Brilliantly curious art and culture experiences in Manchester

Between the 16th and 26th of May, be wowed by this showcase of off-the-beaten-track jazz talent, centred on northern artists. Featuring nightly gigs at local venue Matt & Phreds, as well as an extended weekend-long party at Band on the Wall to close the fest out, this citywide event is a proven incubator for new talent, and it’s a great way to discover your next musical obsession. It’s Manchester's longest-running music festival for a reason, after all.
May 16-26

Cultplex is Manchester’s destination for cult movies and gaming events, and this summer film fest, spotlighting independent horror from 21-23 June, is a great example of why it’s the city’s best. Tickets are available for individual screenings, so you can go big and see everything, or be more selective in line with your tastes. Either way, it’s a must for horror fans wanting to explore the genre’s newest material.
Jun 21-23

For snappy dressers and shopaholics alike, this high-fashion-focused exhibition, which features works from Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and many more, could be just the ticket this spring. Discover more about some of the UK’s most famous – and most notorious, boundary-pushing – designers, with free admission.
Running until Jan 12

There’s nowhere better to experience the UK’s hottest emerging musical talent than Manchester’s Green Island Festival, whose first iteration for 2024 takes place on 15th June. Perfect for curious new music seekers, this event is hosted by Hulme’s lush Community Garden and Niamos Centres. Expect to find a platform for artists from underrepresented communities, with ‘global sounds’ placed front and centre across five stages, with DJ and live sets alike. 
Jun 15

Whether you’re a legitimate film buff or you’re just really into viral Letterboxd reviews, Manchester’s monthly indie film festival, Indie Flicks, held at Ducie Street Warehouse’s MiniCine, could make for your ideal night out. On the first Sunday of every month, head over to see a wide array of short films, vote for your favourite and chat to the filmmakers in the bar afterwards. It’s a different way to appreciate cinema, for both movie lovers and more casual viewers. 
First Sunday of every month.

This exhibition at the University of Manchester’s Whitworth Gallery is the first major retrospective of the work of the British Caribbean artist and poet John Lyons, and spans six decades of his singular brilliance, through displays that include paintings, poetry, woodcuts and drawings. Rooted in his meditations on Trinidadian folklore and legend, and also including a look at his steadfast contributions to arts education in Manchester and beyond, this is a unique chance to get an insight into Lyons’ fascinating work. 
May 10-Aug 25

The UK’s best-curated punk and hardcore festival is back at Manchester’s Bowlers Exhibition Centre for 2024 with a stacked lineup full of exclusive one-off performances. Between the return of Boston hardcore legends Have Heart to the UK, and a special American Football set, which will see the band mark 25 years of their iconic debut album, it’s not to be missed.
Jun 28-30

If you’re in need of a bit of a dance to shake the cobwebs off, may we suggest a trip to Boogietown North? This disco, funk and soul spectacular takes place at Manchester's Barton Aerodome, and features legends including Sister Sledge and Soul II Soul, plus the always-reliable stylings of funk and soul maestros Craig Charles and Trevor Nelson. This is a brilliant way to feed your musical curiosity. 
Jul 27

Keen to find more curious goings-on around the UK? Discover the Hendrick's Gin hub here. Or if you are in more of a stay-at-home kind of mood, discover where to buy Hendrick's Gin here.