Best Manchester Events In May 2025

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.

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.

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.

For the best events in Manchester in May 2025, check out Bougie Drag & Boy Toy. Expect a roster of incredible live entertainment complete with bottomless booze, from Beyonce-themed drag bashes and a Britney show, to bingo or musical sing-a-longs.

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.

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.

BrewDog's quirky venue DogHouse has a beautiful terrace area, which is hosting a fantastic Rooftop Yoga and Brunch this May. Spend the morning relaxing with an urban jungle background, while the talented instructor guides you through all sorts of poses suitable for beginners and experts alike. Afterwards, you'll get to enjoy a delicious feast complete with refreshing drinks, all for just £30 per person.

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.

Giving you behind-the-scenes access to a number of Manchester's most innovative microbreweries, this tour is a must for any lovers of craft beer. Sample drinks fresh from the taproom and be guided by experts, accredited sommeliers or makers.

Combing all your favourite hits with an orchestra twist, games and a Southern-inspired, soulful meal, The Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch is the stuff of dreams. Head to The Blues Kitchen to get a taste of this fun event.

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.

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.

Probably the most exclusive event around, The Secret Bottomless Brunch at The Fitzgerald is a speakeasy-inspired affair complete with fantastic live music and 1920s vibes. Enjoy two hours of unlimited booze alongside grilled halloumi burgers, barbecue chicken tenders, veggie tacos and more, with tickets costing just £40 per person.

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.

May in Manchester means one thing... extra time for brunch. As the bank holiday rolls around, there's even more options for you and your mates. So whether you fancy a boogie in your seat or a quirky activity alongside your eggs benny and prosecco, explore our guide to boozy weekend ideas. 

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.

Mix up your May proceedings with a trip to Sixes, the Corn Exchange watering hole with interactive batting nets. A must for cricket fans and bar game lovers alike, you'll take to the crease to go up against some of the best bowlers in the world.

Whipping up bespoke cocktails from your smuggled liquor, Alcotraz is the immersive prison experience giving jail time a boozy twist. Befriend the crooked guards, hide your contraband and watch the action unfold. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.