Theatre & Performing Arts Events in Manchester
234 upcoming theatre & performing arts events
Manchester boasts a deep and varied tradition of live performance. The city’s theatre scene is rich, drawing on established institutions alongside cutting-edge independent spaces. From the historical resonance found at venues like the Royal Exchange to the contemporary focus at HOME, and the impressive offerings at the Lowry in Salford, there is always a production to discover. You will find everything from grand dramatic narratives staged in major houses to intimate, experimental pieces taking root in smaller theatres. This diverse collection of venues means that Manchester’s performing arts landscape reflects its own spirit: continually evolving, deeply rooted, and always ready for a compelling story.
As of August 2026, EventsList.co.uk lists 234 upcoming theatre & performing arts events in Manchester, Greater Manchester, including 6 free to attend. Each listing is updated three times daily from verified UK ticketing sources and includes the date, venue, price and a direct booking link.
Showing 24 of 234 events
FREEGrimms Beastly Tales, a musical adventure - Susanna Meese
📍 Failsworth Library
FREEThe Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare
📍 Central Library
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Miss Saigon
📍 Palace Theatre Manchester
From £30
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience in Manchester
📍 Depot Mayfield
From £16.90
MCR ON STAGE: BRASSICS
📍 Off The Square
£9.00
Gift voucher · 12 months to book
Junior 1:1 Coached Freestyle Ski or Snowboarding Session and Meal
📍 Salford
From £66
Gift voucher · 12 months to book
Junior Exclusive Coached Skateboarding Session and Meal for Two
📍 Salford
From £107
Gift voucher · 12 months to book
Kitty Yoga with Play Time, Manchester
📍 Kitty Yoga
From £37
Gift voucher · 12 months to book
Enchanted Fairy and Elf Photoshoot Experience — Manchester
📍 Manchester
From £30
Gift voucher · 12 months to book
Enchanted Fairy and Elf Photoshoot Experience for Two — Manchester
📍 Manchester
From £30
Gift voucher · 12 months to book
Pong & Puck Beer or Prosecco Pong for Two
📍 Manchester
From £31
FREEMCR 10: Archiving Racial Injustice and Resistance
📍 Contact Theatre
FREEGet Pitched!
📍 Oscars Bar Manchester
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Palace Theatre Tour
📍 Palace Theatre Manchester
From £14
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Moxy Muzik: Darius Syrossian & Friends | 7th August
📍 Joshua Brooks
From £8.00
Flecky Bennett's The Chethams Library Experience
📍 Chetham's Library
£17.50
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Barnum The Circus Musical
📍 Palace Theatre Manchester
Musical Theatre Masterclass (7 - 11s)
📍 Palace Theatre Manchester
From £45
FREE—
FREE Performing Arts Week
📍 Oldham Theater Workshop, The JR Clynes Building
Under the seascapes - Holiday Art School
£26.00
FREECosplay Teen event
📍 Manchester Central Library
Outdoor Theatre: The (almost) Complete History of Britain
📍 Ordsall Hall
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You Stupid Darkness!
📍 St. Werburgh's Hall
From £10.00
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Peppa Pig's Big Family Show
📍 Palace Theatre Manchester
From £18
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More Events in Manchester
Theatre & Performing Arts Events in Manchester — Complete Guide
Discover the vibrant theatre & performing arts scene in Manchester with EventsList.co.uk's comprehensive event listings. Our platform aggregates theatre & performing arts events from across Manchester, providing you with detailed information including venue details, ticket prices, and direct booking links.
Whether you're looking for tonight's theatre & performing arts events or planning ahead for the weekend, our real-time listings are updated daily to ensure you never miss out on the best theatre & performing artsexperiences Manchester has to offer.
Why Choose EventsList for Theatre & Performing Arts?
- ✓Daily updates with the latest theatre & performing arts events in Manchester
- ✓Detailed venue information and accessibility details
- ✓Direct booking links and transparent pricing
- ✓Curated editorial summaries for each event
- ✓Free and paid event filtering options
Frequently Asked Questions
How many theatre & performing arts events are on in Manchester?
There are currently 230+ upcoming theatre & performing arts events in Manchester. New events are added daily — check back regularly or browse by date to find the best upcoming theatre & performing arts in the city.
Are there free theatre & performing arts events in Manchester?
Yes — 6 of the current theatre & performing arts listings in Manchester are free to attend. Use the free events filter to see them all.
Where can I find theatre & performing arts events in Manchester this weekend?
Browse this weekend's theatre & performing arts events in Manchester at /manchester/events/this-weekend, or use the date filters to see what's on today, tonight or later this week.
How do I book tickets for theatre & performing arts events in Manchester?
Every theatre & performing arts listing on EventsList.co.uk includes a direct booking link to the official ticket seller. Open any event to see full details, pricing and the "Book Tickets" button.
How often are theatre & performing arts listings updated on EventsList?
We pull in new theatre & performing arts events for Manchester three times a day from official UK ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Skiddle and Eventbrite, so you always see the most up-to-date listings.
Theatre & Performing Arts Events in Manchester — Your Complete Guide
Manchester has a thriving theatre scene that punches well above its weight, with a rich programme spanning West End-quality productions, experimental fringe shows, world-class ballet, opera, and innovative contemporary dance.
The city's theatres range from grand Victorian playhouses and converted industrial spaces to intimate studio theatres tucked above pubs and in community arts centres. Whether you're looking for a Broadway blockbuster, a local premiere, a touring Shakespeare production, or a cutting-edge new writing festival, Manchester's stages deliver it all.
Performing arts in Manchester benefit from a strong creative ecology — drama schools, independent companies, and established repertory theatres all contribute to a year-round programme. Many venues offer heavily discounted tickets for students, under-25s, and last-minute buyers, making theatre accessible to everyone.
Before you go: most theatres in Manchester have bars and pre-show dining options, so arriving 30–45 minutes early is worthwhile. Check each venue's seating plan in advance, as sight lines and acoustics vary significantly. Many productions run for limited runs, so booking ahead is strongly advised for the most sought-after shows.