February sees Manchester shake off the January blues and burst back into life, with the city packed full of things to do, see and experience. From immersive exhibitions and major cultural moments to food festivals, family friendly events and live sport screenings, there’s something happening every week. Whether you’re planning cosy winter days out, half term adventures or big nights in the city, here’s our pick of what’s on in Manchester this February 2026.
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience
📍Mayfield Depot
Throughout February
Bringing a seriously playful dose of magic to Manchester, landing at Depot Mayfield for a limited run. Fresh from successful tours across North America, Milan and London, this interactive exhibition invites visitors of all ages to embrace their inner child and step into a surreal world built entirely around bubbles. Expect 10 themed rooms filled with dazzling installations, mirrored effects, virtual reality and hands on interactive elements, all designed to stimulate the senses and spark the imagination. Running for around 60 to 90 minutes and suitable for all ages, Bubble Planet is a colourful, feel good experience that’s perfect for families, friends or anyone looking for something a little bit different this February.
Mean Girls The Musical
📍Manchester Opera House
February 23rd – 7th March
Mean Girls The Musical is heading to Manchester Opera House this February and it’s set to be totally grool. Following smash hit runs in the West End and on screen, the 12 time Tony nominated musical brings Tina Fey’s iconic high school satire to the stage, complete with big songs, sharp humour and plenty of pink. Join Cady Heron as she navigates the ruthless social hierarchy of high school, ruled by Regina George and The Plastics, now armed with social media and even sharper claws. Packed with laugh out loud moments, catchy numbers and nostalgic callbacks, Mean Girls The Musical runs at Manchester Opera House from 23 February to 7 March and is a must see for fans of the film and musical theatre lovers alike.
Super Duper Family Festival
18th – 21st February
Across City Centre
The Super Duper Family Festival returns to Manchester this February half term, transforming the city into a giant, free playground for families. Taking place from Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st February 2026, the four day festival features eight interactive play zones across iconic city centre locations, offering hands on activities including crafting, storytelling, gaming, science, music, sport and dance. With everything completely free and designed for kids of all ages, it’s a standout half term highlight and makes Manchester the only UK city to host a festival of this kind during February half term.
The BRIT Awards
📍Coop Live
28th February
For the first time ever, The BRIT Awards are heading north, with Manchester set to host the iconic celebration of British music in 2026 and 2027. Taking place at the state of the art Co op Live arena, The BRIT Awards 2026 will take place on Saturday 28 February, marking a huge moment for the city and its world renowned music scene. From legendary bands like Oasis and The Smiths to today’s chart topping artists, Manchester’s musical heritage makes it the perfect new home for the biggest night in UK music. The move signals an exciting new chapter for the BRITs and cements Manchester’s status as the UK’s capital of music and culture.
Lunar New Year Market
14th – 15th February
📍Across Manchester
Manchester’s Lunar New Year Market returns this February, bringing colour, culture and celebration to the city centre as it welcomes the Year of the Horse. Taking place on 14 and 15 February 2026 across Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street, the vibrant fair will feature more than 120 stalls offering everything from street food and sweet treats to handmade crafts and gifts. Alongside the market, visitors can enjoy traditional lion dances, live performances, workshops and cultural activities, making it a lively and family friendly way to celebrate Lunar New Year in the heart of Manchester.
Six Nations at the UK’s largest indoor fan zone
Multiple dates throughout February
📍Freight Island
Rugby fans can catch all the Six Nations action at Freight Island this February, with every match screened in the UK’s largest indoor fan zone. Doors open from 4pm on Fridays and 12pm on weekends, leaving plenty of time to settle in with street food, drinks and pre match atmosphere from Freight Island’s huge line up of vendors. Sunday games come with the added bonus of Patterson’s American Buffet for the ultimate comfort food experience, plus thousands of free pints and prosecco up for grabs, making this one of the best spots in the city to soak up the tournament.
The Black Friar Pie Festival
5th January – 27th February
📍Black Friar
Salford favourite The Black Friar is bringing back its much loved Pie Festival for 2026, serving up proper northern comfort food with all pies priced at just £10. Running from 5th January to 27th February, the festival celebrates hearty, homemade pies following rave reviews from critic Jay Rayner, who famously called them “pies done proper”. This year’s line up includes four fixed classics alongside inventive new additions like Mushroom Keema Pie with onion bhaji, Truffle Dauphinoise Pie and Confit Garlic Chicken and Leek Pie, plus rotating specials such as Spanakopita Pie and even Pigeon Pie. There are also super sized sharing pies available to pre order, as well as indulgent dessert pies including Treacle, Mississippi and Lemon Meringue, making this a must visit winter warmer.
Makers Market
📍Cutting Room Square & Northern Quarter
1st February & 8th february
Kicking off February, the much loved Makers Markets are back in Manchester with two dates in Manchester this month! First up is Ancoats on 1st February, taking over Cutting Room Square, right on Northern Group’s doorstep and just moments from our office and Ice Plant development. Then on 8th February, the market heads to the heart of the Northern Quarter. Expect a buzzing mix of street food, independent makers, crafts and live music, all celebrating local talent and small businesses. Whether you’re browsing for unique gifts, grabbing a bite to eat or soaking up the atmosphere, the Makers Markets are a great way to spend a winter weekend while supporting Manchester’s creative community.
From Broadway with love
📍Bridgewater Hall
14th February
Celebrate Valentine’s season in style with From Broadway With Love at The Bridgewater Hall, a feel-good evening of iconic musical theatre performed by the Hallé. Conducted by Stephen Bell and featuring West End stars Louise Dearman and Matt Ford, the concert brings together show-stopping favourites from West Side Story, Wicked, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Hairspray, Jersey Boys and The Phantom of the Opera. Whether you’re heading out with your Valentine, Galentines or Palentines, expect a joyful, romantic night of unforgettable songs, big emotions and pure Broadway magic.
A Very Violent Valentine’s: Unsolved
📍The Peer Hat
18th February
Looking for something a little darker this Valentine’s season? A Very Violent Valentine’s: Unsolved lands in Manchester on Wednesday 18 February 2026 at The Peer Hat, bringing a true crime night with a twist. Hosted by storyteller Adrian Finney, the evening dives into some of history’s most chilling unsolved cases, from infamous murders and baffling alibis to whispered rumours of serial killers and long-buried secrets. Blending razor-sharp storytelling, dark humour and genuinely haunting mysteries, it’s a gripping alternative Valentine’s plan for true crime fans, the morbidly curious, or anyone who loves a story that keeps you guessing.