The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 27 April – 3 May 2026
Can you believe it’s time to say goodbye to April and welcome in May this week? Time flies.
Now that it’s officially spring in the UK, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week, especially as we’ve been lucky to have the sun shining down on us in recent days. Oh AND we’ve got another bank holiday weekend to look forward to, as well.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. 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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National Trust Blossom and Bloomtown 2026
Greater Manchester
Monday 27 April – Sunday 31 May
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme full of trails and events is back once again so you can appreciate them in all their glory.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white, and you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season either, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, Bloomtown has something for everyone.
Find out more about all the events happening here.
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Picasso: A Legacy
Castle Fine Art
Monday 27 April – Saturday 4 May
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is currently open in Manchester, including works never-before seen on public display – and this is your last week to see it.
The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
Find out more here.
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LUMINISCENCE
Manchester Cathedral
Monday 27 April – 5 June
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
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Did you know there’s an adorable open farm in Bolton where you can meet and hold baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, AND more?
This is Smithills Open Farm, and it’s one of the most wholesome family days out you’ll find this spring.
Here on this picturesque family-run farm nestled within 70-acres of countryside, you can feed the sheep and llamas, ride a tractor to visit the donkeys, or even head into the barn to see the cows, horses, and piglets.
Plus, they host ‘Pets Corner’ sessions throughout the day too, where you can meet and hold many different baby animals (including the softest little goats and chicks we ever did see.)
They even have a farm shop and ice creamery where you can buy local honey and other goods to take home with you.
Find out more about the farm and plan your trip here.
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NEW OPENING – Studio Dawn
Victoria Riverside
Studio Dawn has found a new home.
After needing to find a new space due to redevelopments, Studio Dawn has now landed just a 10-minute walk from the city centre in their beautiful new home as part of the Victoria Riverside project.
Founded by Chelsie, the brand started as a lockdown side-hustle and has since grown into a full-on creative hub. It’s all about slowing things down, getting stuck into ‘paint and chill’ sessions (emphasis on the chill), and leaving just that little bit lighter than when you walked in.
You can even book onto their creative workshops and try everything from terrarium building, to crafting your own macrame plant hangers.
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NEW OPENING – Gameface
Printworks
Gameface has made itself at home inside Manchester’s Printworks complex.
Built around 10 games designed and developed from scratch, Gameface turns a standard night out into a fast-paced, shared experience.
The 5,400 sq ft venue has capacity for 120 players and has been created by CONDUCTR, the creative innovation studio powered by technology, meaning every game has been built in-house – with bespoke mechanics and technology developed specifically for the experience.
Find out more and book tickets here.
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Celebrate National Space Day this bank holiday weekend
Science and Industry Museum
Friday 1 – Monday 3 May
You can celebrate National Space Day with a bunch of free ‘out of this world’ activities this bank holiday weekend.
Ever wondered what astronauts eat in orbit? How they use the loo in zero gravity? Or why crumbs are bad news on the International Space Station? Well, to celebrate National Space Day – which is taking place this year on Friday 1 May – you’ll now get to discover the answers to those questions and so much more down at the Science and Industry Museum.
The programme of free events are set to accompany the museum’s latest special exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos and will give visitors more ways to explore the ‘wonders and weirdness’ of space.
Find out more and book free tickets here.
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Green Island x Nell’s Bank Holiday Street Party
Northern Quarter
Saturday 2 May
Green Island Festival will be linking up with Manchester’s favourite New York-style pizza merchants, Nell’s, for a special street party takeover right in the heart of the Northern Quarter this bank holiday weekend.
Free to attend with no ticket booking required, everyone is welcome down to Edge Street on Saturday (2 May), as there’ll be everything from family-friendly raves to big-name local DJs on the decks.
Find out everything you need to know 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 March, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in April, 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. From mini tiramisu drawers, to Magnum-stuffed croissants, egg custard tarts, and more, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Take your pick here👇
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Look, Albert Square is back open…
Sure, we know this isn’t exactly the type of ‘event’ we usually include in these round-up articles, but how could we not draw attention to the fact that, after eight long years, Albert Square has finally reopened to the public?
This means that you can now walk – heck, even run, skip, and jump if you’d like – your way through the big, clean open space outside the Town Hall.
Of course, we just had to go and check it out for ourselves👇
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Featured Image – The Manc Group