Incredible Manchester events not to be missed in 2025

As 2025 begins, Manchester is ready to steal the spotlight with an incredible lineup of events that promise excitement, creativity and unforgettable memories.

From breathtaking theatre productions to electrifying concerts and unique immersive experiences, the city is buzzing with energy and innovation.

Whether you’re a music lover, art enthusiast, or thrill-seeker, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this year.

Dive into this curated guide to Unmissable Manchester Events 2025 and start planning your year around these show-stopping highlights. Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and amazed as Manchester once again proves it’s the cultural heartbeat of the UK!

Unmissable Manchester Events 2025

RNCM Session Orchestra with Tim Burgess and Helen O’Hara – RNCM

Date: 28th February 2025, 8:00 PM
Venue: RNCM Theatre, 124 Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9RD
Tickets: On sale 9th January 2025 at 10:00 AM

Prepare for an evening of musical brilliance as Tim Burgess, iconic frontman of The Charlatans, and Helen O’Hara, violin virtuoso from Dexys Midnight Runners, join forces with the RNCM Session Orchestra for an unforgettable performance.

Under the direction of Andy Stott and assistant director Trevor Naughton, this show features a spectacular setlist blending Charlatans classics like The Only One I Know and North Country Boy with renditions of Impossible and Try Again Today. Each piece is transformed through Burgess’s unique vocals, O’Hara’s masterful violin, and the orchestra’s lush arrangements, delivering a fresh perspective on timeless hits.

With nostalgia and innovation in perfect harmony, this event is a must for music lovers and fans of both legends. Don’t miss this extraordinary collaboration at RNCM Theatre—it’s bound to be a night to remember!

You can get tickets here

You can check out all of the great shows on at RNCM by clicking here

WST Tour Championship – Manchester Central

Date: 31st March – 6th April 2025
Venue: Manchester Central, Windmill Street, Manchester, M2 3GX
Tickets: On sale Monday 8th April 2024, 12 noon

Snooker’s elite return to Manchester Central for the prestigious Tour Championship in 2025. Witness the world’s greatest players battle it out for glory, including legends like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, Judd Trump, and reigning champion Mark Williams. Last year’s event delivered thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and an electric atmosphere at this iconic venue, and 2025 promises to raise the stakes even higher. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this week-long spectacle is an unmissable highlight of the snooker calendar. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action—secure your seats early!

You can get tickets here

Art Battle MCR XXV – Aviva Studios

Date: 17th January 2025
Venue: South Warehouse, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Tickets: £17.50 (+ £2.50 booking fee)

Dive into a whirlwind of creativity as Art Battle MCR XXV brings 10 talented artists head-to-head in an electrifying live painting competition. Held in the South Warehouse at Aviva Studios, this immersive event coincides with the David Hockney exhibition, “Bigger & Closer.” Witness painters, illustrators, tattooists, and street artists transform blank canvases into masterpieces within just 30 minutes. Hosted by broadcaster Hattie Pearson, this dynamic evening promises a mix of art, DJs, street food, and surprises. Since 2013, Art Battle Manchester has captivated audiences at unique venues across the city, and this 25th edition is set to be a vibrant and unmissable cultural highlight.

You can get tickets here

Elbow at Castlefield Bowl

Date: 2nd July 2025
Venue: Castlefield Bowl, Manchester, M3 4JR
Tickets: From £59.50

Don’t miss Elbow as they headline the iconic Sounds of the City at Castlefield Bowl. Following the release of their UK Number One album Audio Vertigo in 2024, the band returns home for a highly anticipated performance. After a rapturous response to their May arena tour, Elbow bring their atmospheric sound to one of Manchester’s most beloved outdoor venues, alongside support from Slow Reader’s Club.

