A city-wide cocktail celebration featuring some of the world’s best bars is coming to Manchester

Manchester is set to become a cocktail lover’s paradise this November, as the inaugural Manchester Cocktail Festival has unveiled its jam-packed schedule of events, international bar takeovers and exclusive drinks offers.

Taking place across the city, the festival will bring some of the world’s best cocktail bars to Manchester, alongside a series of special events, masterclasses, tastings, and plenty of discounted drinks at some of the city’s favourite venues.

Those with a Manchester Cocktail Festival 2026 pass (which is priced just £10) will also be able to take advantage of exclusive drinks offers at participating bars throughout the week of 9-15 November

That includes two-for-£14 cocktails, and £10 birthday cocktails at both Crazy Pedros sites, £10 oyster and martini at Hawksmoor, £7 Irish Coffees at The Bay Horse Tavern, £4.50 Parton shots at Dahlia, and £10 Rosita Spritz and Blackberry Bonitas at Dahlia, amongst offers from all participating bars.

Kicking things off on Monday 9 November, the festival’s opening party will welcome the team from Passing Fancies, led by GB Bartender of the Year 2026 Matt Arnold, to Studio IV at Mollie’s.

Meanwhile, over at Blinker Bar, Copenhagen’s award-winning Victory will be taking over for an evening of Scandinavian hospitality.

Things get even bigger on Wednesday 11 November, when Mexico City’s Tlecān makes its way to Manchester.

Currently ranked fifth in North America’s 50 Best Bars and 47th in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, the acclaimed mezcaleria will be joining the team at Crazy Pedro’s to celebrate the Northern Quarter favourite’s 10th birthday. Expect an evening of Patrón tequila, Ilegal mezcal and plenty of celebrations.

Thursday 12 November will see Dublin favourite Bar 166 take over Speak in Code, bringing a taste of Irish hospitality to Manchester.

There’s also something for the book lovers, as local boozy book club Read Room welcomes author Eloise Rodger to Science and Industry for an evening of literature, Q&As and a complimentary martini flight.

And if cocktails and a bit of glamour are more your thing, Friday 13 November has you covered.

Local collective The Flaneuse will be hosting a Fur Coats and Cocktails party at Exhibition, where guests can learn how to make the perfect margarita during a dedicated masterclass, before enjoying two margaritas of their own.

The ticket for this event also includes a Manchester Cocktail Festival pass, giving guests access to drinks and perks at participating bars across the city.

The festival will wrap up on Sunday 15 November with two more exciting takeovers.

The team behind Bermondsey’s Nine Lives will head to Double Down for an evening celebrating Dominican rum, while the internationally acclaimed Waltz takes over Bar Shrimp for a night of martinis and music from local DJs.

Waltz recently earned a place at number 32 in The World’s 50 Best Bars, as well as fifth spot in the UK’s Top 50 Bars.

Nick Coupland, co-founder at Manchester Cocktail Festival said: “We feel extremely grateful for all the support, so far, from the local community and our partners.

“It’s been great to see that the festival and city’s pull has enabled us to attract a roster of incredible bars from across the world.”

Ben Kendrick, co-founder at Manchester Cocktail Festival added: “It’s going to be super exciting to see what comes of the collaborations, when combining these venues, with the huge talent we have in the city.”

You can find out more and grab tickets HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group