It is a busy weekend for Manchester, with Take That at the Etihad Stadium, Parklife at Heaton Park, and gigs at the AO Arena from Lily Allen and The B-52's. There will also be the grand final of the Soft & Gentle Netball Super League at Co-op Live on Saturday and the T20 Women's Cricket at Emirates Old Trafford on Sunday. As a result, travel advice has been issued with services expected to be busier. But they are not the only events taking place over the next couple of days.
1. Manchester Open Exhibition 2026
From Saturday, the Manchester Open exhibition 2026 will kick off at HOME. It features work from some 420 artists across photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, and digital art. Among this year's line-up of artists, who have been praised for their 'creativity and quality', the youngest is just four years old, with the oldest being nearly 80. Entry is free but tickets are required.
2. Parkrun with Joe Wicks
Fancy starting the morning with an early parkrun with Joe Wicks? The influencer and TV personality will be joining the Phillips Park parkrun on Saturday morning from 9am, and then at Alexandra Park in Moss Side for the Juniors Parkrun on Sunday morning from 9am. Every parkrun is free to attend and open to everyone, whether you run, jog, walk, volunteer, or simply want to show up.
3. Dogfest at Tatton Park
There will be the opportunity to bask in nature with some four-legged pals, with Dogfest also taking place this weekend. Held at Tatton Park, the two-day festival will feature meet-ups, agility courses, dog walks, and even a bit of relaxing doga (dog yoga). TV presenter Matt Baker will also be in attendance, with his pop-up The Baker's Arms pub featuring quizzes, games, and discussions.
4. Urmston Food & Drink Festival
Over in Trafford, the Urmston Food & Drink Festival will be taking place at Golden Hill Park on Saturday from 11am to 5pm. Held by YUM (Your Urmston Matters), the event will feature a big line-up of street food, bars, and bakers, as well as live music, children's rides, and fun entertainment. There will also be opportunities to peruse the aisles and shop local.
5. Góbéfest Returns
Manchester's original urban folk music and dance festival Góbéfest returns this weekend for three days of live music, creative workshops, and street food. On the menu, there will be Polish pierogi, Transylvanian grilled meats, Black Sea seafood, and Afro-fusion cuisine, while entertainment comes in the form of jazz, opera, and rock from artists including the Salamon Tűzkő Quintet, Rubbert Duck Orchestra, and Bekecs Dance Theatre. It all takes place from Friday to Sunday at Cathedral Gardens with a 'pay what you feel' ticket system. Also, bring your dancing shoes as there will be a 40,000 step workshop challenge taking place across eight hours, and you are invited to join in.
