108 events in Northern Quarter this week. Discover gigs, comedy, workshops, markets, and more with TownSpot.

What's On in Northern Quarter | Things To Do | TownSpot

Common Ground is an exhibition exploring the Peak District National Park, inviting audiences to connect with nature amidst a global climate crisis. The installation features works by graduates using foraged clay and immersive experiences. FREE. More info: https://www.craftanddesign.com/exhibitions-events/common-ground/

Common Ground Exhibition

Manchester Craft and Design Centre, 17 Oak St, Manchester M4 5JD, UK

esea contemporary marks its 40th anniversary with a new group exhibition bringing together six artists whose practices probe the architectures of transition and the fragile ecologies of the in-between. More info: https://www.eseacontemporary.org/current-exhibitions

🖼️ Exhibition: Thresholds of Becoming

esea contemporary, 13 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1EU, UK

This course will be led by Ratnaguna and Shraddhavijaya, on the theme of Transformations. In this course we will consider incidents to see what we can learn from them. £35. More info: https://manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk/whats-on/tools-going-deeper-may-26/

Tools for Living – Going Deeper: Four-Week Course Starts

Manchester Buddhist Centre, 16-20 Turner St, Manchester M4 1DZ, UK

A friendly and practical weekly introduction to Buddhism and meditation, here in-person at the Centre. There's no need to book. We gather together in the Buddhist Centre lounge about thirty minutes before the start of the session for coffee and bagels. £7. More info: https://manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk/whats-on/tools-living-4-2/2026-05-16/

Tools for Living Your Life

Come and swap your plants, seeds or cuttings, grow your collection and meet up with other plant lovers. If you don’t have a plant to swap – don’t worry! We’ll have plenty of extras to give away to get your collection started. More info: https://www.craftanddesign.com/news/plant-swaps/

🌱 Plant Swaps

Join us for a guided game session for ‘Liquid Dependencies: What does a decentralised, caring society look like?’ This live action role-playing experience invites 12 participants to inhabit characters within the fictional ReUnion society, a sustainable community shaped by long-term mutual care and collective responsibility. £10 - £12.50. More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/liquid-dependencies-guided-game-session-tickets-1985187102062

Liquid Dependencies: Guided Game Session

After All Festival is back and bigger than ever in 2026! With four stages spanning three venues, Manchester’s premier grassroots music festival once again descends on the city’s Northern Quarter. £20. More info: https://bandonthewall.org/events/after-all-festival-2026/

After All Festival 2026

Band on the Wall, 25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ, UK

DG Kollective is an 18-piece ensemble combining soaring brass, sleek saxes and a powerhouse rhythm section to deliver a bold, contemporary big band sound. Tickets and more info: https://mattandphreds.com/may-2026/big-band-brunch

Big Band Brunch

Matt & Phreds Jazz Club, 64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW, UK

Our Barrel of Laughs show takes place every Friday and Saturday night with 3 top-flight national and international acts plus one of the Frog's fantastic comperes. More info: https://frogandbucket.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873660476/events/128631672

Saturday Barrel of Laughs

Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, 102 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LJ, UK

Kemani & Friends is a fantastic showcase from Manchester vocalist and multi-genre artist Kemani Anderson, live at Matt & Phred’s. This special series highlights underground Manchester talent, featuring Kemani’s blend of soul, jazz, and RnB, alongside guest artists. FREE. More info: https://mattandphreds.com/may-2026/kemani-and-friends

Kemani & Friends

Featuring four amazing comedians with one of our resident hosts, presenting a mix of up-and-coming talent and international headliners. £7. More info: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Creatures-Comedy-Club/Saturday-Afternoon-Showcase-Creatures-Comedy-Club/41997480/

Saturday Afternoon Showcase

Creatures of the Night Comedy Club, 42-44 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE, UK

E&I Collective are a group based in Manchester specialising is live original Reggae/Dancehall music. Bringing artists passionate about the genre together resulting in engaging and energetic performances. Covering Roots and Dub through to Reggae and Rubadub/Dancehall. FREE. More info: https://bandonthewall.org/events/la-fiesta-x-sueli-gil/

La Fiesta x E&I Collective

Our Barrel of Laughs show takes place every Friday and Saturday night with 3 top-flight national and international acts plus one of the Frog's fantastic comperes. More info: https://frogandbucket.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873660477/events/128631673

Our flagship show features four amazing comedians with one of our resident hosts, presenting a mix of up-and-coming talent and international headliners. Enjoy our cocktail bar and fresh popcorn in a vibrant atmosphere. £17. More info: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Creatures-Comedy-Club/Saturday-Night-Showcase-Creatures-Comedy-Club/42006396/

