49 Things To Do In Manchester This Month (May 2024)

Manchester is one of my favourite cities as it has everything you need for a day out, weekened away or even a week. Our What's On Guide will give you lots of ideas on how to spend a weekend with 49 things to do in Manchester this month. There is plenty to keep you busy whether you are spending it with the family, friends, your partner or on your own. 

Theatre, Shows, Music and Concerts

There is nothing better than watching a live show. Luckily in Manchester there are lots of venues that can provide live Entertainment whether it's a theatre show, live music or seeing your favourite artist or band. Here are some highlights for this month but to see the full listing be sure to check the What's On Guides for each venue.

officer and a gentleman

Opera House, 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP

An Officer and a Gentleman - Apr 30th - May 4th 2024
Prepare to be swept off your feet with An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical, based on the award-winning 80s movie. This timeless story of love, courage, and redemption will make your heart soar and leave you breathless, longing for more.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

julian clary poster


Julian Clary, A Fistful of Clary - 7th May 2024 
Yee-haw! You’ve heard of The Man With No Name? Well, here’s The Man With No Shame.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

whitney queen of the night poster
Whitney, Queen of the Night -  May 10th 2024
Direct from the West End, The London Palladium, and the iconic Royal Albert Hall, Whitney – Queen of the Night is a celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of all time: Whitney Houston.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

bowie experince


Bowie Experience - May 26th 2024
Direct from London's West End, Bowie Experience is a spectacular concert celebrating the music of the world’s greatest pop icon, David Bowie. A must see for all Bowie fans, the latest production features all the hits from A to Ziggy.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

the greatest showman poster


Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman - May 28th 2024
From the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga GREASE, the smash hit film musical that everyone can’t stop singing.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

wizard of oz poster


Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St, Manchester, M1 6FT
The Wizard Of Oz - Apr 24th 2024 - May 5th 2024
Starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this spectacular production will be truly magical for all the family.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

bonnie and clyde poster
Bonnie and Clyde- May 7th - 11th 2024
Two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere became the biggest folk heroes in all America. They craved adventure—and each other. Their names were Bonnie and Clyde.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

aladdin poster
Aladdin - May 22nd 2024 - June 7th 2024
Already seen by over 14 million people worldwide, this exuberant production, based on the 1992 animated film is filled with unforgettable magic, comedy, breathtaking sets and dazzling costumes. It also features new music, alongside all the smash hit songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, “Friend Like Me”, “A Whole New World”, “One Jump Ahead”, “Prince Ali”, and “Arabian Nights

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

42 balloons cast at the lowry


The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ

42 Balloons - Apr 18th - May 19th 2024
2nd of July 1982. Using a lawn chair and approximately 42 helium-filled weather balloons, truck driver Larry Walters defied all the odds (and FAA airspace regulations!) to make his lifelong dream a reality and fly sixteen thousand feet above Los Angeles.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

jesus christ superstar
Jesus Christ Superstar - May 21st- May 25th 2024
Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) directs this mesmerizing new production of the iconic global phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar which comes to Salford for one week

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

hungry caterpillar show poster
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show - Mar 28th 2024 - 1st June 2024
The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 48 million copies worldwide. Brown Bear, Brown Bear – now celebrating 50 years – has sold more than 18.2 million copies.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

Take That poster


AO Arena Manchester, Victoria Station, Manchester, M3 1AR
Take That - May 7th 2024 - May 12th 2024 (excluding May 8th 2024)

Rearranged from Co Op Live, Take That will play their This Life On Tour dates at the AO Arena

CLICK HERE
 to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

tenacious D poster
Tenacious D - May 8th 2024
Music icons and acclaimed greatest band in the world, Tenacious D, follow their sold-out UK/European arena tour this summer with more dates in 2024. “It’s no joke. Tenacious D is the best band in the world and in the Spicy Meatball Tour they are at the peak of their powers. Better than the Beatles…better than the Stones…even better than Taylor Swift. And they have PYRO!!!

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows

nickelback poster
Nickelback - May 20th 2024
‘’It’s so good to finally be back in the UK, we’ve had so many great moments across the country over the years. You always make it special. It’s going to be a hell of a party!’’ – Nickelback

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows.

girls aloud poster


Girls Aloud - May 23rd 2024 - May 25th 2024
The hugely anticipated shows will feature all of the band's historic pop hits including No.1 songs 'Sound Of The Underground', 'The Promise' and 'I'll Stand By You', alongside cast-iron classics such as 'Love Machine', ‘Call The Shots’, Biology', 'Something New' and 'The Show'.

