Manchester 2026. Things to look forward to.
Manchester never does ordinary and 2026 is proving to be one of the city’s most exhilarating years yet. From immersive art and blockbuster exhibitions to major sport events and running through the city’s streets, there’s so much to look forward to. Here’s a small portion of the inside scoop on the experiences that will make your visit unforgettable in 2026.
🌟 The BRIT Awards in Manchester
Music lovers, get ready — the BRIT Awards are coming to Manchester in 2026, marking the first time the prestigious ceremony has been held outside London in nearly 50 years. Expect live performances, red-carpet buzz and a surge of music-themed atmosphere around the city as stars and fans descend on Manchester for this landmark event.
You can find out more about the awards and all of the events surrounding it here.
✨ LUMINISCENCE — Immersive Visual Magic
Immerse yourself in LUMINISCENCE, a spectacular 360° light, sound and projection experience taking place inside Manchester Cathedral from 14 January to 26 March 2026. This UK debut transforms the historic cathedral into a glowing narrative space, with angelic choirs and stunning visuals celebrating Manchester’s cultural heritage and an iconic soundtrack woven into every frame.
Whether you visit in winter, spring or during Feb half-term, this is one of the season’s can’t-miss cultural highlights. Find out more here.
🕵️♂️ Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North
From late November 2025 through 31 August 2026, dive into the secret world of espionage at IWM North with Spies, Lies and Deception — a major free exhibition exploring real-world intelligence, bluff and ingenuity across the 20th and 21st centuries. Families and curious minds alike can uncover hidden gadgets, undercover missions, interactive trails and authentic artifacts that unveil how deception shaped history.
This exhibition is perfect if you’re interested in history with a twist, and it’s right by MediaCityUK — a vibrant destination for food, culture and waterside strolls. We highly recommend popping over to Kargo after your museum visit for a well deserved lunch. One of the best populated food markets in Greater Manchester. Take your pick from Manchester favourites like House of Habesha (Ethiopean and Eritrean) to Baity’s (Palestinian) and beyond, there’s something for everyone. Have a look and see for yourself here.
🏃 adidas Manchester Marathon — 19 April 2026
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a supportive spectator, the adidas Manchester Marathon is one of the UK’s standout sporting events. Taking place on Sunday 19 April 2026, this flat and fast course through Greater Manchester attracts tens of thousands of runners and even more cheering crowds — turning the city streets into a festival of fitness.
Even if you’re not lacing up your trainers, the atmosphere — with cheering locals, food stalls, live music and the buzz of celebration — is a brilliant slice of Mancunian spirit.
🎶 Massive Music Moments & Festivals
Manchester’s live music scene continues to thrive in 2026, with big-name tours and festival dates confirmed across the year. From superstars at Co-op Live to summer-long gigs at Wythenshawe Park and beyond, there’s a soundtrack for every visit — perfect for combining with bites around the city. (Concert listings via major tour schedules.)
And don’t forget summer festivals like the Parklife Festival, which in 2026 returns with chart-topping DJs and irresistible weekend vibes under the Manchester sky.
One of our New Years resolutions is to go and support more local, up and coming bands. Venues like Band on the wall and The Deaf Institute are great spots for a night out.
🎨 Art, Culture & Exhibition Highlights
Manchester’s cultural venues are brimming with activity in 2026, whether it’s the groundbreaking immersive shows mentioned above or gallery exhibitions, theatre runs and contemporary art showcases at galleries such as The Whitworth, HOME and Manchester Art Gallery.
These spaces blend local and international creativity — giving you something new to discover every time you step inside. Have a look here for Factory events in one of the city’s most unique venues.
Oh and don’t forget. The town hall is finally re-opening after what seems like an eternity of rennovation work. Keep your eyes peeled for guided tours and exhibitions held in this stunning Grade 2 listed palace.
🍽️ Food, Drink & New Restaurants
While you’re in town for all these world-class events, make sure to feed your curiosity (and appetite) with Manchester’s ever-evolving food scene. 2026 is seeing brand-new openings from bold chefs, exciting global flavours in neighbourhoods like the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, and even more creative street-food pop-ups joining the mix.
We’re quite excited about Ducie Street Warehouse opening up with a brand new 10 kitchen food hall. Also keep your ear to the ground for the opening of what was once The Shamrock. Over in Ancoats lies a delapadated old pub. Boarded up and left to rot. Local brewery Joseph Holts has spent £1.8 million on a complete renovation and will be opening up this old drinking stalwart this year. Sadly the name has changed and it will be now called The Spinners Rest.
🧳 Why 2026 Is the Year to Visit Manchester
From the BRIT Awards lighting up the city’s music calendar to immersive art experiences like LUMINISCENCE, espionage thrills at Spies, Lies and Deception, and one of Europe’s most iconic marathons — Manchester in 2026 is simply unmissable.
Plan your visit, pack your walking shoes and bring an appetite — because this city’s energy is contagious and the food scene? Deliciously iconic. And we’ve not even brushed the surface here.
Ready to taste Manchester? Join a Manchester Bites food tour and make every event day even more delicious.