Saturday Night Showcase

The Chinese Marbles are a collective of ten multi-instrumentalists from Macclesfield. This band plays a truly eclectic mix of genres including rock, ska, funk, disco, soul, reggae and blues. Bring your dancing shoes! More info: https://mattandphreds.com/may-2026/chinese-marbles

Chinese Marbles

Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of live jazz every Sunday at Mala. Our all-day jazz event offers a perfect blend of soulful melodies, delicious food, and a relaxed ambiance. More info: https://www.meandu.app/mala/dine-in/events/events/jazz-sundays-1yz4s4jrz

Jazz Sundays

This is a special one. The award-winning Tom Sharp Jazz Orchestra continue their exploration of big band music looking this year at the work of the great Duke Ellington. More info: https://mattandphreds.com/may-2026/tom-sharp-jazz-orchestra

Tom Sharp Jazz Orchestra

Take your improv skills to the next level! Building on the principles from Level One and extending into longer scenic structures and techniques to get the best out of your stage time. £200. More info: https://www.improvnorth.com/service-page/level-2-long-form-structure-sundays-1

🤣 Level 2: Long-Form Structure (Sundays)

Improv North, 10 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF, UK

Join us at The Jazz Room as we celebrate two of the most influential musicians of all time: Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong. Experience their timeless music reimagined by a talented live band in an intimate setting. More info: https://bandonthewall.org/events/the-jazz-room-a-frank-sinatra-louis-armstrong-tribute-early-show/

The Jazz Room: A Frank Sinatra & Louis Armstrong Tribute – Early Show

Join us at The Jazz Room as we celebrate two of the most influential musicians of all time: Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong. Experience their timeless music reimagined by a talented live band in an intimate setting. More info: https://bandonthewall.org/events/the-jazz-room-a-frank-sinatra-louis-armstrong-tribute-late-show/

The Jazz Room: A Frank Sinatra & Louis Armstrong Tribute – Late Show

An evening in two parts featuring a funny look back at thirty years in comedy and Smug’s debut one-hour stand-up comedy special, performed live at the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club. £15. More info: https://frogandbucket.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873661707/events/128642144

Smug Roberts Live & Almost Famous

Bombastic and barefaced, theatrical and sincere, it invites us to laugh, to sing, to reckon, and to revel. An undeniable artist-to-watch, Selve aren’t just performing; they’re liberating – they’re throwing open the curtains and letting it all spill out. – Atwood Magazine. More info: https://aatmavenue.co.uk/event/selve-manchester/

Selve // Manchester

Aatma, 1st Floor, 14-16 Faraday St, Manchester M1 1BE, UK

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion are heading back to the UK for a short run of dates calling into Night & Day Manchester on Sunday 17th May. £22.50. More info: https://nightnday.org/show/the-hillbilly-moon-explosion/

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion

Night & Day Cafe, 26 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN, UK

The heats begin! Rising comedians compete across 12 weeks for a place in the semi-finals. Expect a night packed with fresh voices, big laughs and the excitement of competition as the next wave of comedians battle it out. More info: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Creatures-Comedy-Club/Comedian-of-the-Year--Heat--Creatures-Comedy-Club/42247646/#about

Comedian of the Year | Heat

Join Food Tastes Good Club every Monday evening - bring, cook, eat! Every Monday evening, gather to bring, cook and share food together. FREE. More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-tastes-good-club-tickets-1349593653949

🥘 Food Tastes Good Club

Altogether Otherwise, 6-10 Hanover St, Manchester M4 4BB, UK

Join us for a thrilling Quiz Night at Mala! Test your knowledge, have fun, and compete for a chance to win a £50 bar tab. Bring your friends, sharpen your wits, and enjoy a night of great entertainment and fantastic prizes! £3. More info: https://www.meandu.app/mala/dine-in/events/events/quiz-night-16th-july

Quiz Night

COME SEE A LINE UP OF ALL BABY COMEDIANS IN THEIR FIRST YEAR! Its our show to have a warm supportive crowd for new comedians! £1. More info: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Creatures-Comedy-Club/Hatched-Creatures-Comedy-Club/42334069/

Hatched

Checkin is a monthly in-person meet-up to chat about how things are going in our meditation and Buddhist practice, and to be part of the Manchester Young Buddhist community. It's completely informal and you don't need any prior experience to attend. More info: https://manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk/whats-on/youngbuddhistscheckin-3/2026-05-18/

Young Buddhists Group: Checkin

Kaitlin Butts’ fearless approach to country music is helping her reach new heights. In 2024, Butts released her acclaimed album Roadrunner! £21.50. More info: https://bandonthewall.org/events/kaitlin-butts/

Kaitlin Butts

For this extra special Jam Night, Matt & Phred’s are teaming up with Manchester Jazz Festival to give all singers and musicians the opportunity to come down to our little backstreet Jazz Club and get on stage to perform. FREE. More info: https://mattandphreds.com/may-2026/jazz-jam

