Spring is here, and the events calendar in Greater Manchester is looking as exciting as ever as we head into another week.
April is in full swing, and it’s another week that’s absolutely packed with plenty to do in our region, so as always, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks.
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Bloomtown Blossom Trail
Manchester City Centre
Monday 17 April – onwards
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Bloomtown Blossom Trail / Credit: The Manc Group
A new walking trail has been created around Greater Manchester to celebrate the spring blossom, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
The National Trust has created a 30-stop ‘Bloomtown Blossom’ trail all around the city centre and beyond where you can soak in the prettiest of springtime scenes – from the famous purple blooms in St Peter’s Square, to the showers of blossom in Alexandra Park, and the clouds of pink in Sackville Gardens.
Some of the city’s newest spots are included on the trail too – including the Castlefield Viaduct, Mayfield Park, and Plant NOMA.
A giant outdoor funfair full of vintage fairground rides and a circus is back at the Trafford Centre.
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After several hugely successful runs in both 2021 and 2022, the UK’s third largest shopping centre’s outdoor space has “sprung to life” once again, and is back with a whole host of thrilling rides, a glittering circus, and lots of delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy.
Spring Escape has popped up outside the Great Hall, and tickets are now available to buy for the wide range of events on offer.
Corn Exchange has installed a book vending machine inside its stunning atrium space.
Whether you’re in need a book for your commute into the city, want to update your bookshelf at home, grab a page-turner for your holiday, or simply have a good read over a coffee or glass of something at Corn Exchange, the new vending machine has you covered.
Book lovers are invited to head on down with their old books, grab a token for the machine, and Read. Swap. Repeat.
With the aim to help the environment and reduce waste for book lovers, the machine includes a mix of pre-loved books of all genres, and you’ll just need to simply bring in a pre-loved book and swap it for a token with one of the Corn Exchange hosts to access the machine and choose your next read.
RHS Garden Bridgewater is back hosting another one of its ‘Walkies at Bridgewater’ evenings by popular demand this Tuesday, and it means dogs owners can take a stroll around the picturesque gardens with their canine companions when the Worsley-based park opens up its grounds from 4pm–7pm.
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With the sun set to shine, RHS says the special event is the perfect time to explore the horticultural delights of the season with your four-legged friend.
Fancy trying out some new bars, and restaurants that have opened in Greater Manchester this month?
Spring has arrived, and with it, the region has ushered in a whole host of new openings in April.
From a new pasta concept over on Peter Street from the brains behind Gooey, to whole loaves of sourdough filled with Full English fry ups in Ancoats, plus a stunning new contemporary Chinese restaurant on the edge of the Gay Village, there’s many new places popping up in the city centre and further afield to try this month.
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If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite this week, we’ve rounded up some of the best new openings to try.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo is arriving at The Lowry this week.
Adapted for the stage by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler, and based on the International No.1 bestselling book by Christy Lefteri, The Beekeeper of Aleppo tells the story of beekeeper Nuri and his artist wife Afra – who live a “simple life in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo”.
Described by critics as being a “compassionate and beautiful play”, it’s a story of connection between friends, families, and strangers.
Award-winning street food champions GRUB are once again teaming up with Manchester City Council to bring their monthly food and drink festival, GRUB Carnival -The Travelling Food Festival, back to Wythenshawe.
The monthly event is set to bring together the very best of GRUB’s top street food traders, alongside a series of pop-up brewery bars and take-home produce stalls.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 14 – 20 September 2026
Emily Sergeant
How is it the third week of September already? Time is flying.
With September well underway now and the trees starting to change colour and a chill reappearing in the air, that means the cosy seasons are on the horizon, and, of course, there’s loads happening across Greater Manchester this week.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, no worries, as we’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Heritage Open Days 2026
Greater Manchester
Monday 14 – Sunday 20 September
Heritage Open Days 2026 / Credit: Paul Harris
The UK’s largest festival of history and culture has returned, and there’s thousands of free events on the lineup this next week.