You can get tickets here

Sounds From The Other City – Salford

Date: 4th May 2025
Venue: Various venues across Salford

Sounds From The Other City (SFTOC) is Salford’s beloved festival of new music and art, returning for another unforgettable celebration in 2025. Since 2005, this underground favourite has shone a spotlight on the offbeat creativity that flows through Salford, Manchester’s often-overlooked sister city. SFTOC offers a one-of-a-kind festival experience, transforming pubs, churches, studios, and warehouses along Chapel Street and The Crescent into vibrant spaces for live music and immersive art. Curated by a collective of local promoters, the festival has become a true reflection of the dynamic and evolving Greater Manchester scene, featuring an eclectic mix of emerging talent and established acts. Previous years have seen the likes of Alt-J, Black Country, New Road, IAMDDB, and Sampha grace its stages, and 2025 promises to continue the tradition with more boundary-pushing performances and creative energy. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating celebration of Salford’s creative spirit!

You can get tickets here

Hamlet Hail to the Thief – Aviva Studios

Dates: 27th April – 18th May 2025
Venue: South Warehouse, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Tickets: From £20 (Concessions from £10)

Shakespeare’s masterpiece meets Radiohead’s haunting “Hail to the Thief” in this bold reimagining of Hamlet. Directed by Steven Hoggett and Christine Jones, with a score deconstructed by Thom Yorke, the play explores paranoia, corruption, and heartbreak through a blend of theatre, music, and movement. Live musicians weave the narrative, creating a visceral experience as the ghostly intrigue of Elsinore unfolds. Produced in partnership with Factory International and the Royal Shakespeare Company, this dynamic production is both a celebration of Shakespearean tradition and a contemporary theatrical innovation. Note: Radiohead will not perform live, but their music breathes life into this ambitious retelling.

You can get tickets here

Dear England – LOWRY

Dates: 29th May – 29th June 2025
Venue: LOWRY, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, Manchester, M50 3AZ

Get ready for a thrilling, Olivier Award-winning drama as Dear England comes to Salford for a limited four-week run. Following a record-breaking West End run, this electrifying production dives into the heart of England’s footballing failures, exploring the painful pattern of loss that has haunted the national team for decades. Starring Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody; SAS Rogue Heroes), this gripping play focuses on Gareth Southgate’s journey as England manager, tackling the team’s historic penalty woes and the personal and national struggles that accompany the sport’s highs and lows. Written by James Graham (Sherwood, BBC), the play reflects on Southgate’s final chapter with the team, blending historical accuracy with emotional storytelling. Directed by Rupert Goold and featuring a stunning set by Es Devlin, Dear England is a must-see for fans of football and theatre alike.

You can check out all of the great shows on at LOWRY by clicking here

You can get tickets here

Kylie Minogue – AO Arena

Dates: 19th–20th May 2025, 7:30 PM
Venue: AO Arena, Manchester, M3 1AR
Tickets: On sale from 27 September 2024

Pop legend Kylie Minogue brings her dazzling Tension Tour to Manchester’s AO Arena for two electrifying nights. The tour showcases hits from her latest album Tension alongside classics that have defined her illustrious career. Known for her captivating performances and glamorous stage presence, Kylie promises an unforgettable spectacle filled with “beautiful and wild moments.” Fans should act fast, as tickets are in high demand for this must-see event. Don’t miss this celebration of music, energy, and timeless artistry.

You can get tickets here

You can check out all of the incredible shows on at the AO Arena by clicking here

AJ Bell Great Manchester Run

Dates: Sunday 18th May 2025
Venue: City Centre, Manchester
Tickets: From £39 + £2.50 booking fee

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and join the city’s most iconic running event—the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run. Choose between the 10K or Half Marathon distance and experience Manchester like never before, with live music, buzzing entertainment zones, and unrivalled crowd support lining the streets. Renowned as a celebration of fitness, community, and Mancunian spirit, this event is not just a race—it’s a citywide party. Whether you’re chasing a PB, running for a cause, or soaking up the electric atmosphere, the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run promises unforgettable moments at every stride. With tens of thousands of participants and a 99% recommendation rate, it’s the event that runners across the UK have marked on their calendar. Don’t miss out—secure your place today and be part of the energy, excitement, and camaraderie of Manchester’s premier running festival.