CLICK HERE to find out more information, prices and to book tickets.

Visit the What's On Guide for MORE upcoming shows.

heaton park


Parks, Outdoors and National Trust

Heaton Park, Sheepfoot Ln, Manchester M25 0DL
Heaton Park is a public park in Manchester, England, covering an area of over 600 acres. The park includes the grounds of a Grade I listed, neoclassical 18th century country house, Heaton Hall.

With the choice of 2 playgrounds, 3 adult size football pitches, 18 hole golf course, pitch and putt and bowling, Heaton Park has something for everyone. Also you can visit the tramway museum and take a tram ride on most Sundays and bank holidays. 

If you are feeling adventurous you can head to Treetop Trek Manchester for the chance to explore the treetops on the high ropes course. 

To find out more about events happening this month click through to Heaton Park

Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
Welcome to Lyme. Nestling on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme was once home to the Legh family and, in its heyday a great sporting estate. The 1,400 acre estate with its medieval herd of red deer offers fantastic walks and stunning views.

For a more tranquil walk explore the elegant Rose Garden, Ravine Garden or the luxurious herbaceous borders next to the reflecting lake where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennet in the BBC production of 'Pride and Prejudice'.

Head in to the house to step back in time to the Regency era - a time which saw great rejuvenation for Lyme. 

The Timber Yard Cafe offers delicious hot and cold snacks, and range of cakes whilst the Refreshment Kiosk in the car park offers grab and go drinks and ice creams.

May Half Term - May 25th 2024 - June 16th 2024
Pick up your Guardian Guide from the Ticket Office or Lyme shops which is buzzing with activities and games for both the young and young at heart. Follow the trail for imaginative play, sensory activities.

Normal admission plus £3 per trail.

Bogtastic Van - May 29th 2024
The first ever 'moor in a van' – the Bogtastic mobile exhibition vehicle – travels the Peak District and South Pennines welcoming visitors to experience the sights and sounds of our iconic uplands. The van is full of interesting and exciting games, videos and interactive experiences to educate and inspire everyone about the mysterious world of blanket bogs; where bizarre plants live alongside magical animals. It’s a great way to get a hands-on understanding of the landscape on your doorstep!

To find out more about events happening this month click through to Lyme Park

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4HP
Quarry Bank is a place of stark contrast, where the power of the Industrial Revolution sits alongside the beauty of picturesque gardens and lush countryside. At Quarry Bank you can discover a complete industrial community and experience the very different worlds of owner and worker, who lived and worked here side by side.

Discover what it was like to work in a cotton mill. Experience heritage machinery in action and feel the floors shake beneath your feet as the spinning machines turn and the looms weave. Find out about the life and legacy of Samuel Greg, the founder of Quarry Bank.

Journey Through Blossom - May 8th 2024 - May 12th 2024
The blossom trail around Quarry Bank explores the different ways blossom is used throughout history and by different cultures. Engaging the five senses of taste, touch, sight, hearing and smell.

Bee Day In The Upper Garden Shop - May 11th 2024 
Sue a member of the Quarry Bank retail team, and is very passionate about bees. Sue is looking forward to chatting with visitors about beekeeping and she will have a training hive for you to look at.

May Half Term - May 25th 2024 - June 2nd 2024
Outdoor trail - Oh no! The apprentices have hung their washing out to dry, but the wind has whisked it all away! As you explore the gardens and Mill Meadow, see if you can find all the giant pieces of clothing you can spot.

Mill indoor trail - the mice in the mill are helping us here and there. How many can you count? Find the answer in the Mill Yard Shop.

Barn Owl Walks - May 28th 2024 - May 30th 2024
Meet in the Mill Yard for a walk and talk with our ranger team to hear about barn owl habitats and their feeding habits. Head to the field and see a barn owl box and learn about their life cycle. Delve into some owl pellets to learn about their diet and see what they’ve been eating.

To find out more about events happening this month click through to Quarry Bank Mill

Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ
Nestled between the vibrant city of Manchester and the beginnings of rural Cheshire, Dunham Massey includes a 300-acre deer park, a historic house and buildings, and all-season gardens. 

From Here to There - A Trail For Children - May 8th 2024 - Nov 3rd 2024
This year, children are invited to take a journey through the historic house, accompanied by Speechly the Pineapple. Grab a Pineapple Passport from the entrance of the house, spot the suitcase stacks, and collect a stamp for your passport.

