March in Manchester is when the city starts be bright and lighter. The evenings stretch out, more events return to the calendar and there’s a noticeable shift towards spring. It’s also one of the busiest cultural months of the year, with major live music dates, community celebrations, markets and creative workshops taking place across the city centre and beyond. If you’re searching for things to do in Manchester this March, here’s our guide to the best events happening across the city.
Luminescence
📍Manchester Cathedral
Multiple dates throughout March until 26 March 2026
Luminescence brings a spectacular immersive experience to Manchester Cathedral this spring. Journey To The Heavens is a 360 degree celebration of light, sound and storytelling that transforms the cathedral’s stone walls into a moving canvas using cutting edge projection mapping technology. This UK premiere has already dazzled more than one million people across Europe. In Manchester, the experience is supported by live music and storytelling, including a specially commissioned voice over written by BAFTA and Olivier Award winning writer Tim Whitnall and narrated by Manchester acting legend Christopher Eccleston. Visitors can expect live performances of iconic Manchester anthems, from The Verve’s Bitter Sweet Symphony to Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart, performed by Collectives Gospel Choir. It’s a unique opportunity to rediscover one of Manchester’s most recognisable landmarks in an entirely new way.
Find out more: https://luminiscence.uk/manchester/
International Women’s Day Celebration 2026
Saturday 7 March 2026
📍Central Library, St Peter’s Square
Manchester will mark International Women’s Day 2026 with a large scale, community led celebration at Central Library in St Peter’s Square. Taking place from 11am to 4pm, this free event brings together women from across the city to celebrate stories, creativity and collective progress under the theme When Women Thrive, We All Rise. The day has been co designed by local women and includes storytelling sessions, spoken word performances, live music, poetry and a keynote speech. There will also be a fireside style conversation featuring women who are actively leading and supporting their communities across Manchester. Visitors can explore an exhibition dedicated to women’s history in the city, take part in bookmark making and stitching activities, and join a practical sewing workshop focused on clothing repair and upcycling. A relaxed menopause meet up and children’s activities inspired by women who make a difference ensure the event is inclusive and accessible for all ages. It’s a chance to connect with your local community, access advice and support, and celebrate the impact of women across Manchester. Entry is free but booking is required in advance.
Find out more: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/events/event/5675/international_womens_day_celebration_2026
Manchester Vintage Furniture & Flea Market
Sunday 1 March 2026
📍Campfield Studio, Upper Campfield Market Hall
For anyone interested in vintage interiors, mid century furniture or unique homeware, the Manchester Vintage Furniture & Flea Market is one of the best markets in Manchester this March. Taking place at Campfield Studio in the historic Upper Campfield Market Hall, the event brings together independent traders and specialist dealers from across the region. Expect a carefully curated mix of mid century furniture, retro lighting, decorative art, statement home accessories and one off pieces that add character to any space. Whether you’re furnishing a new apartment, searching for a standout feature for your living room or simply browsing for inspiration, this market is well worth a visit. Early entry starts at 11am, with general admission from 12pm until 4pm. Tickets start from just £2 and can be booked online in advance.
Major March Concerts at Co-op Live
Manchester continues to cement its reputation as the UK’s music capital, and March 2026 sees some of the biggest names in global music performing at Co op Live.
Harry Styles, One Night Only - Friday 6 March 2026
Manchester’s biggest pop export returns home for a special One Night Only show to celebrate the release of his fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time, Disco, Occasionally. The arena date lands on the exact day the new record drops, giving fans the opportunity to hear the songs performed live for the very first time. With a hometown crowd and a brand new album, this is set to be one of the standout Manchester concerts of 2026.
Dave, The Boy Who Played The Harp Tour - Monday 16 March 2026
Grime icon Dave brings his latest tour to Manchester in support of his upcoming third album, The Boy Who Played The Harp. Known for his unmatched lyricism and introspective storytelling, Dave has become one of the defining voices in British rap. This show marks another evolution in his career and is expected to draw huge crowds to Co op Live.
