Best Manchester Events In May 2025

May signals the end of term for a variety of students, and the turning of spring to summer for the rest of us. From bank holiday parties to drag brunches and Cinco De Mayo celebrations, there's plenty on the menu. So, we'll make life easier with our lovely list of the very best happenings heading your way this month. Certainly not one to be missed, check out our picks of the best things to do in Manchester this May 2025.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch




11 Central Gin Making Experience

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

For fans of these botanical blends, make sure to check out the Four Sisters Gin Making Experience at 11 Central. Tickets start from £90 per person and include a guided tasting, which you can also book on its own, followed by a chance to make your very own 700ml bottle created from ingredients of your choice. What's more, you can also enjoy 10% food and drink in their restaurant afterwards.

Magic at the Midland

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

Magic at the Midland is a exciting and mind-blowing show, performed by one of the UK's top magicians Steve Price. Prepare to be wowed as he turns ordinary objects into impossible things, taking place in one of the city's most iconic hotels. Tickets start from just £24.50 per person, promising over an hour of mesmerising tricks and amazing feats.

Flight Club Manchester Brunch Social

@ Flight Club Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 28th December 2024

Fun and games come in the form of prosecco, freshly baked slices and state-of-the-art darts at Flight Club. Start the shenanigans early with their brunch, which includes a bottle of fizz per person, complimentary jugs of orange juice and steaming hot platters of droolworthy pizza.

FunnyBoyz Manchester

Wondering what's on in Manchester this May weekend? FunnyBoyz is bringing you Benidorm bingo and a choice of events featuring RuPaul's Drag Race stars, so you can expect hilarity alongside fabulous performances.

BOUGIE DRAG EVENTS

Bougie Drag Events are known for one thing - and that's raucous bottomless brunches. They've got days out themed around iconic artists like Beyonce, all hosted by iconic queens like Imani Versace and Barb, complete with lip sync battles, dance-offs and catwalk contests. What's more, you can sip on 90 minutes of free-flowing booze and enjoy delicious dishes while DJs play banging tunes.

YO! Sushi School - Manchester Selfridges Trafford

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

For as little as £34.95 each, you can become an expert in all things sushi, thanks to the YO! School at Selfridges. By far one of the best May things to do in Manchester, you'll learn knife skills and how to how to roll like a pro, discovering more about the history of these dishes along the way. You'll get a chance to create everything from salmon sashimi to California rolls and nigiri, all while sipping prosecco and munching on some tasty gyozas and edamame.

Point Blank Shooting Manchester

This month, take a trip to the city's first simulation shooting range - Point Blank Manchester. Not only will you get your own personal booth to relax in, but they've also got over 200 games to choose from and huge screens to battle your friends on. There are all kinds of themed cocktails like the Riding Shotgun or an AK 40 Lemon to keep you fuelled - alongside mouthwatering pizzas, garlic bread and other tasty bites. Even better? Prices start from as little as £10 per hour here.

What's on at GRUB

Known for their cool May events in Manchester today, GRUB know how to take things up a notch. You can expect a roster of bottomless brunches, disco bingo and fizz-laced quizzes. Good luck choosing.

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery is home to all kinds of fun events this month, from spirit tasting experiences to gin making sessions for that have been previously voted as Manchester's number one Thing To Do on TripAdvisor. These activities start from £30 each, taking place in a beautiful destination complete with golden distilling equipment and exposed brick walls.

Beer Gardens In Manchester

Things are hotting up this May, and whether you're looking to make the most of a long weekend or simply fancy an alfresco dinner, there's nowhere better than a beer garden. Our selection of places are perfect for any and all occasions - just have a scroll through 'em here.

Restaurants In Manchester City Centre

When it comes to the best places to eat, these city centre restaurants are coming out on top. From Michelin-recognised spots to quirky basements, there's heaps to choose from, whether you're craving light bites or full-blown feasts. 

Cherry Jam

For May events in Manchester this weekend, look no further than Cherry Jam's bottomless dining offerings. There's afternoon tea on Saturdays or grazing platters to share come Sunday, with unlimited cocktails and musical bingo rounding off each day.

May Bank Holiday Events and Parties 2025

With April taking the crown for bringing in spring, the main event this month are those sweet May bank holidays in Manchester. Spend your extra days off hitting up all kinds of happenings around the city, from bottomless brunches to quirky outdoor activities. 

The Cockatoo Club

Join Annabelle and her crew of talented queens at The Frockatoo Drag Brunch, taking place at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester's Gay Village. For just £40 per person you can enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails, as well as a free bottle of prosecco for tables of four or above, alongside a menu which features Southern fried chicken wraps, smoked paprika nachos and more. What's more, there will be high-energy drag performances and fun games with cracking prizes throughout.

DNA VR Manchester

Located in the city centre, DNA VR is a virtual reality arcade boasting a choice of fun, interactive games, from boat racing to zombie battles or dancing with your friends. Every one-hour session is led by an expert guide who will take you through the digital landscape, available for groups of up to 15 people at once. If you fancy planning a bigger event? They also have private hire options for up to 45 guests as well.