Your Bucket List Guide To Spring In Manchester

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By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Copywriter, DesignMyNight 10-year hospitality, travel and events expert, writing for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 26th March 2026

After months of dark mornings and even dimmer evenings, this green season has finally arrived. And that can only mean one thing... it's really starting to liven up around here; whether that be outdoor dining, sipping drinks at the hottest spots in town or checking out the events. However you want to blossom, our list of the best things to do this spring in Manchester will help you along the way.

Things To Do In Manchester This Spring




Stroll Around Manchester’s Top 9 Walks

Can't wait to get outdoors and into green spaces to mark the arrival of spring in Manchester ? Go off the beaten track with our pick of the best walks. From canalside treats to ancient woodland and country parks, these fun frolics will have you dusting off any winter cobwebs. 

Grab A Bite To Eat Alfresco

With the changing of the seasons in Manchester bringing the sun back out to play, outdoor dining looks a lot more fun come springtime. Our guide features floral terraces, neighbourhood gems and rooftop spots to catch any rays that are on offer.

Book Fun Things To Do In Manchester

Need to know what's on this spring in Manchester? We've rounded up the most fun things to do in the city; from club nights and outdoor activities to go-karting and beer tastings. Whether you're looking to make it a quiet one or go all-out, this list has you covered.

Check Out The Best Places For Brunch

What are weekends (and mid-week) made for? Overindulging at brunch, of course. Smashed avo, eggs benny and bottomless affairs... you name it, Manchester has it. But if you're feeling spoilt for choice, we've rounded up the top spots right here.

Jazz Up Date Night

If you're bored of the same ol' dinners and drinks, how about a spring clean of your date night choices? You'll earn yourself some extra brownie points thanks to these couples picks, including drag brunches, game bars, immersive activities and more.

Cuddle Up At These Romantic Bars

Just because Valentine's has been and gone, it doesn't mean you can't get all loved-up with your boo over the spring months in Manchester. Fizz with views? Candyfloss cocktails? Gorgeous gin palaces? They're all right this way.

The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch

@ The Blues Kitchen Manchester on Every Saturday

The Blues Kitchen serves up the finest 90s and 00s RnB nostalgia every Saturday. At The Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch, you'll hear all the tunes you know and love from the likes of Aaliyah, Nelly, Ashanti, Usher, Destiny's Child and many, many more.

To keep your dancing feet in full flow, make your way through 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco, mimosas or rum punch. Food comes in the form of a brunch main of your choosing, with the likes of burgers, taco bowls and veggie plates up for grabs - all for just £38 per person.

📺 Taskmaster at The Metropolitan📺

@ The Metropolitan, West Didsbury on Thursday 2nd April 2026 and 15 other Thursdays

The Metropolitan is transformed into the Taskmaster studio this spring. Get on down to try your hand at insane games and brilliantly bizarre challenges.

Come out on top and you'll win the ultimate prize - a bar tab. You'll need a ticket to get involved, but fret not, they're absolutely free.

Release Your Inner Artist

Whether you're a beginner or are confident in your creative skills, it doesn't matter as Paint a Pic Manchester's classes are for everyone to get involved in. Under the guidance of an expert artist, you will be able to produce your own masterpiece to take home with you. All the materials will be provided and you can even head to the bar to have a little booze while you brush, too. 

Bottomless Bandeoke

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

At Bottomless Bandaoke, you can grab the mic, pick your favourite banger and sing your heart out with the backing of live band. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a brave first-timer, this is your chance to go all in and get loud.

To keep your singing voice in full flow, there's 90 minutes of unlimited booze, from Vimto Mojitos and Long Island Iced Teas to prosecco and Highballer Lager. Grab your tickets to a night of throwback anthems, guilty pleasures and crowd-pleasing classics for just £48.60.

The Manchester Craft Beer Experience

@ Cloudwater Brewery Taproom on Saturday 28th March 2026 and 11 other Saturdays

Take an action-packed journey through Manchester's craft beer scene - uncovering hidden gems along the way. At each stop, you'll sample a selection of brews, handpicked by your guide.

