Spring is the perfect time to explore Manchester, as the city comes alive with outdoor events, blooming parks, and an unbeatable social scene. Whether you’re into music, history, food, or just want to experience something unique, here are 20 fun things to do in Manchester this season.
1. Wander Through Heaton Park
Manchester’s largest park is stunning in spring, with blooming flowers, scenic lakes, and vast open spaces perfect for a picnic. Visit the animal farm, take a boat ride on the lake, or enjoy a relaxing stroll through the landscaped gardens. It’s also home to the historic Heaton Hall, offering a glimpse into Manchester’s past.
2. Visit the RHS Garden Bridgewater
Spring means full bloom at RHS Bridgewater, one of the UK’s most impressive gardens. Located just outside Manchester, this former estate has been transformed into a botanical paradise. With beautifully designed walled gardens, tranquil lakes, and seasonal flower displays, it’s the perfect escape from the city hustle.
3. Discover the Northern Quarter’s Street Art
The Northern Quarter is Manchester’s creative heart, and its streets are covered in ever-changing murals from world-famous and local artists. Take a self-guided walking tour to find hidden masterpieces down alleyways, or book a street art tour to learn about the stories behind the artwork.
4. Experience the Manchester Jazz Festival
Every spring, the Manchester Jazz Festival brings world-class musicians to venues across the city. Expect intimate gigs in trendy bars, open-air performances in St Ann’s Square, and energetic late-night jam sessions. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or just love live music, this festival is a must.
5. Check Out a Rooftop Bar
Manchester’s skyline deserves to be admired with a cocktail in hand. Try 20 Stories for panoramic city views, YES Manchester for a relaxed vibe with live music, or El Gato Negro for delicious tapas and Spanish-inspired cocktails under the spring sky.
6. Explore the Science and Industry Museum
Perfect for a rainy spring day, this museum is packed with interactive exhibits, historic locomotives, and fascinating insights into Manchester’s role in the Industrial Revolution. From the evolution of textiles to the latest in AI technology, there’s something for curious minds of all ages.
7. Go to a Manchester United or Manchester City Match
Spring is peak football season, and Manchester is home to two of the world’s biggest clubs. Whether you’re cheering at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium, experiencing a match in this football-mad city is unforgettable. Stadium tours are also available if you want a behind-the-scenes look.
8. Hunt for Vintage Treasures at Afflecks
Afflecks in the Northern Quarter is an indie shopping paradise, filled with unique finds from vintage fashion to handmade jewelry, artwork, and quirky collectibles. It’s a must-visit for those looking for something a little different from the usual high-street shops.
9. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Manchester
Manchester’s Irish roots run deep, and the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations here are among the best in the UK. Expect a huge parade, lively street performances, traditional Irish dancing, and, of course, plenty of Guinness flowing in the city’s many Irish pubs.
10. Take a Boat Ride on the River Irwell
See Manchester from a different perspective with a scenic canal cruise along the River Irwell and Manchester’s historic waterways. Many cruises offer afternoon tea or evening drinks, making it a great way to relax while learning about the city’s industrial heritage.
11. Try the Best Street Food at Mackie Mayor
Spring means longer days and the perfect weather for casual dining at Mackie Mayor, a trendy indoor food market in a restored Victorian building. With everything from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizza to artisan coffee and craft beer, it’s a foodie’s paradise.
12. Visit John Rylands Library
This gothic masterpiece looks straight out of a Harry Potter film. Step inside to marvel at the grand stained-glass windows, towering bookshelves, and ancient manuscripts. It’s the perfect spot for book lovers and anyone who appreciates breathtaking architecture.
13. Watch a Show at the Manchester Opera House
Spring brings new theatre productions to Manchester, and the Opera House is the place to catch top West End shows, live comedy gigs, and ballet performances. Keep an eye out for special spring performances and new productions making their debut.
14. Go on a Craft Beer Crawl
Manchester is a hub for craft beer lovers, with independent breweries and taprooms scattered across the city. Start at Cloudwater Brew Co for some of the UK’s best IPAs, then head to Track Brewing Co and Port Street Beer House for more top-tier brews.
15. Join the Great Manchester Run
If you’re feeling active, take part in one of the UK’s biggest running events. Whether you opt for the 10K or the half-marathon, you’ll be running past Manchester’s most famous landmarks, cheered on by a buzzing crowd.
16. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery
With both classic and contemporary exhibitions, this gallery is a must for art lovers. Spring often brings new exhibitions featuring international and local artists, making each visit a fresh experience.
17. Enjoy the Sounds of Manchester Punk Festival
A must for music lovers, this festival celebrates Manchester’s legendary punk scene with three days of live performances, underground acts, and mosh-pit energy.
18. Explore the Hidden Bars of Manchester
Spring nights are perfect for discovering Manchester’s secret speakeasies. Try The Washhouse (hidden behind a laundromat) for expertly crafted cocktails, or Science & Industry for an immersive drinking experience with mixology at its finest.
19. Go on a Day Trip to the Peak District
Less than an hour from Manchester, the rolling hills, breathtaking valleys, and rugged trails of the Peak District are perfect for a spring hike. Take a train to Edale or Castleton and enjoy some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
20. Experience the Manchester International Film Festival
This festival showcases independent films from around the world, giving cinema buffs the chance to watch unique screenings, Q&A sessions with directors, and thought-provoking documentaries.