You can get tickets here

Mary Poppins – Palace Theatre

Dates: 9th April – 17th May 2025
Venue: Palace Theatre, Manchester, Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FT
Tickets: From £28 (+ £3.95 transaction fee)

Step into the magical world of Mary Poppins as the iconic nanny flies into Manchester’s Palace Theatre. This spectacular adaptation by Cameron Mackintosh and Disney combines dazzling choreography, jaw-dropping special effects, and timeless songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Feed the Birds.” Australian stars Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their acclaimed roles as Mary and Bert, bringing charm and energy to this heartwarming tale. With only a limited five-week run, this multi-award-winning production is a must for families and musical theatre lovers alike.

You can check out all of the great shows on at the Palace and Opera House by clicking here

BetMGM Premier League Darts – AO Arena

Date: 10th April 2025, 7:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Venue: AO Arena, Manchester, M3 1AR

Get ready for a night of high-stakes darts as the BetMGM Premier League returns to Manchester. The AO Arena will host the sport’s biggest stars, including reigning champion Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries, as they compete for glory and £1 million in prize money. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, this event is perfect for both die-hard darts fans and those new to the sport. With plenty of entertainment and fierce competition, the Premier League Darts is an unmissable event for 2025.

You can get tickets here

You can check out all of the incredible shows on at the AO Arena by clicking here

Chicago – LOWRY

Date: 25th–30th August 2025
Venue: Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, Manchester, M50 3AZ
Tickets: From £29.50

Step into the glitzy, gritty world of 1920s Chicago with the multi-award-winning musical that has captivated audiences across the globe. Featuring show-stopping hits like “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “Razzle Dazzle,” Chicago brings a tale of crime, fame, and betrayal to life with sizzling choreography and unforgettable music. Follow the journey of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer-turned-murderess, as she teams up with Velma Kelly and a slick lawyer to spin her crime into sensational headlines. Created by the legendary team of John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse, this production has earned six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and countless standing ovations. Catch this timeless spectacle at Lowry this August—it would be criminal to miss it!

You can get tickets here

You can check out all of the great shows on at LOWRY by clicking here

Faulty Towers Residency – Voco Manchester

Dates: 13th–23th February 2025
Venue: Voco Manchester, 81 Blackfriars Road, Salford, M3 7DB

Experience side-splitting comedy and delicious dining with the Faulty Towers Residency. Join Basil, Sybil, and Manuel in this immersive theatrical experience inspired by the iconic BBC series Fawlty Towers. Expect hilarious mishaps, improvised chaos, and a 70s-style three-course meal served with a heavy dose of absurdity. Perfect for fans of classic British comedy, this interactive show is a riotous night out that guarantees laughs aplenty. Secure your tickets early, as this smash-hit residency sells out wherever it goes.

You can get tickets here

Busted vs McFly – AO Arena

Dates: 17th & 18th October 2025
Venue: AO Arena, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR

It’s battle time as two iconic British bands, Busted and McFly, go head-to-head on their Busted vs McFly Tour. Relive hits like “Year 3000” and “Five Colours in Her Hair” during this thrilling musical faceoff. Expect a night of nostalgia, rivalry and epic performances.

You can get tickets here

You can check out all of the incredible shows on at the AO Arena by clicking here

Oasis – Heaton Park

Dates: 11th, 12th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th July 2025
Venue: Heaton Park, Manchester, M25 2SW

Oasis return for a long-awaited reunion at Heaton Park, playing multiple sold-out shows as part of their Oasis Live 25 Tour. Fans can expect all the classics in this monumental comeback event. Special guests Richard Ashcroft and Cast will also perform.

If you got tickets, fair play to you – we didn’t!

SIX – LOWRY