Free events in Manchester
Free things to do in Manchester, sorted for quick planning.
Current events and activities in Manchester
- Mega Halloween Party
Born To Be Wild Child are back - bringing their magnificent Monster Mash Halloween Party to the Warehouse at Aviva Studios. Come and see the Warehouse magically transformed and filled with Halloween activities for the wh
Check official times at Aviva Studios
- Ardwick Climate Action volunteering session - October
Ardwick Climate Action ( have their next regular weekend volunteering slot on Saturday 31st October, starting from 10am There will be a combination of litter picking, weeding, clearing brambles, and maintenance of their
10:00-12:00 at Brunswick Parish Church
- MCR Monsters
The MCR Monsters are turning 10! To celebrate, they're taking over the city's streets and rooftops for eight days of monster mischief this October. The city's much-loved trail of giant, inflatable monsters is back to cel
Check official times at Manchester venue
- Halloween at HOME
Something spooky is stirring at HOME this Halloween. From 23 October to 6 November, discover a packed programme of frightening films, chilling live theatre and family-friendly fun.
Check official times at HOME
- Ardwick Climate Action volunteering session - Scouts plot
Ardwick Climate Action ( have an extra weekend volunteering slot on Saturday 7th November, starting from 10am There will be a combination of litter picking, weeding, clearing brambles, and maintenance of their site on Ha
10:00-12:00 at Hanworth Close
- Volunteers needed by Francis House at the Wilmslow Bonfire & Firework Show
Remember, remember the 7th of November.. Francis House Children’s Hospice is looking for volunteers to support the charity at the Wilmslow Round Table Bonfire and Firework Show at the Carnival Fields in Wilmslow.
15:30-20:00 at The Carnival Fields
- Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness 2026
We have a timeslot of 19:00 for our specific 5 km lap for the event, but feel free to run at other times to suit you! The Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness ( is a mass participation group relay run that is held
18:30-20:30 at House of Social
- Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Garden Adventure
A wondrous winter festival of folklore, music and festive mischief! Step into a magical winter festival at Tatton Park Gardens this season, where folklore, festive traditions and ridiculous rituals come to life.
Check official times at Tatton Park
- GoodGym Manchester litterpick - November
Definition of PLOGGING ( We'll meet in St Peter's Square outside Manchester Central Library, What3words///think.forum.votes and run/plog or walk from there.
18:15-20:00 at St Peter's Square
- Father Christmas at the Science and Industry Museum
Meet Father Christmas in the atmospheric surroundings of Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery this Christmas. Set against a backdrop of iconic locomotives and historic engines, Father Christmas and his friendly elf will be
Check official times at Science and Industry Museum
- Weekly Wellbeing Walk Launch
Date moved due to Freshers' Week so will be confirmed nearer the time Join FlippGen and Strava for the launch of a new weekly wellbeing walk in Manchester; a free, accessible morning built around one simple idea: that wa
11:00-13:00 at Boardman Gate Entrance, 11 Baring St
- Food bank run - November
If you have any items on the list in the picture, please bring them along. We'll meet in St Peter's Square and then drop off food at the Big ASDA in Hulme (Asda, 100 Princess Rd, Hulme, Manchester M15 5AS).
18:15-20:00 at St Peter's Square
- Fletcher Moss parkrun volunteering
I am Run Director at Fletcher Moss parkrun on Saturday 28th November and we need to get some GoodGym help for volunteers! If you have a another local parkrun that is looking for volunteers, please help out elsewhere too.
08:30-10:15 at Fletcher Moss Park
- MCR South-Central Foodbank Collection
Please read below and let me know which shift (morning or afternoon) you would like to help out with.
13:00-16:00 at Tesco Extra Chester Road
- Festive Live: Akiko Saxophone Quartet
Get festive at Aviva Studios with free live music from local music groups. The Akiko Saxophone Quartet are an award-winning saxophone quartet based in Manchester.
Check official times at Aviva Studios
- Festive Live: RNCM Jazz Quartet
Get festive at Aviva Studios with free live music from local music groups. Formed at the RNCM, this exciting jazz quartet brings together four final-year musicians: Isaac Horton on piano, Aiden Bryson on saxophone, Max C
Check official times at Aviva Studios
- Festive Live: Fractal Saxophone Quartet
Our festive programme brings the best local choirs, bands and workshops to Aviva Studios. Take a break from shopping, grab a warming hot chocolate and soak up the festive atmosphere. Explore the full line-up here.
Check official times at Aviva Studios
- Experitots
Experitots is a regular event specially designed for children aged 0-4. During these playful sessions, toddlers and their adults are encouraged to explore and experiment together. Our team of friendly Explainers are on h
Check official times at Science and Industry Museum
A genuinely low-cost day in Manchester
Plan your visit to Manchester. Discover gigs, club nights, theatre, family days out, markets, sport, food and local things to do across the Northern Quarter, Deansgate, Ancoats, Salford Quays and nearby Greater Manchester.
Check what the advertised free entry includes. Advance booking, optional activities, parking and transport can still have a cost.
- Check whether advance booking is still required
- Confirm parking or travel costs
- Look for free family sessions with limited places