September marks the start of autumn in Manchester, but the city's events calendar is showing no signs of slowing down after summer. From comedy and live entertainment to food festivals, family-friendly activities, immersive experiences, nightlife and cultural events, there’s plenty happening across the city.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Manchester in September, planning a family day out, enjoying a solo day in the city, looking for a date-night idea or meeting up with friends, Manchester’s September events calendar has something for everyone. From trying something new on your own to enjoying a night out as a couple or group, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the city this September. Check out our Northern Group top picks of things to do in Manchester this September!
Wing Fest
📍 Victoria Baths, Manchester
📅 18th – 20th September
Food lovers won’t want to miss Wing Fest as it returns to Victoria Baths this September for three days of chicken wings, live music, DJs, games, eating competitions and entertainment.
The 2026 festival will see around 100,000 chicken wings served by 10 different street food traders, restaurants and BBQ teams, giving visitors the chance to taste a huge variety of flavours while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
With competitions, entertainment and plenty of food and drink throughout the weekend, Wing Fest is shaping up to be one of Manchester’s biggest foodie events of September.
Sankeys Opening Party
📍 Sankeys, Sidney Street, Manchester
📅 26th September
One of Manchester’s most legendary club names is back for another season as Sankeys launches its Autumn/Winter programme with its Opening Party on Saturday 26th September.
Many Manchester clubbers will remember the original Sankeys venue in Ancoats, just around the corner from Northern Group, which became a major part of the city’s nightlife scene before closing in 2017. Now, almost a decade later, Sankeys has returned to Manchester in a new home on Sidney Street, just off Oxford Road.
The new season will introduce a secret second room alongside the main club space, creating another area for clubbers to discover. The opening party marks the start of Sankeys’ new Autumn/Winter season, with events running through to December.
With its return to Manchester and its continued focus on electronic music, the opening party is set to be one of the city’s standout nightlife events this September.
Pickle Fest
📍 Track Brewery, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester
📅 6th September
Pickles are having a serious moment right now, and Manchester is getting involved. From pickle-flavoured food and drinks to dedicated pickle events, the humble gherkin has become one of the biggest food trends of the moment.
On Sunday 6th September, Pickle Fest takes over Track Brewery for an afternoon dedicated to all things pickled and fermented. Expect pickle producers, independent makers, food vendors and plenty of unusual creations, from pickle ice cream and dill frickles to kombucha and homemade ferments.
There’s also an artisanal market and a ‘Top Pickle’ competition, making this a great option for anyone who enjoys trying something new, or just really, really likes pickles.
Laughterama
📍 Castlefield Bowl, Manchester
📅 2nd – 6th September
Manchester’s brilliant open-air comedy festival Laughterama returns to Castlefield Bowl this September for five nights of live comedy, street food and entertainment. The festival features some of the biggest names in comedy, including Jack Dee, Nick Mohammed, Sara Pascoe, Stewart Lee, Chris McCausland and Rose Matafeo.
With a fantastic line-up of comedians across five nights, Laughterama is a brilliant way to enjoy an evening of comedy while making the most of one of Manchester’s best outdoor venues. Whether you’re a huge comedy fan or simply looking for something different to do with friends, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Jersey Boys
📍 Palace Theatre Manchester
📅 7th – 19th September
The award-winning Jersey Boys arrives at the Palace Theatre this September as part of its 20th Anniversary Tour. The musical tells the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, following their rise from four young musicians in New Jersey to international stardom.
Featuring famous songs including Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Jersey Boys combines music, comedy and drama to tell the story behind some of the most recognisable songs of the era.
It’s a fantastic choice for an evening of live entertainment in the heart of Manchester and another great option for anyone looking for Manchester events in September 2026.
Heritage Open Days
📍 Locations across Manchester and Greater Manchester
📅 11th – 20th September
September is the perfect time to discover a different side of Manchester thanks to Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture. Taking place from 11th–20th September, the festival brings thousands of free events and experiences to communities across England.
Across Manchester and Greater Manchester, visitors can discover historic buildings, take part in guided tours, explore hidden stories and learn more about the people and places that have helped shape the region.
With many events completely free to attend, Heritage Open Days is a great opportunity to explore somewhere new and discover more about Manchester’s fascinating history.
The Emo Festival
📍 Manchester Academy, Manchester
📅 12th September
Get ready to relive the soundtrack of your teenage years as The Emo Festival comes to Manchester Academy this September. Taking place on Saturday 12th September, the four-hour event celebrates some of the biggest emo anthems with a live band, live DJs, performers, confetti and plenty of nostalgic favourites.
Whether you were a die-hard emo fan back in the day or simply fancy a night of nostalgic singalongs, this promises to be a fun night out.
With all ages welcome, it’s a chance to dig out the eyeliner, dust off the high-tops and enjoy an evening dedicated to the music that was never just a phase!
Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals
📍 National Football Museum, Manchester
📅 Throughout September
Football fans and families can explore Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals at the National Football Museum throughout September. The exhibition explores the relationship between football and the human body through hands-on experiences, sensory moments and fascinating objects.
Alongside the exhibition, visitors can explore the National Football Museum’s extensive collection celebrating the history of the game. With interactive activities and plenty to discover, it’s a great option for a family day out in Manchester city centre.
The Deceivers Immersive Game Night
📍 Lock 91, Manchester
📅 18th September
Fancy putting your powers of deception to the test? The Deceivers Immersive Game Night comes to Lock 91 this September, bringing a Traitors-style social deduction experience to Manchester.
Taking place on Friday 18th September, the immersive game puts participants into a world of trust, suspicion, teamwork and betrayal as players attempt to work out who they can rely on — and who might be secretly working against them.
With an interactive format and plenty of opportunities for strategy, bluffing and deception, it’s a fun and unusual night out that’s perfect for groups of friends.
HOMOBLOC
📍 Depot Mayfield, Manchester
📅 26th September
One of Manchester’s biggest queer parties returns this September as HOMOBLOC takes over Depot Mayfield for an all-day celebration of music, culture and community.
The 2026 line-up includes global artists including Kim Petras, Honey Dijon, Derrick Carter, COBRAH and Horse Meat Disco, alongside a huge selection of DJs and performers across multiple stages. The event will also celebrate 35 years of legendary Manchester queer club night FLESH.
With its huge line-up and unique atmosphere, HOMOBLOC promises to be one of Manchester’s standout cultural and nightlife events of the month.
Make the Most of September in Manchester
September once again highlights why Manchester is such an exciting city to live in, with a packed calendar of comedy, theatre, food, family entertainment, culture, music and nightlife.
There’s always something happening in Manchester, whether you’re heading into the city centre for a major event, exploring a new neighbourhood or discovering one of the many independent restaurants, bars and businesses across Greater Manchester.
At Northern Group, we’re proud to help people find homes in some of Manchester’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. With a wide range of apartments and houses available to rent and buy across Manchester, including the City Centre, Ancoats, the Northern Quarter, and Stockport, we can support you in finding your perfect home or investment.
Manchester’s thriving events calendar, food and drink scene, music and culture, excellent career opportunities and ongoing investment continue to make the city an attractive place to live and invest.
For property investors, that makes Manchester an exciting location for buy-to-let investment, with strong demand for rental property across many of the city’s neighbourhoods. Whether you’re an experienced landlord or considering your first investment property, Northern Group can help you explore the opportunities available.
Whether you’re relocating, searching for your next home or looking to invest in Manchester, Northern Group is here to help.