M&P X MJF Jazz Jam

At the start of the competition 3 cards are handed out to lucky members of the audience. Up to 12 acts then take to the stage and each try to do 5 minutes of material. This is the most unpredictable comedy night in the north. More info: https://frogandbucket.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873650187/events/128638437

Beat the Frog

Off the Page is a new-material comedy show where comedians from across the UK bring jokes that are brand new, freshly written, and still warm from the notebook. £3. More info: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Creatures-Comedy-Club/Off-The-Page--Creatures-Comedy-Club/41949799/

🤣 Off the Page

A regular short class for anyone who wants to try meditation, or come to a led meditation session from time to time. No need to book. Please make sure you arrive in good time so the class isn’t disturbed by latecomers. £4. More info: https://manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk/whats-on/lunchtime-meditation/2026-05-13/

Lunchtime Led Meditation

Sit out the rush hour in style, with a special edition concert for MJF, from the Beat the Jams series at Band on the Wall. This intimate set promises an eclectic musical journey from two of Manchester’s leading contemporary jazz performers. £12.50-£15. More info: https://bandonthewall.org/events/beat-the-jams-tom-thorp-george-king-x-mjf/

Beat the Jams – Tom Thorp & George King X MJF

Come along every Tuesday evening to potter around in our community garden. Anything gardening related - you name it, we probably do it. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing. FREE. More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/evening-gardening-club-tickets-1349824825389

🌱 Evening Gardening Club

A mending club open to all skill levels. Bring an item of clothing that needs some TLC and any sewing supplies you may have! Tools and materials are provided, and inspiration is always on hand. FREE. More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maybe-ill-mend-tickets-1710937483069

🧵 Maybe I'll Mend

In a world that often feels rushed, lonely, and uncertain, this six-week course offers something different: a chance to slow down, come together, and ask the questions that really matter – about life, death, love, and what it means to be truly human. £130. More info: https://manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk/whats-on/intro-buddhism-28-04-26/

Six-Week Intro to Buddhism and Meditation Course Starts

Four stand-up comedians. Fresh material. One ridiculous fruit machine. F*ck Marry Kill is a chaotic Tuesday night comedy show at Creatures Comedy Club, where four comedians try out new jokes before spinning the fruit machine to decide who, or what, they must F*ck, Marry or Kill. £1. More info: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Creatures-Comedy-Club/Fck-Marry-Kill-Stand-Up-Show--Creatures-Comedy-Club/42278071/

F*ck Marry Kill: Stand Up Show

Roller Derby is not only the name of a feminist roller sport, but also the name of the dream pop duo from Hamburg, formed in 2020. Blending 60s melodies and nostalgic 80s textures with modern indie pop, Roller Derby craft a sound that’s both dreamy and direct. £16.50. More info: https://soupmanchester.com/

Roller Derby

SOUP, 31-33 Spear St, Manchester M1 1DF, UK

Ryan Cassata (he/him) is a multi-talented artist signed to Kill Rock Stars. As an award-winning singer-songwriter, actor, performer, published writer, LGBTQ+ activist, and transgender motivational speaker. £15. More info: https://nightnday.org/show/ryan-cassata/

Ryan Cassata

Get ready for a night of high energy, feel good music spanning decades of iconic hits, showcasing some of your pop favourites and rock anthems and some unexpected throwbacks. If you like loud music, strong vocals and a crowd that’s fully committed, you’ll feel right at home! £5-£10. More info: https://bandonthewall.org/events/arden-school-of-theatre/

Arden School of Theatre

Fergus Quill and Anna Chandler-King come together to share their mutual love of the composer and bass player Charles Mingus. Booking a table is recommended, but you can just turn up if you’re happy standing. FREE. More info: https://mattandphreds.com/may-2026/three-or-four-shades-of-mingus

Three or Four Shades of Mingus

Sit quietly for 45 minutes. No phones, no pressure, no breakthroughs. Just boredom. Meeting in silence isn’t a new idea. But we aren’t sitting for mindfulness, or for art, or for spiritual improvement. We’re just sitting. FREE. More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/do-nothing-club-tickets-1983255177624

Do Nothing Club

An African Literature book club meeting every third Wednesday of each month. Our June pick of the month is New Daughters of Africa, edited by Margaret Busby. FREE. More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afrilit-book-club-your-local-african-literature-book-club-tickets-1233038845379

📚 Afrilit Book Club - Your Local African Literature Book Club

Sit quietly for 45 minutes. No phones, no pressure, no breakthroughs. Just boredom. Meeting in silence isn’t a new idea. We’re just sitting. FREE. More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/do-nothing-club-tickets-1983255177624

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