Best Events In April

If you're deliberating things to do in Manchester this April, then you've stumbled upon a real winner with our guide to the month. A handpicked selection of fun activities and cool events, alongside the usual winning venues, this is designed to set you up for the springtime and an early Easter weekend; perfect when the warmer months are setting in.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 27th June 2024




Beer Gardens In Manchester

April means one thing: the return of warmers days in the mighty beer garden. Book yourself into one of these top-notch pubs with outdoor spaces, from luscious green hideaways to sleek terraces; where group hangouts, freshly poured pints and classic grub all await.

Best Easter Events In Manchester 2025

Of course, it wouldn't be April without a lineup of things to do on Easter weekend in Manchester. If you're looking for ways to celebrate the four-day bank hols, check out our guide on everything that's going down, including treasure hunts, club nights and afternoon teas.

Pink Bars And Restaurants In Manchester

After everything pretty in pink? Mark the middle of spring with these magenta, fuchsia and blush picks for places to visit. Whether you want restaurants serving Japanese-inspired bento boxes, brunch destinations or ball pits, our guide has it all.

FunnyBoyz Manchester

From Taylor Swift tribute acts to Benidorm Bingo and appearances from RuPaul's Drag Race stars, the team at FunnyBoys Manchester are bringing you all kinds of April shenanigans. Think all kinds of fabulousness, performances and prizes. 

The Cockatoo Club

Book your spot at The Frockatoo Drag Brunch at The Cockatoo Club this weekend and you won't regret it - and they've even got a Lady Gaga-themed option as well. From £40 per person, you'll be treated to the best drag performers in Manchester as well as incredible games with prizes to be won. Expect free-flowing cocktails and tasty grilled wraps with chips to munch on. Coming as a group? Any table of four and above will receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco. 

Cherry Jam

Wondering what's on in Manchester this April can come up with a lot of options, but none as good as Cherry Jam's bottomless events. From afternoon tea to grazing boards washed down with unlimited cocktails, there's a real treat in store here.

The Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch - Manchester

@ The Blues Kitchen Manchester on Every Saturday

For those after Manchester events in April 2025, The Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch at The Blues Kitchen is sure to impress. Not only will this venue serve up tasty grub, from the likes of burgers and fried chicken, but there are also live shows, quizzes and free-flowing rum punch for 90 minutes. Oh, yes.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Tuesday 24th December 2024

If you're searching for April events in Manchester today, Alcotraz is open almost every night of the week. This immersive prison experience sees you smuggling drink into the clink, with bespoke cocktails whipped up by inmate mixologists. And while you're sipping? You'll befriend crooked guards and watch the action unfold.

BOUGIE DRAG EVENTS

Hosted by iconic queens like Imani Versace and Barb, the bottomless brunches at Bougie Drag Events are well worth a visit. Expect everything from lip sync battles to dance-offs and catwalk contests throughout, paired with live DJs playing banging beats, tasty eats and 90 minutes of bottomless fizz or cocktails.

Magic at the Midland

@ The Midland on Sunday 5th January 2025 and 3 other Sundays

Magic at the Midland is Manchester's fantastical show from the mind of Steve Price, one of the UK's top enchanters. Tickets start from £24.50 each to this wizarding event where you'll be amazed and wowed as he turns ordinary objects into the extraordinary. Taking place at the iconic hotel, its an event that's perfect for all, and especially the curious. 

11 Central Gin Making Experience

@ 11 Central on Various dates from Saturday 4th January 2025

If you are a fan of this botanical beauty and have always wondered how it's made, then you'll want to get involved with the Four Sisters Gin Making Experience at 11 Central. Tickets start from £90 and include a guided tasting (which is available to book on its own) to inspire your recipe, and you'll also be taken on a journey, learning about the history of the distiller. Choose from over 60 botanicals to curate and leave with a unique 700ml bottle.

Freight Island

Freight Island is buzzing with events this April, from screening all the action from the Six Nations fixtures to serving up a cracking roast carvery on Sundays. Head down to this multi-faceted venue to catch some football, feast on scrumptious grub from Voodoo Ray's or hit up the Bombay Curry Club on Saturdays. If you're in the mood for a spot of dancing, then you'll love its Spring Summer Festival Series, boasting acts like Sit & Bun plus Huey Morgan.

Paintvine

Sit back and relax with a glass of bubbly in one hand and a brush in the other with tickets to one of Paintvine's many themed nights, at a Manchester location. Gather your friends and book this activity for something a little different in the evening and follow the guidance of your instructor to create masterpieces like a Picasso kiss, summer lemons, and even have a go at one of its sculpting classes. 

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery is famed for its award-winning spirits and it offers you the chance to learn how to make it yourself with its gin-making experience classes, as well as its tasting sessions. With a G&T in hand, you'll be able to have a sneak peek at what goes on behind the scenes of the establishment, before sampling a selection of botanicals yourself.

YO! Sushi School - Manchester Selfridges Trafford

@ YO! Manchester Selfridges Trafford on Wednesday 8th January 2025 and 49 other Wednesdays

Become a maki master by enrolling in YO! Sushi School from just £19.95 per person. Learn how to roll like an expert with guidance from professionals who will take you through the history of the dish, as well as help you brush up on your knife-cutting skills. Get stuck into creating dishes like salmon sashimi, California rolls and nigiri, all while munching on some tasty gyozas and edamame yourself. 

What's on at GRUB

From sour beer tasting sessions to quizzes with fizz and disco bingo, GRUB has a stellar lineup of events every month - and April is no exception. Make your way over to the Red Bank spot for their recurring bottomless street food brunch or opt for something a little different.

Paint a Pic Manchester

Visit an array of venues across the city to take part in Paint a Pic Manchester, the creative get-together that invites you to make your own masterpiece, under the guidance of experts, with a drink in the other hand. All materials will be provided, and while drinks aren't included, they will be readily available. Choose from a range of themes to get stuck into, like painting the moonlight, the tree of life or Leo the lion.