals the end of term for a variety of students, and the turning of spring to summer for the rest of us. From bank holiday parties to drag brunches and Cinco De Mayo celebrations, there's plenty on the menu. So, we'll make life easier with our lovely list of the very best happenings heading your way this month. Certainly not one to be missed, check out our picks of the best things to do in Manchester this May 2026.




DRAGBUS Manchester

@ The Bridgewater Hall on Saturday 25th April 2026 and 9 other Saturdays

For a guided tour that quickly turns into a party, hop aboard the Drag Bus. This two hour whirlwind packs in city views, outrageous performances, games and glitter.

With a glamourous lineup of drag queen hostesses at the helm, you can expect fun and fabulousness from the first minute to the last. Tickets start from just £55.86 and include a free glass of fizz to send you on your way.

Old Skool Bingo

Move your body this May at Old Skool Bingo. As you go eyes down in search of a full house, you'll groove to the biggest tracks from 90s and 00s RnB.

There's plenty more here to keep you entertained. We're talking singalongs, dance offs and epic prizes. Tickets start from just £19.25.

Restaurants In Manchester City Centre

When it comes to the best places to eat, these city centre restaurants are coming out on top. From Michelin-recognised spots to quirky basements, there's heaps to choose from, whether you're craving light bites or full-blown feasts. 

Freight Island

May at Freight Island is packed with exciting events and live music that will have you grooving all month long. Kick off the Spring Summer Series with incredible special guests, and be sure to check out their indie nights too.

These events are totally free to attend, and there are seven different bars to check out while you're here. Plus, you can enjoy a range of sumptuous street food from their 11 vendors.

The Big Manchester Bake

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Sunday 29th March 2026

Whether you're looking for a unique date idea or something fun to do with your friends, The Big Manchester Bake is always a brilliant idea. You'll find their custom marquee in Salford, complete with 12 baking stations, a cake-themed bar, a hospitality suite and a stunning drinks garden. 

You'll work in teams of two, competing against all the other pairs, to bake the very beat treat. The theme changes every month, and they'll provide all the pre-measured ingredients you'll need as part of your ticket price.

YO! Sushi School - Manchester Selfridges Trafford

@ YO! Manchester Selfridges Trafford on Wednesday 8th April 2026 and 20 other Wednesdays

Learn to pack, roll and slice like a pro at Yo! Sushi School. Under the expert guidance of resident masters, you'll learn the history of this ancient dish, pick up some knife skills and prepare your sensational creations. 

You'll try your hand at sashimi slicing, cucumber maki making, Kyoto garden roll packing and plenty more. Tickets start from just £27.95 and include a welcome drink and tasty staring snacks.

DOUGH-IT YOURSELF PIZZA MASTERCLASS MANCHESTER

@ Pizza Pilgrims Manchester - Deansgate on Saturday 4th April 2026 and 25 other Saturdays

Whether you're a first timer or a budding pizziolo, the Dough-It-Yourself Pizza Masterless will have you flinging flour and stretching dough like a champ. With the help of resident chefs, you'll roll, top and bake your way to mastering the art of the Neapolitan.

Tickets start from just £54 and include all the ingredients, tips and tools you need, plus two drinks and a Friggitoria street food feast. Upgrade to the Pizziolo Grande package and you can add a Pococello shot or espresso to the mix, and get a branded apron and pizza cutter to take home.

Big Bank Holiday Hoedown

@ Quarter House on Sunday 5th April 2026 and 3 other Sundays

It's time to break out the cowboy boots. The Big Bank Holiday Hoedown is coming to Quarter House - bringing a whole heap of country vibes and cowboy spirit with it. 

There'll be live music, delicious BBQ dishes and plenty of chance to show off your best do-si-do. Tickets to this yeehawing good time start from just £5.50.

Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch Manchester

@ At ON BAR or AREA Manchester on Saturday 4th April 2026 and 8 other Saturdays

Bougie Drag's bottomless brunch is known for one thing - and that's raucous affairs. They've got days out themed around iconic artists like Beyonce, all hosted by iconic queens like Imani Versace and Barb, complete with lip sync battles, dance-offs and catwalk contests. What's more, you can sip on 90 minutes of free-flowing booze and enjoy delicious dishes while DJs play banging tunes.