Summer of Play - May 25th 2024 - Sept 8th 2024
The North Park Play Hub, brimming with colour and activity, brings an opportunity to share games and challenges amongst ancient trees and nature. Catch special events like crafts and storytelling, and bring a picnic to enjoy under dappled shade or at one of our accessible picnic benches.

Clamber and climbing are a must at the natural play Log Pile. Balance on fallen trees, hop across stumps, and let their imaginations run wild in the great outdoors.

In the gardens, the thousands of summer bulbs create beautiful displays that change weekly. Across the wider land of walking paths and veteran trees, deer spotting is always a family favourite.

With snacks, meals and beverages on hand from the numerous outlets, and a trip to the treasure trove shop enroute home, Dunham Massey is the ideal place to enjoy a celebratory summer day.

To find out more about events happening this month click through to Dunham Massey

shaun the sheep
Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN (Sat Nav WA16 6SG)
Historic estate with Tudor hall, neo-classical mansion, lavish gardens, a deer park & playground.

Shaun the Sheep - Find the Flock - Mar 29th 2024 - June 23rd 2024
The supersized Shaun the Sheep sculptures have been designed and painted by local and regional artists, some inspired by the flora and fauna you'll find in our gardens from around the world. Look out for a Botanical inspired Shaun grazing near the Fernery and a blossoming Shaun framed by the Japanese garden Cherry blossoms ....can ewe find them all? 

Standard parkland and garden entry fees apply. Small charge for Shaun the Sheep activity trail applies.

To find out more about events happening this month click through to Tatton Park

little grey fergie


Little Grey Fergie - Mar 29th 2024 - Oct 27th 2024
Say hello to Little Grey Fergie; the clever little grey tractor who can move all by himself.
He’s happy and curious and loves to help. The farm is his home for 2024…

To find out more about events happening this month click through to Tatton Park

teamsport go karting


Indoor Entertainment Venues

Team Sport Go Karting
Manchester Victoria
Based under the Manchester Arena car park, here you’ll find 550 metres of nerve-testing bends, full-on flyovers and awesome levels to explore.

Manchester Trafford Park
Featuring a 450 metre testing racecourse, the TeamSport Trafford Park circuit is all kinds of fun. Think you’ve had your thrill of racing? Think again. Previously Daytona, the Trafford Park track provides even more opportunity to flex your racing skills. With awesome straights, and one heck of a flyover, there’s always something new to try out when you’re sat in a brand new Biz Evo3 kart!


The Archertype, Unit 10A, Universal Building , 37 - 49 Devonshire Street North, Ardwick, Manchester M12 6JR
Starting from your back lines you’ll run to the centre to retrieve a single arrow and begin fighting against your opponents! Using your bow and foam-tipped arrows you’ll have to strategically decide to shoot players or spot targets. Obstacles appear on either side of the arena and teams must work together to fulfil their victory condition


The Crystal Maze Live, Experience Manchester, St Johns, Lower Byrom Street, Manchester M3 4FP
It’s the oh-so-popular 90s TV show brought to genuinely immersive, 3D life. More importantly, it’s a brilliant excuse to run around wildly, shout yourselves hoarse, solve all sorts of problems and challenges, and, best of all, celebrate in some wacky satin bomber jackets. All this, with your friends – who could ask for anything more?


Chill Factore, Beyond, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford City, Manchester M41 7JA
Skiing & Snowboarding for everyone, visit Chill Factore the home of the UK's Longest Indoor Snow Slope! Or if you're looking for some family fun check out the thrill filled sledging to the delights of the Downhill Donuts. Chill Factore's Snow Park is perfect for kids and adults alike! 


Whistle Punks, Deansgate, M3 4EN
Get ready for the time of your life with our range of urban axe-throwing packages! Unleash your inner lumberjack and compete with your friends, colleagues, or loved ones to see who will be crowned the axe slinging champion.


Virtual Hideout,  51 Church Street, Manchester. M4 1PD
Virtual Hideout Manchester is a virtual reality and gaming centre located in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. Never experienced VR? Then now is your chance! From novices to experienced gamers we tailor each experience to your needs. Virtual Hideout have a huge range of over 100 action, adventure, shooting, horror, multi-player, sports, and even family friendly games on the HTC Vive Pro headsets - the latest and most advanced headset in the world.


