Manchester events in May

There's still time to put on your make-up, turn on the eight-track and nip over to HOME for one of the very best musicals, well, ever. The story of a Berlin ladyboy's botched sex-change operation leading them all the way to the USA is an unlikely plot outline for such a powerful, moving and uplifting stage show but the songs are tremendous, the imagery iconic and Hedwig is one of the great 20th century stage creations. Divina De Campo stars as Hedwig and this is a must-see.

Until Wednesday May 11

The festival exploring mental and physical health and wellbeing will be out and about again in 2022 with a programme that combines different art forms and presents them in public spaces. Most activity will be concentrated around the Moston and Harpurhey areas, but this year part of the programme will be happening in the city centre as well.

Throughout May

Start May off in style at Ducie Street Warehouse with a weekend of music, food, drinks and general bank holiday larks. DJs, disco brunches, plus an all-day 're-charge and reset' menu to keep you going until the wee small hours.

All May Bank Holiday Weekend

Moxy bar in Spinningfields knows how much we love our doggies in Manchester and are celebrating this with its first ever pooch party, featuring bottomless treats, a DJ and games for dogs, a photo booth, doggie ice cream, glasses of pawsecco and much more. 

Sunday May 1

Easily the most fun you'll ever have at a gig, the chance to see Confidence Man live is an opportuhnity not to be missed. This gig has been postponed three times so expect the crowd to be even more excited than normal. And that's very, very excited. Just even try not to dance your heart out to some of the wittiest, catchiest, danciest pop around.

Tuesday May 3 - The Ritz

In a traditionally male-dominated genre of music, ‘The Hardest Her’ come out fighting with a UK tour of the very best female Hip Hip and R&B artists, including Queen Millz, Brixx and Mecy's Cartel. It's going to be quite a night down at the Zombie Shack.

Tuesday May 3

Two legends in one night at Hope Mill Theatre as the late Stephen Sondheim's oft-overlooked musical ‘Passion’ comes to the stage starring Ruthie Henshaw. Hope Mill do wonders in their intimate space and the chance to see such a powerhouse as Henshaw in this setting is one not to be missed.

Thursday May 5 - Sunday June 5

If you're excited by the prospect of shiny chrome on two wheels throbbing between your thighs, then the Mancunia Motorcycle Festival is for you. All things motorbike will be there at Depot Mayfield, and they've thrown in a beer festival for good measure too.

Saturday May 7 - Sunday May 8

Some of the world’s most acclaimed photographers will come to the Manchester in May to present their work through an exciting range of interactive events at Photo North Festival, including that of Manchester's Richard Davis. Bonded Warehouse will play host to exhibitions all championing photography and open to the public for the three-day festival. Plus there'll be stalls, photo walks, workshops, portfolio reviews, screenings and, vitally, a licensed bar. 

Saturday May 7 - Monday May 9

This year, the biggest touring show of contemporary art in the UK opens in our fair city across multiple venues in May. Showcasing work from forty-seven artists, British Art Show 9 gives us the chance to see some of the best work by some of the best artists practicing in the country today. Make a day of it - the exhibition will be hosted at Manchester Art Gallery, HOME, Castlefield Gallery, The Whitworth and the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA). 

Friday May 13 May – Sunday September 4

Playing one of Manchester's best venues, the musical and actual partnership of Faith No More's Roddy Bottum and boyfriend Joey Holman promises to be one of the best goigs of the month. Their eponynous debut album, with it's indie-rock gay pop fusion, proved better than anyone had the right to expect, and they're live set is sure to thrill.

Saturday May 14

Easily one of the finest live performers on the planet right now, Kathryn Joseph is touring her new album, ‘For You Who Are The Wronged’ which is the much anticipated follow up to 2018's ‘From When I Wake the Want Is.’ Hearing Joseph's work is like peeking inside someone's soul, and whilst the content of her songs can be devastatingly moving, her live shows are joyful. Manchester's YES is a perfect venue for her wonderful talents.

Tuesday May 17

Manchester is well-served for those of us opting for a meat free diet, so here are some of the best veggie options from around the city as we celebrate National Vegetarian Week. Going a step further? Check out our guide to the best vegan options in the city as well.

Monday May 16 - Sunday May 22

With its focus on arts and culture there's much to celebrate over the five days of the third Trafford Pride this year. Mainly centered around Sale's Waterside arts centre, there'll photography, performance, comedy and cabaret. Get your rainbow flags ready.

Tuesday May 17 - Saturday May 21

The former co-frontman of brilliant Manchester band Speils, Canadian born singer-songwriter Ryan Lamey is back with his first solo album in seven years, and that's something to be very excited about. ‘Disordered’ deals with gratitude, grief and ghosts and the album launch is being held at the Anthony Burgess Foundation. Lamey's songs are always incisive, emotive and driven and live, he's just tremendous. Get a ticket.

Friday May 20

Celebrating the re-opening of Band on the Wall after a two-year renovation and extension project, Manchester Jazz Festival's 2022 programme is performed exclusively from the venue.

Thursday 26 May - Sunday 29 May

What started life as a podcast discussing issues with survivors of domestic abuse has blossomed into much more. Part of that is a concert/performance at Gullivers this month, with music and conversation intended to open up the conversation and engender a sense of safety and support. What's more, the event will be raising funds for Women's Aid.

Wednesday May 25

It's unlikely that you'd find a more appropriate venue in all of the North to host this celebration of the inimitable Count Arthur Strong's 20th Anniversary. A comic creation in the stature of genius - even just physically it's an incredible performance - Arthur's live shows go where TV won't let him. This tour, ‘And This Is Me’, provides the perfect chance for Arthur to do what he likes best - talk about himself.
Friday May 27

Another cocktail bar? Why not? Manchester's big enough to handle it and this one may well be worth a trip to. Blinker will be driven by seasonality, sustainability and simplicity, with a focus on classic cocktails. There'll also be a reimagining of classics based around four flavours each month, determined by seasonal British produce. It'll be located at the top of King Street close to the Gotham Hotel.

Opens May

Stoller Hall turns itself over tothe Manchester Guitar Festival for one weekend in May. From classical and jazz, acoustic, electric and even flamenco, the three-day Manchester Guitar Festival is a celebration of the finest guitar music talent from around the world, alongside emerging musical talent.

Friday May 20 - Sunday May 22