The Metropolitan, West Didsbury

The Taskmaster is at The Metropolitan and he's planning to put you through your paces. In this chaotic night inspired by the hit TV show, you'll take on a series of brilliantly bizarre challenges and play all kinds of ridiculous games.

The winners bag a prize that money absolutely can buy - a bar tab. While you need a ticket to get involved, you can snap one up for free.

Electric Shuffle Manchester Brunch

@ Electric Shuffle Manchester on Various dates from Sunday 29th March 2026

Fancy getting a little competitive this month? Then head to the Electric Shuffle weekend brunch, complete with an hour of gaming on their interactive shuffleboard tables. These offer all kinds of fun minigames, as well as large screens that add up your scores for you.

Each guest will enjoy a whole bottle of prosecco or four beers, as well as two hours of all-you-can-eat pizza to share between the group. After you've finished playing, you can toast to the winner in the bar, with tickets starting from £33 per person.

What's on at GRUB

Known for their cool May events in Manchester today, GRUB know how to take things up a notch. You can expect a roster of bottomless brunches, disco bingo and fizz-laced quizzes. Good luck choosing.

The Cockatoo Club

Join Annabelle and her crew of talented queens at The Frockatoo Drag Brunch, taking place at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester's Gay Village. For just £40 per person you can enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails, as well as a free bottle of prosecco for tables of four or above, alongside a menu which features Southern fried chicken wraps, smoked paprika nachos and more. What's more, there will be high-energy drag performances and fun games with cracking prizes throughout.

Bottomless Bandeoke

@ Highballer on Friday 3rd April 2026 and 6 other Fridays

Bottomless Bandaoke brings you all the thrill of a live gig with the singalong fun of karaoke. Expect big vibes, surprise moments, and a packed dancefloor that keeps the energy high between songs.

To give you some courage to take to the stage, there's 90 minutes of free-flowing Vimto Mojitos, Long Island Iced Teas, Eepoo, Prosecco, Highballer Lager, plus spirits and mixers. Grab your tickets to a night of throwback anthems, guilty pleasures and crowd-pleasing classics for just £48.60.

Cherry Jam

For May events in Manchester this weekend, look no further than Cherry Jam's bottomless dining offerings. There's afternoon tea on Saturdays or grazing platters to share come Sunday, with unlimited cocktails and musical bingo rounding off each day.

Flight Club Manchester Brunch Social

@ Flight Club Manchester on Various dates from Sunday 29th March 2026

Fun and games come in the form of prosecco, freshly baked slices and state-of-the-art darts at Flight Club. Start the shenanigans early with their brunch, which includes a bottle of fizz per person, complimentary jugs of orange juice and steaming hot platters of droolworthy pizza.

FunnyBoyz Manchester

Wondering what's on in Manchester this May weekend? FunnyBoyz is bringing you Benidorm bingo and a choice of events featuring RuPaul's Drag Race stars, so you can expect hilarity alongside fabulous performances.

The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch

@ The Blues Kitchen Manchester on Every Saturday

If you're looking for delicious dishes, free-flowing drinks and non-stop nostalgia, get on down to The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch. Every Saturday, its DJs serve up the very best 90s and 00s RnB, from Aaliyah and Ashanti to Nelly, Usher and Destiny's Child.

To fuel your dancing feet, you'll get a choice of main dishes, plus free-flowing drinks to kick off your day. That's all the beer, wine, prosecco and cocktails you can drink for 90 long minutes.

Magic at the Midland

@ The Midland on Sunday 26th April 2026 and 6 other Sundays

Magic at the Midland is a exciting and mind-blowing show, performed by one of the UK's top magicians Steve Price. Prepare to be wowed as he turns ordinary objects into impossible things, taking place in one of the city's most iconic hotels. Tickets start from just £24.50 per person, promising over an hour of mesmerising tricks and amazing feats.

DNA VR Manchester

Located in the city centre, DNA VR is a virtual reality arcade boasting a choice of fun, interactive games, from boat racing to zombie battles or dancing with your friends. Every one-hour session is led by an expert guide who will take you through the digital landscape, available for groups of up to 15 people at once. If you fancy planning a bigger event? They also have private hire options for up to 45 guests as well.