May Bank Holiday Events and Parties 2025

An extra day off makes your weekend really count, so it's the perfect excuse to let your hair down. Whether you're after boozy brunch, alfresco sipping at the city's best pubs or unmissable live music, our guide has the goods. Read on to uncover the best things to do this May bank holiday in Manchester for 2025.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 13th June 2024




Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Wednesday 3rd July 2024

Spend your 2022 May bank holiday in the clink thanks to Alcotraz, the immersive prison experience and speakeasy bar tucked away on Watson Street. For starters, you'll smuggle your liquor in past the eagle-eyed warden, before sipping bespoke cocktails and befriending crooked guards while watching the action unfold.

11 Central Gin Making Experience

@ 11 Central on Various dates from Sunday 14th July 2024

The Four Sisters Gin Making Experience is the ultimate day out for gin lovers, where you will be taken on a journey through the history of this spirit, before having a go at making your very own botanical blend. Choose your ingredients and try your hand at distilling, creating a unique 700ml bottle to take home with you. There will also be a guided tasting at this event, which is also available to book on its own for £30.

What's On At The Cockatoo

For a raucous event hosted by Annabelle and her team of talented queens, look no further than The Frockatoo Drag Brunch at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester's Gay Village. Not only will there be hilarious performances and fun games with the chance to win some excellent prizes, but you can also sip 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails while getting stuck into spicy nachos and all kinds of tasty wraps, all for £40 per person. Even better? There's a Gaga-themed version too.

Where To Play Pool In Manchester

If the weather's not holding up, these pubs and bars with pool offer light relief. Better yet, some of Manchester's best venues are fronting beer vending machines, arcades, themed cocktails and more games to boot.

Hashtag Parties Manchester

Home to some of the best Manchester events in May 2025, Hashtag Parties certainly don't let up once bank holiday weekends roll around. Expect huge parties, affordable drinks, top tunes and more, all at hot venues across the city.

Beer Gardens In Manchester

Is there a better way to spend May bank holiday Monday in Manchester than checking out beer garden with a pint in hand? These are all the places you should mosey over to, should the sun poke its head out from behind the clouds and you need a relaxing afternoon catching some rays with pals.

Manchester Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt! Single route or double for racing!

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Wednesday 3rd July 2024

If outdoor events in Manchester are catching your eye this May, The Great Game is a top choice. Solve the riddles, crack clues and complete puzzles to follow the trail across the city, discovering famous landmarks or hidden streets as you go. And when 'X' marks the spot? You'll get 20% off food and drink at the chosen pub.

Magic at the Midland

@ The Midland on Saturday 6th July 2024 and 3 other dates

Prepare to be amazed by the mystical Steve Price, during one of his two Magic at the Midland shows in Manchester this May. In the city's most iconic hotel, you will be baffled and entertained as he turns everyday objects into impossible scenarios, in a 75-minute show which costs as little as £24.50 per person to attend.

Cherry Jam

Offering up the best May bank holiday 2025 events in Manchester, Cherry Jam is your home of boozy and bottomless feasts. Whether you head for afternoon tea on Saturday or sharing platters come Sunday, both will be washed down with unlimited cocktails. Better yet, expect musical bingo for entertainment.

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

Voted Manchester's number one Thing To Do on TripAdvisor, The Spirit of Manchester Distillery hosts some pretty fantastic events. This bank holiday weekend, you can take part in a brilliant gin making experience where you'll leave with a unique 700ml bottle made from botanicals of your choice, coming in at £95 per person. But if that's not your tipple of choice, try out their whisky tastings instead.

Boy Toy Events Manchester

From buff bingo to Gaga-themed brunches and plenty more, Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events are the perfect choice of bank holiday things to do in May 2025. Nab a place at one of their weekend happenings and raise a glass to the bank hols with some of the UK's biggest drag superstars.

Burlesque Bottomless Brunch

@ The Fitzgerald on Every 1st Saturday of the month

Flaunting speakeasy vibes and an amazing performance from Siren Entertainment, The Fitzgerald's Burlesque Bottomless Brunch is one that you won't want to miss. Get ready for two hours of unlimited prosecco, Aperol spritzes and beer, alongside tasty dishes such as halloumi burgers or buffalo chicken tenders, all while you watch a brilliant 1920s-inspired show.