Things to do in Manchester this weekend (17-19 February) – including Manchester Museum & Heaton Park funfair

As ever, there is a lot going on in Manchester this weekend, with activities and events for all ages.

If you’ve been saving your Valentine’s Day celebrations for the weekend, why not enjoy a romantic candlelight concert at the Cathedral or an afternoon playing board games at GRUB. If you’re looking to entertain your children instead of you partner, you will be happy to know that Manchester Museum reopens this weekend and it’s totally free – the perfect start or end to the February half term.

Here is our round-up of the best things to do this weekend in Manchester.

Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA

Manchester Cathedral, Friday 17 February

The series of concerts by candlelight continues this weekend. On Friday 17 February, a string quartet will be playing all the hits from Europop royalty ABBA. They will be playing all the classics, including Dancing Queen, Waterloo and Super Trooper, in the historic setting of Manchester Cathedral, illuminated by candlelight. Tickets are £35 and can be purchased via the Fever platform.

Heaton Park Funfair

Saturday 18 - Sunday 26 February

Starting this weekend, the fun fair will be coming to Heaton Park, open every day from 12pm-5pm. There are loads of rides for both kids and adults to enjoy, including waltzers, the ghost train, teacups and trampolines, as well all the classic funfair games like hook a duck and the shooting range. Visitors can also treat themselves to a donut, sweets or a hot dog.

Entry to the fair is free and the rides are all priced individually. If you get a super saver family deal, rides start at £1. Entry to the fun fair can be found near the park’s boating lake. More information can be found on the Manchester City Council website or Facebook.

Board Game Brunch

GRUB, Sunday 19 February

If you’re a board game aficionado, or would like to get into gaming and don’t know where to start. Dungeons and Flagons will be bringing their collection of over 200 board games to GRUB this Sunday, 1-5pm. You can come alone or in a group, no matter what level of gamer you are – there is something for everyone. Entry to the board game event costs £2, and there is a deal on mimosas for two for £8. The GRUB food vendors will be there if you get peckish, and the fully-stocked bar will also be open. More information can be found on the GRUB website.

Manchester Museum

After two years and a £13.5million renovation, Manchester Museum is finally opening its doors to the public again. Their collections include Egypt and Sudan, Archaeology, Earth Sciences, Entomology, Archery, Botany, Living Cultures, Zoology, Numismatics, and the Vivarium – Manchester is one of the only museums to hold live animals. There is also a shop and a cafe on the premises. Entry to the museum is free.

Illuminate Oldham

Various locations, Saturday 18 February

Prepare to see Oldham in a different light. The Illuminate festival returns to Oldham town centre this weekend for the sixth year in a row. There will be installations, artworks and performances from artists from across the UK. Some of the locations include Gallery Oldham and Oldham Library, through to the historic Old Town Hall, Oldham Parish Church and on to the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The Illuminate Light Night and Parade will take place through the town centre at 6-9pm. The festival is completely free. More information can be found on the Oldham council website.