The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 18 – 24 September
The unseasonal September sunshine seems to have gone behind the clouds now, and autumn now looks to be on its way.
While summer may have passed us by in the blink of an eye, nothing can dampen the region’s spirit, and a new season doesn’t mean the fun’s stopped, as there’s still loads of events happening in Greater Manchester to get stuck right into.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to choose, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Here’s our top picks.
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Oktoberfest 2023
Albert’s Schloss
Monday 18 September – Tuesday 3 October
It’s that time of year again… Oktoberfest is back in Manchester for 2023.
This celebration of German heritage translates across the globe, and Albert’s Schloss in the heart of the city centre is at the helm in Manchester for the seventh year running, with the fun having well and truly kicked off in style with the tapping of the first keg, and the festival now well underway.
Expert biers, bratwurts, the sound of Albert’s Oompah band, and plenty of the usual Albert’s Schloss debauchery.
Find out more here.
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Jesus Christ Superstar
Palace Theatre
Monday 18 – Saturday 23 September
Award-winning musical Jesus Christ Superstar has kicked off its UK tour here in Manchester.
Following several acclaimed and sold-out runs in the West End, as well as an extensive tour right across the US and Canada, the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s celebrated musical has taken to the stage over at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, and this is your last week to catch it.
Find out more and grab last-minute tickets here.
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NEW OPENING – Kargo MKT
MediaCityUK
Monday 18 September – onwards
Kargo MKT has just opened at Central Bay on the waterfront at MediaCityUK and Salford Quays.
20 independent street food partners form part of the new development, alongside a 2,000 sq ft outdoor terrace, and a shipping container bar that’s run by Salford’s Seven Brothers and Four Sisters.
It’s officially the largest venue of its kind in Greater Manchester.
With a total capacity of 650, there are seats for 450 inside and a further 200 outdoors on its waterside terrace, and an awe-inspiring selection of independent food traders – serving up everything from Ethiopian and Eritrean curries on fermented injera, to giant Sicilian schiacciata butties, and crunchy Burmese salads featuring fermented tea leaves.
Find out more here.
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Operation Ouch!
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 18 September – onwards
A brand-new exhibition is currently having its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and it’s giving families the chance to “dive headfirst into the digestive system” and “travel like a poo”.
The new blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch!, is based on and will see the award-winning CBBC children’s TV series brought to life.
Visitors can expect interactive experiences, amazing objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, and appearances from world-renowned doctors who will be on hand to guide audiences through this “lively, interactive, and playful adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies”.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
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Richard Kelly: A Time and Place
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Monday 18 September – late October
Some rarely-seen photos of Amy Winehouse have just gone on display in Manchester to mark the late singer’s 40th birthday this month.
The exclusive images of the legendary vocalist are forming part of an exhibition showcasing work by critically-acclaimed music photographer Richard Kelly that’s currently happening down at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in the city centre.
Following its unprecedented popularity, the exhibition‘s stay in our city has been extended, and will now be running until the end of October.
Find out more here.
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NEW OPENING – Echo Salford
Salford
Monday 18 September – onwards
Did you know that Salford’s just got its first-ever interactive trail that celebrates the incredible legacy of the city’s music and cultural footprint?
Echo Salford is is a brand-new and immersive augmented reality (AR) experience that takes users all across Salford to the places and spaces that best showcases the city and borough’s iconic musical and cultural history.
It’s aiming to “inspire and educate”, all while showing just how culturally important Salford is.
Find out more here.
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Fancy trying out some new bars, and restaurants that have opened in Greater Manchester this month?
Now autumn is technically here, we’re ready for lots of cheese, red wine, gravy, roasts and all the good things that come out of the kitchen once the weather gets a little bit cooler.
September in Manchester also brings a host of new bar and restaurant openings.
Some of the year’s most hotly-anticipated new venues are throwing open their doors this month – with MediaCity’s giant new food hall Kargo MKT, Manchester’s only 2D Japanese cartoon cafe, Waku Waku, and new station-side craft beer bar Victoria Taps being just a few of the highlights.
As we do every month, we’ve rounded up the best new bars and restaurants opening in Greater Manchester this month, and there’s some really good ones to look forward to.
You can find out where to put on your list here.
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Turtle Feeding Experience
SEA LIFE Manchester
Monday 18 – Friday 22 September
Fancy coming face to flipper with magnificent giant green sea turtles as you join them for a lunch date you’ll never forget?
This is your chance to feed “Manchester’s friendliest and hungriest residents”, Ernie and Cammie the green sea turtles, as the SEA LIFE Manchester ‘Turtle Feeding Experience’ is a 15-minute feed with a knowledgeable trained Aquarist educating you about diets, habitats, and more.
You’ll then be able to explore all the other amazing creatures cared for in the centre before and after your feeding experience too.
Find out more and book your place here.
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Party In Your Pants
The Bread Shed
Friday 22 September
A topless blacklight paint rave is coming to Manchester this weekend.
The city is gearing up to welcome a night full of silliness and hedonistic anti-patriarchal partying, as the feminist inclusive club night, Party In Your Pants, arrives at The Bread Shed this Friday, and it’s promising five hours of non-stop body doodling and shape throwing.
Soundtracked by banging beats, the rebellious paint rave seeks to #freethenipple – with guests encouraged to get as naked as they like.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
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The Wizarding Adventure
East Lancashire Railway
Sunday 24 September
The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be back travelling through Greater Manchester once again this weekend.
Aspiring witches and wizards for all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery on the East Lancashire Railway this summer as they take a “wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour” of the Wizard Academy.
They’ll get to learn to become a master of mystery and magic during this immersive interactive experience through the Irwell Valley of wonders that’s hauled by a genuine steam – and spell – powered train.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
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Featured Image – ELR | The Manc Group | Kimpton Clocktower Hotel