10 of the best things to do in Manchester this February
- By Sophie Cunningham
- Updated 3 years ago
January is over (*yay*). Time to prepare for a whole 29 days of February. But while some of us may stay in hibernation in this romantic month, it’s not all about lovey dovey Valentine’s Day.
There’s so much more going on that you mustn’t miss out on.
Go out with friends, or venture on your own and make some new ones. We’ve got a cracking line up ready and waiting…
Manchester Craft and Flea Market
1st February
Take a break from the January sales and try something a little more traditional at Manchester Craft and Flea Market. A celebration of all things quirky and crafty, Craft & Flea offers a full day of independent sellers, stunning street food, crafts and collectables – all 100% eco-friendly and all for £2.
Indie Flicks Independent Film Festival at YES
3rd February
Sit back and enjoy screening a series of independent short films from around the globe and a Q&A with programmed special guests. It’s the perfect night out for film fanatics, a wonderful networking opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and a fantastic social event. There’s a fully stocked bar and it costs just £7.
Ute Lemper: Rendezvous with Marlene
5th February
One ticket, two fabulous women. Award-winning singer and actor Ute Lemper celebrates the life of Marlene Dietrich in a show based on a three hour phone call between them 30 years ago. Lemper sings songs from every chapter of Dietrich’s life, from the Berlin cabaret years to her collaborations with Burt Bacharach.
Mancunia + Q&A
6th February
The premiere of a haunting 30-minute film based around Mancunia, the seventh book of poems by award-winning poet Michael Symmons Roberts about Manchester and its myths. Images are by artist Steve Hawley, drawn from a century of film of Manchester from the North West Film Archive.
Open Kitchen MCR Surplus Food Event
7th February
Open Kitchen MCR (formerly Real Junk Food Manchester) are back with Surplus, another evening of great beers and delicious street food made from ingredients that would otherwise have gone to waste. Proceeds go towards providing hot meals for people in need.
Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair
15th February
Spring is on its way so time to get that spring wardrobe in. And there’s no better way to keep it fashionable and sustainable than to shop vintage. Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair is the perfect opportunity to stock up on Levi’s for the summer or perhaps you fancy restyling your barnet with a 1960s hairdo? The UK’s favourite vintage event begins at 10am and entry costs just £2.50 – an absolute bargain for such a unique shopping experience.
Back to the Future
From 20th February
February is a great month for theatre fans. Productions to look forward to this month include Cabaret at The Palace Theatre, cult phenomenon Ghost Stories at The Lowry and the one fans of classic 80s film Back to the Future have been looking forward to for months. Back to the Future The Musical opens at the Manchester Opera House on 20th February for a strictly limited 12-week season before transferring to the West End. You’ve seen the film, now see the show. Rumour has it that Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc in the film, will be attending the Manchester premiere.
Manchester Gin Festival
21st February
Is there any better way to celebrate the end of Dry January than with a festival dedicated to gin? We think not. Spend four beautifully intoxicated hours taste testing over 100 different gins, with a night full of great food and live music also on the table. Don’t worry if juniper berries aren’t your thing, they have rum too. Manchester Cathedral, tickets just £12.50 per person.
Lana Del Rey at Manchester Arena
26th February
Music icon Lana Del Rey takes centre stage at Manchester Arena this month touring her latest album Norman F****** Rockwell. Ms Del Rey arrives in Manchester more famous than ever, with a set list containing both new releases and iconic hits that we all know and love.
Max George at Abode
28th February
Max George has spent his whole adult life in music, including an incredibly successful stint as part of the multi-platinum group, The Wanted. With ten Top 10 hits in the UK including two number ones, the band also broke around the world with smash hit Glad You Came at reaching number 3 in the USA. The Wanted split in 2014 but Max continued to pursue his musical dream by going solo. In 2018 he released his first solo single Barcelona which got around 5 million streams of Spotify. Join Brasserie ABode Manchester for one very special evening with the opportunity to meet Max before his performance followed by a DJ until late.
The hidden Jamaican-style ‘rum garden’ in Greater Manchester
The lakeside afternoon tea dining domes return to Heaton Park
Cheshire Balloon Fiesta 2023: A sensational weekend of music, entertainment, and high-flying fun!
From bacon naans to poutine barms: are these the best sandwiches in Manchester?
Got a story worth sharing?
What’s the story? We are all ears when it comes to positive news and inspiring stories. You can send story ideas to [email protected]
Manchester is a successful city, but there are many people that suffer. The I Love MCR Foundation helps raise vital funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please donate or fundraise what you can because investing in your local community to help it thrive can be a massively rewarding experience.