Expect everything from old favorite IPAs to more unusual and rare styles like grisettes and wild-fermented tipples. Tickets to this un-beer-lievable adventure start from just £65.

Cherry Jam

Cherry Jam takes fun and makes it bottomless. Whether you fancy an afternoon tea, want to sing your heart out at bandeoke or groove to the sounds of soul, RnB, ABBA or pop classics, there's something here for you. 

Whatever takes your fancy, there'll be 90 minutes of free-flowing cocktails to keep you refreshed along the way. Tickets to these epic events start from just £31.90.

Attend A Boozy Burlesque Brunch

@ The Fitzgerald on Saturday 4th April 2026 and 12 other Saturdays

A speakeasy-style venue in the Northern Quarter, The Fitzgerald hosts a burlesque bottomless brunch on Saturdays. Expect a mesmerising performance from the cast of Siren Entertainment, in a 1920s-inspired show on stage.

Your £45 ticket includes two whole hours of unlimited prosecco, beer or Aperol Spritz, as well as a brunch dish of your choice. Think smash burgers, loaded fires, Buffalo chicken wings and more.

Catch Some Rays On A Rooftop

frantic pace of Market Street for a bird's-eye view of the city at one of Manchester's many rooftop bars. Whether you're looking for the high-end glamour of Spinningfields or the industrial charm of the Northern Quarter, there's somewhere here for you to sip and soak up the rays.

Perched in the clouds at one of the city's most enviable addresses, 20 Stories is perfect for sundowner cocktails on the roof patio. In the mood for a beer? Get over to Terrace NQ to sup cask ales and crisp lagers on its stylishly stripped back deck.

Celebrate The May Bank Holidays In Style

With two bank holidays in May, there are plenty of chances to celebrate this spring. Make the most of these long weekends with all sorts of brilliant events and activities, from boozy brunches to quirky activity bars and drinks making classes.

We've rounded up all the top things to do across the bank holidays, so you won't be stuck for ideas in the city, and there are plenty of options to suit all budgets as well.

DOUGH-IT YOURSELF PIZZA MASTERCLASS MANCHESTER

@ Pizza Pilgrims Manchester - Deansgate on Saturday 28th March 2026 and 26 other Saturdays

The Dough-It-Yourself Masterclass invites you to roll, stretch, top and bake your way to mastering the art of Neapolitan pizza. Whether it's a birthday bash, team treat, or just an excuse to roll up your sleeves and have some fun, you'll go home with a full tum and some new skills in the kitchen.

Your £54 tickets includes two drinks and a Friggitoria Italian street food feast, plus all the tools, tips and ingredients you need to cook up a storm. For just £20 more, you can upgrade to the Pizziolo Grande package and bag a Pococello shot or espresso, a branded apron and a pizza cutter for good measure.

DRAGBUS Manchester

@ The Bridgewater Hall on Saturday 28th March 2026 and 10 other Saturdays

Hop aboard the Drag Bus this spring for a guided tour that very quickly turns into a party. Expect city views, outrageous performances and non-stop laughs along the way. 

Your fabulous lineup of drag queen hostesses will lead you on a merry day of sightseeing, games and plenty of glitter. Grab your ticket and a free glass of fizz from just £55.86.

 

Attend A Fabulous Drag Show

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

The ultimate daytime drag extravaganza, Bougie Drag Events can be found at both On Bar and AREA in the city centre. They host some of the liveliest bottomless brunches around, complete with performances from their fierce and fabulous cast of queens - think lip syncing, dancing and stunning outfits.

There'll be live DJs playing party tunes throughout the four hours, as well as the option for 90 minutes of bottomless drinks during the show. There are three ticket prices to suit all budgets, with tasty brunch dishes up for grabs too.

YO! Sushi School - Manchester Selfridges Trafford

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

Enrol at Yo! Sushi School to learn the history of this ancient dish, its delicious ingredients and the knife skills needed to make it to perfection. With expert guidance from resident masters, you'll pack, roll and cut your own sushi creations to try right here or take home for later. 