Always proving to be a smash-hit success, both here in Greater Manchester and nationwide, over the last 30 years, the National Trust’s Heritage Open Days are back by popular demand for the next couple of weeks, and this means loads of the UK’s top attractions will be open to visit for free.
You can explore historic houses, factories, museums, music halls, and countless of other places and spaces – some that are normally closed to the public.
High School Musical / Credit: Matt Crockett (Supplied)
If you want to relive your childhood, High School Musical is now on stage at the Lowry.
We all know how High School Musical goes, right? Set at East High, we follow Troy and Gabriella (the star basketball player, and the geeky new girl) who meet over New Year, and then become ‘star-crossed lovers’ when back at school as they’re part of two different ‘cliques’.
The duo mess with the ‘Status Quo’ when they audition for the school musical. But will they stick to what they know? Or become stars of the stage? I’m sure you know the ending.
Read our review of the show and get last-minute tickets here.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 14 September – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: BBC | Science Museum Group (Drew Forsyth)
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
50% Off Kids Tickets at SEA LIFE / Credit: Supplied
Families looking for an affordable day out over the next couple of weeks can make the most of a new offer from a popular attraction, with 50% off child one-day tickets when purchased alongside a full-price adult ticket.
The offer gives families the chance to enjoy an underwater adventure for less at either SEA LIFE Manchester inside Trafford Palazzo, or even a tad further afield at SEA LIFE Blackpool.
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is currently hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this autumn.
Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the year, East Lancashire Railway’s ‘Red Rose Diners’ are described as being ‘the ultimate first class foodie experience’, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.
The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.
Roll up, roll up. Vintage lovers, get ready for a free full day of live entertainment returning to Oldham town centre this weekend.
From old classic cars to live music and circus performances, Nostalgic Oldham is a chance to celebrate everything that makes this borough special – from its history and traditions, to the people and communities that shape it today.
There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy, whether that’s exploring the vintage vehicle display, watching live performances, getting involved in family activities, or seeing the new community mural unveiled.
Everything you need to know about Nostalgic Oldham is here.
The Manchester Home Show is returning this weekend, offering free advice and support for people looking to buy their first home.
Taking place in a central Manchester location, the event brings together everything from housing providers to mortgage experts, and last year attracted more than 750 aspiring buyers.
You’ll be able to chat to experts, receive free financial and legal advice, and learn all about schemes like Shared Ownership, helping you to take that step closer to the property ladder in the North West.
It’s FREE to attend, but you must register your interest ahead of time here.
Dahlia has landed in the Northern Quarter, bringing Latin-inspired open-fire cooking, tequila and mezcal-led drinks, and a seriously impressive sound system under one roof.
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This comes from the same team behind Ramona and The Firehouse, and like those popular venues, it’s got a few different concepts in the one space.
Expect everything from achiote chicken and 400g churrasco steak to fresh tortillas, smoky sides, and house-made cocktails, with DJs keeping the vibe going late into the night.
Manchester’s newest restaurant opening has windows that look right across the pitch at the Etihad Stadium. This is Zadie’s – a glamorous new Japanese-Italian sort of hybrid, where dishes include a cacio e pepe with white soy burro bianco, and a roast lobster with tomato ponzu.
The space is pretty striking, built around a beautiful central bar, and with windows that look towards the South Pennines in one direction and into Man City’s home ground in the other.
Hispi may have closed its doors for good, but the gap for a neighbourhood restaurant in Didsbury has been filled pretty quickly, as stepping into its space is Arcadian
Arcadian is a new-to-Manchester open-fire restaurant, with dishes cooked over wood, charcoal and open flame.
This new concept from chef Andrew Sheridan will see the chefs themselves serving you your dinner, with plates like coal-seared beef tartare, grilled monkfish, and a Basque cheesecake with black cherries.
