Things to do in Manchester this weekend (12-14 May) – including Cloudwater beer festival and Andre Rieu

Eurovision fever will be taking over the country this weekend and Manchester is no exception. There will be a massive watch party in Piccadilly Gardens, it will be shown in cinemas, as well as several city centre bars and venues.

But if cheesy Europop is not your thing, there are still plenty of non-Eurovision to keep you entertained – both for adults and children. Here are some of the Manchester events worth checking out this weekend.

Block Party 2023

Saturday 13 May, 12pm-late

Cloudwater Brewery are collaborating with fellow Manchester breweries Sureshot, Balance and Track to celebrate the city’s so-called Beer Triangle. The festival includes three taprooms and eight different breweries, with food and entertainment at each venue. Ale aficionados will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle to win some beer-related prizes. All you have to do is collect stamps from each location and submit your stamp card. Entry is free and no ticket is requires. More information about the breweries, locations and entertainment can be found on the Cloudwater website. 

Manchester Cat Extravaganza

Bowler’s Exhibition Centre, 13-14 May

Cat lovers will be flocking to Bowler’s this weekend for a Cat Extravaganza and international competition. Visitors can check out the competitions, where experts judge the competing cats on their coats, colour, and proportions based on size and breed, or wander the stalls to pick up a treat for four-legged friends at home. There will also be workshops and other opportunities to learn more about cats. Tickets start at £14 and can be purchased via the event website.

Paddington Family Fun Day

Bury Transport Museum, Saturday 13 May

Everyone’s favourite marmalade sandwich-eating Peruvian bear is visiting Bury this Saturday via the East Lancashire Railway. Kids will get to listen to Paddington stories and have their photo taken with the bear himself. There will also be three fair rides, face painting, a petting farm and craft activities. Tickets are £15 for children (2-7) and £16 for adults, which must be purchased online in advance. Under twos are free. More information can be found on the venue’s website.

Andre Rieu

AO Arena, Friday 12 May

The master of the waltz is back with the world-famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, performing a selection of light classics, waltzes, film and opera music and pop songs. Tickets, which start at £81, can be purchased via Ticketmaster. More information about the gig can be found on the venue’s website. 

Thank You for the Music: Ultimate ABBA Tribute

Bridgewater Hall, Friday 12 May

Warm up for the Eurovision Grand Final this weekend by celebrating one of the most famous Eurovision entrants of all time – ABBA. The tribute band will be performing some of the Swedish supergroup’s biggest hits, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, The Winner Takes It All. Tickets for this event start at £31 and can be purchased via the venue’s website.