Your menu for the day packs in salmon sashimi, salmon nigiri, cucumber maki, crunchy Cali rolls and plenty more. Tickets start from just £27.95 and all include all this, plus a welcome drinks and tasty sharing snacks.

Freight Island

A super stylish open air food hall in the heart of Manchester, Freight Island packs in 11 street food spots and seven incredible bars. But that's only the beginning. 

There's plenty more to keep you entertained here. We're talking indie rock nights, pre-show parties, live music and top tier DJ sets. It gets even better. Entry for most of these epic events starts from zero pounds and zero pence.

Check Out Old School R&B Brunch

Taking place at Manchester's buzzing event space Freight Island, Old School R&B Brunch is a lively event that promises all your favourite tunes. Not only will the DJ be spinning non-stop RNB hits, but you'll also take part in all sorts of immersive games and interactive fun.

Expect prizes, giveaways, photobooths and even karaoke, with hilarious hosts to keep the good vibes going. Plus, there'll be an hour of bottomless punch as well as tasty dishes available from street food traders like Voodoo Ray's, Burgerism and Ornella's Kitchen.

Do Some Competitive Baking

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Saturday 28th March 2026

The Big Manchester Bake is a fun way to get a little competitive, while enjoying some tasty treats at the same time. It takes place at a Stanley Street venue, in their custom baking marquee that's complete with a cake-themed bar, a hospitality suite and a gorgeous drinks garden.

You'll work in teams of two, competing against up to 11 other pairs to be crowned the winning bakers. All the ingredients you need will be provided, pre-measured for you, and there's a fun new theme every single month.

What's On At Loft Social

Loft Social brings creative cocktails, big energy and friendly competition to the heart of Stockport. Whether you're here on a big night out, awkward date, work do or special celebration, its reimagining of classic games is sure to put a smile on your face.

You can try your hand at all sorts here. Test your bow fingers with archery, master your throw with petanque or slide your way into a good time with disco curling. Whatever takes your fancy, tickets start from just £16.50.

Grab A Paintbrush And A Drink

Fancy getting creative? Book a class with Paintvine and enjoy a two-hour guided session painting your very own masterpiece. Classes range from the likes of Banksy to Santorini and all the materials are provided, as well as the cleaning up. Grab a drink from the bar and let your inner artist flow.

Shuffle It Up With A Boozy Brunch.

@ Electric Shuffle Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 28th March 2026

Looking for a fun activity to do with your friends? Then check out Electric Shuffle on Deansgate, where they offer a high-tech version of shuffleboard complete with interactive screens. These add up your scores for you, with all sorts of fun multiplayer games to get involved in.

They host boozy brunches every single weekend, starting from only £33 per person. These promise a whole bottle of prosecco or four beers each, as well as all-you-can-eat pizza across the two hours and 60 minutes of unlimited gaming.

Play A Few Games Of Padel

The exciting fusion of tennis and squash, padel is a fun sport that's taking over the country. The high-energy game is perfect for getting competitive with your friends, and there are both indoor and outdoor courts to suit the unpredictable spring weather.

There are a surprising number of places to play padel across the city, and we've got the low-down on where to find them. From Club de Padel to the Northern Lawn Tennis Club or Pure Padel Manchester, you can get involved right now.

Visit A Secret Garden

Now that the weather is finally warming up, we all want to make the most of it by exploring some outdoor spaces. There are all the well-known parks to visit, but if you're after something a little less known? Then check out our guide to Manchester's hidden green spaces.

These secret gardens and parks are dotted all around the city, from just outside Piccadilly station to the Castlefield area. We've got names like Mayfield Park, Parsonage Gardens and The Secret Valley on our list, so there's plenty to discover.

Take A Day Trip Outside The City

There's a whole lot to do in Manchester this spring, but sometimes we all need to get away from the city. That's why we've sorted you out with a list of all the very best day trips to try out, all within a couple of hours journey from Manchester.

Whether you're in the mood for stunning strolls around the Lake District, a seaside jaunt to Blackpool or you fancy discovering a picturesque small town like Buxton, we've got something for everyone here.