Inside this huge new hotel – that’s been taking shape between the Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live – as well as 401 beautiful bedrooms, you’ll also find a state-of-the-art gym, a new restaurant called Three Rivers, and coffee shop and wine bar, Blend.
And the jewel in its crown is the two-storey suite, complete with two kitchens, a ‘music concierge’, and a private terrace overlooking the Manchester skyline.
You can find out more and book a room at The Medlock Hotel here.
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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in August, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in September, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.
Did you know that Go Ape now runs adult-only sessions?
We nipped over to Go Ape at Rivington as we heard you can now act like a big silly kid there without having to share anything with actual children.
It’s one of the region’s top attractions for good reason, giving you a chance to clamber and fly through the treetops on a sky-high obstacle course, and now every Thursday and Friday evening, you can escape your work inbox and switch it out for a maze of ziplines, ladders, swings, and more.
Less than an hour from Manchester, you’ll find what is essentially a gigantic floating bouncy castle which makes for an incredibly silly afternoon out.
At Wild Shore Delamere you can take on slides, monkey bars, ninja jumps, tyre runs, and plenty of other opportunities to slip and spectacularly fall into the lake. And if you don’t fancy wiping out in front of a lake full of children, there’s also paddleboarding, wakeboarding, open-water swimming, and even a lakeside sauna.
How about that Manchester Museum is hosting its first-ever sleepover?
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
Schools may be back, but unfortunately the rain has arrived, so if you’re running out of things to do, don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. To make life even easier, all the activities are accessible by the Bee Network AND they’re tried and tested by us, so we can guarantee you’ll love them.
Featured Image – Matt Crockett | Paul Harris | Supplied
What's On
A 23-foot glowing floating Earth installation has landed at Trafford Palazzo
Daisy Jackson
Greater Manchester shopping destination Trafford Palazzo is now home to a giant 23 foot Earth replica, which will be enchanting visitors throughout autumn.
Trafford Palazzo is home to lots of different unique experiential leisure and retail offerings.. There’s SeaLife,P. Louise City, Legoland Discovery Centre and now this 200,000 square foot retail destination is now housing the actual Earth too.
Known more formally as Gaia, this 23 foot floating sculpture has been installed at Trafford Palazzo and will stay here throughout September and the beginning of October, with a whole host of events arriving alongside.
From Wednesday 9 September to Friday 2 October, you can expect everything from live music, wellness and fitness experiences, and a free Space School.
From Thursday 10 September, there will be a series of candlelit concerts with each night themed around popular artists like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Oasis and Hans Zimmer.
A wellness session in collaboration with The Wellness Hub is coming on Sunday 20 September where anyone who takes part can unwind and slow down underneath the impressive floating globe.
W5, BelfastCredit: Roy Riley Photography 07816547063Gaia, a huge floating Earth installation, has arrived at Trafford Palazzo
Later this month, you’re encouraged to try out a 150-person HYROX workout, on Thursday 26 September, which will be led by qualified Everlast Gyms coach, with the first 50 attendees scoring a free goodie bag.
And, every Sunday throughout September, kids can enjoy a free and fun learning experience titled ‘Sunday Space School’, where there’s face painting opportunities and a create-your-own spaceship workshop.
Leandra Dwyer, Asset Manager at Peel Retail & Leisure, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting Gaia at Trafford Palazzo, adding another world-class experience to our destination.
Credit: Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbHW5, Belfast
“For one month, guests can observe this extraordinary artwork up close surrounded by our iconic Roman-inspired architecture and spectacular glazed dome, highlighting the unique setting we offer for a broad range of immersive events and installations.”
Created by Luke Jerram and officially unveiled in 2018, this touring artwork has attracted over 30 million visitors throughout its journeys across the world.
Gaia will be displayed inside Trafford Palazzo from 9 September to 2 October with a varied events programme to coincide – tickets and more info availableHERE.
Emily Sergeant -
14th April 2023 
