Things to do in Manchester in February 2022: your what’s on guide

Chinese New Year 2022

While Covid restrictions have meant Manchester’s usual annual celebrations for Chinese New Year are having to be done on a slightly smaller scale, there’s still plenty happening across the city centre to help bring in the ‘Year of the Tiger’.

Unfortunately popular annual events such as the parade and fireworks will not be taking place in the city, but there are other events to enjoy, including live performances, workshops, street food, and other family-friendly activities in the city centre on Sunday 6 February. You can also check out the new tiger sculpture in St Ann’s Square.

Chinese New Year is officially being celebrated in Manchester this year from Tuesday 1 February till Sunday 6 February.

You can find more information here.

The Smiths’ Manchester Walk

Now if you’re a fan of music, this weekend why not join The Smiths’ Manchester walk around the city centre. Unlike other Smiths’ tours, this one doesn’t shy from the difficult stories and digs deep into the history of the band.

This music-driven tour will also see the relevant song played at the relevant stop to add to the experience. You can expect to see places like The Hacienda, HOME cinema, Central Station as well as Morrissey’s favourite pub.

You can find more information including how to buy tickets here.

Valentine’s Pop-Up Cinema

With the annual day of love only a couple weeks away, independent event production company The Village Screen is returning to Manchester to transform Manchester’s Victoria Baths into a pop-up cinema for Valentine’s Day.

The historic venue has a handful of film favourites on the agenda and guests can choose to get cosy on the striped deckchairs inside the old Gala Pool, or on the original wooden seating that overlooks the empty pool on the Balcony level.

You can find more information including how to buy tickets here.

Manchester Open Exhibition 2022

The Manchester Open Exhibition is the first region-wide exhibition of its type to welcome entries from people of any background and level of experience.

Selected by a panel constituting of art experts and community representatives, HOME’s Gallery walls have been filled with work from over 400 Greater Manchester residents. It’s open now til 27 March.

Tickets are free but booking is required.

You can find more information including how to book here.