Manchester event weekends: what to do between sessions
Two giant football clubs, music history, industrial-era canals and the Peak District on the doorstep.
Events we cover in Manchester
9 Apr 2027*Manchester Marathon
Manchester, United KingdomMarathon1 Jun 2027The Ashes 2027 in Manchester
Manchester, United KingdomCricket12 Jun 2027*Parklife
Manchester, United KingdomFestival12 Jul 2027*University of Manchester Summer Graduations
Manchester, United KingdomGraduation9 Jun 2028Euro 2028 in Manchester
Manchester, United KingdomFootball
Manchester, United KingdomMarathon1 Jun 2027The Ashes 2027 in Manchester
Manchester, United KingdomCricket12 Jun 2027*Parklife
Manchester, United KingdomFestival12 Jul 2027*University of Manchester Summer Graduations
Manchester, United KingdomGraduation9 Jun 2028Euro 2028 in Manchester
Manchester, United KingdomFootball
Arriving
Manchester airport (MAN) has trains to Piccadilly in 15 to 20 minutes and the Metrolink tram.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Piccadilly | Hotels by the main station. |
| Mid-range | Northern Quarter and Spinningfields | Bars, cafés and walking distance to everything. |
| Splurge | Deansgate | Tower and landmark hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Premier Inn Manchester City Centre Piccadilly
- Mid-range: Hotel Gotham
- Splurge: The Lowry Hotel
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Science and Industry Museum.
- Legoland Discovery Centre.
Rainy-day backups
- National Football Museum.
- Whitworth gallery.
Free things to do
- Science and Industry Museum.
- John Rylands Library.
- Manchester Art Gallery.
Getting around
- Metrolink trams to Old Trafford, the Etihad and Salford Quays.
- Tap in with a contactless card on buses, trams and most urban trains.
- Book long-distance trains early on the operator app or Trainline: walk-up fares are expensive.
- Uber works in most UK cities; local black cabs are metered.