Gorillaz, The Mountain Tour - Friday 20 & Saturday 21 March 2026
After a sold out House of Kong exhibition and arena shows praised as riveting and relevant, Gorillaz return to Manchester for two dates as part of The Mountain Tour. The live set is expected to span their genre blending, semi fictional career, combining visual spectacle with a back catalogue of era defining tracks. The Manchester dates launch a major arena run and will feature support from Omar Souleyman.
Find out more: https://www.cooplive.com/events
Lily Allen West End Girl Concerts
📍Aviva Studios
Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 March 2026
Lily Allen heads to Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, for two nights performing her new album West End Girl in full. It marks her first album since 2018’s No Shame and has been written across Los Angeles, London and New York. Shaped by elements of autofiction, the record explores personal experiences and emotional transitions with her signature candid style. Audiences can expect a start to finish live performance of the album, played exactly as it was intended, offering a more intimate alternative to large scale arena shows this March.
Find out more: https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/lily-allen-performs-west-end-girl/
Paddy’s Fest
📍Escape to Freight Island
Alongside the parade, Paddy’s Fest lands at Escape to Freight Island for a full scale Irish celebration. The venue will be transformed with themed décor, high energy performances and an atmosphere packed with Irish spirit from start to finish. Expect live Irish bands, traditional dancers, DJs and family friendly activities throughout the day. It’s an ideal option if you’re looking for St Patrick’s Day events in Manchester that combine music, food and a lively social setting.
Find out more: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Freight-Island/Paddys-Fest--Freight-Island-Manchester/41803102/
Manchester St Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday 15 March 2026
The Manchester St Patrick’s Day Parade returns for its 36th year, bringing colour, music and celebration to the city centre. The free parade begins at the Irish World Heritage Centre before making its way through the heart of Manchester and finishing on Deansgate. Crowds lining the route can expect a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, featuring dance troupes, marching bands, pipe bands and accordion players travelling directly from Ireland. With live music, community spirit and plenty of atmosphere, it’s one of the most popular free events in Manchester in March.
Find out more: https://mcririshfestival.co.uk/info/irish-centre-parade-sunday-15-march-2026
Made in Manchester: Rising Stars
📍Creatures Comedy Club
For comedy fans, Made in Manchester: Rising Stars offers a Sunday night showcase of emerging local talent. The event spotlights the next generation of Manchester comedians in an intimate club environment, giving audiences the chance to see future household names at the start of their careers. If you’re looking for affordable, live entertainment in Manchester this March, this is a great way to support grassroots talent.
Find out more: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Creatures-Comedy-Club/Made-in-Manchester-Rising-Stars/41989912/
Crafthernoon Workshops Across Manchester
Crafthernoon hosts a series of hands on creative workshops throughout March 2026 at locations across Manchester. Events include a Tote Bag Making Workshop with thrift.ytotes, Lino Printing sessions on 1 and 22 March, Scrap and Yap Scrapbooking, a Bag Charm Social and a Jewellery Making Social later in the month. There’s also a Sapphic Linoprinting Night in collaboration with QueerMCR and a Self Care Handbook workshop where participants can create their own mental health toolkit. These sessions are perfect for anyone looking to meet new people, learn a new skill or spend a mindful afternoon exploring their creativity.
Find out more: https://linktr.ee/hellocrafthernoon
Magic at The Midland
📍The Midland
Sunday 22 March 2026 and selected Sundays
If you’re searching for something a little different in Manchester this March, Magic at The Midland offers an evening of theatre, illusion and live entertainment inside one of the city’s most historic hotels. With tickets starting from £24.50, the show features Steve Price, one of the UK’s leading magicians, performing mind bending illusions and interactive tricks in an intimate setting. Blending comedy, storytelling and sleight of hand, it’s a unique date night or group experience in the heart of the city. From major arena tours and immersive art installations to community celebrations and creative workshops, March 2026 is packed with things to do in Manchester.
Find out more: https://magicatthemidland.com/
If you’re living in the city or considering a move this spring, there’s no shortage of events that showcase exactly why Manchester continues to thrive as one of the UK’s most dynamic places to call home.