Immersive Gamebox, Unit R3 Halle Place Arndale Centre, Market St, Manchester M4 3AQ
Get together for an interactive cinema adventure that'll tick everyone's boxes. Our games are user-friendly and specially designed for players of all ages. Not a tech whizz? Don't worry! No experience required, just good times. 


Urban Playground, Manchester Arndale, Manchester M4 3AB
Urban Playground is home to The Cube, and Putters. 

The Cube is a challenge where there is no room for error testing your skills across 7 games that aren’t as easy as they seem.

Putters is a tech-infused Mini Golf. No paper, no pencils. A course that guarantees fair-play with smart scoring technology, in-game prizes and bonus holes.


The Deck 747, Barton Aerodrome, Liverpool Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 7SA
The only real 747-400 aircraft upper deck experience in the North of England, giving you the chance to not only get on board the top deck of ex BA 747 G-BYGA but take control of her in a simulated environment and go flying! You also have the chance to sit in a business class seat, get a selfie in the captain's seat and visit the Doors2Manual shop


Meet Space VR, North3, Unit 11 Brightgate Way, Manchester M32 0TB
Home to the UK's greatest free-roam VR experiences. Choose your experience including Zero Latency VR, VR Quest Arena and VR Escape Rooms.


man looking through a magnifying glass



Escape Rooms

We love an Escape Room and luckily if you're close to Manchester there are lots of venues perfect for a night out with your partner, friends or family. 

Breakout Manchester
Breakout Church Street: 51 Church Street, Manchester. M4 1PD
Breakout Newton Street: 87 Newton Street, Manchester. M1 1EX.

Breakout Manchester is an escape room venue that is perfect for teams of 2 - 5 people. Like most escape rooms you have 60 minutes to solve the puzzles and challenges to help you escape. Breakout Manchester has 17 uniquely themed escape rooms to choose from and they each come with a difficulty level from beginner to expert. 

To find out more, prices and to book - visit Breakout Manchester

Lucardo Manchester, Virginia House, 5-7 Great Ancoats Street, Greater Manchester M4 5AD
Lucardo is a real life action escape room which will have you working as a team as you try to solve a mixture of puzzles and riddles. With 6 rooms to choose from including Magic and Prison Escape, Lucardo is suitable for friends, families, couples and is also perfect for team building exercises. 

To find out more, prices and to book - visit Lucardo

Escape Hunt Manchester, Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, Manchester M4 3TR
Escape Hunt has a variety of rooms to suit everyone whether you are a fan of pirates and want to try and escape Blackbeard's treasure or whether you want to go back in time and Escape The Wild West. Escape Hunt escape rooms are immersive and fun and with 7 rooms to choose from you will enjoy finding the clues and solving the puzzles before your time runs out. 

To find out more, prices and to book - visit Escape Hunt Manchester

orange and blue inflatables


Trampoline Parks and Indoor Play Centres

Flip Out, Corbett Street, Manchester M11 4TA
Flip Out Manchester has a huge range of activities for the kids to enjoy whether they choose to have lots of bouncing fun on the trampolines, complete the Ninja Obstacle Course or take on the lazer maze. You can expect hours of fun from all 16 attractions, a perfect day out. 

To find out more, prices and to book - visit Flip Out

Play Factore, Trafford Quays Leisure Village, Trafford Way, Manchester M41 7JA
Play Factore is the UK's largest indoor indoor entertainment arena for parties and play. Play Factore boasts the tallest standing indoor slide in the UK (i've been on it and it's tall!!!), as well as a full indoor laser tag arena, interactive ValoJump trampolines and zip wire.

To find out more, prices and to book - visit Play Factore

Kick Air, 61 Great Ducie St, Manchester M3 1RR
Kick Air offers you the chance to enter the Air Zone featuring trampolines, wipeout, inflatable slides, basketball and dodgeball. Everything you need to burn off some energy and have lots of fun. However if you fancy practicing your football skills you can enter the Kick Zone where you can take on the robokeeper or play some football darts.

To find out more, prices and to book - visit Kick Air

Inflata Nation, Manchester, Textilose Road, Trafford Park Manchester M17 1WA
Inflata Nation is the No.1 inflatable park Manchester! You can enjoy two levels of fun with the double decker arena. Lots of slides including vertical drops, bumpy slides and the strength testing tipping slide, how long can you hang on? There's also an extended inflatable obstacle course, gladiator podium and a new inflata bubble section thats great for leaping, jumping and tumbling.

To find out more, prices and to book - visit Inflata Nation


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