Things to do in Manchester this weekend (17-19 March) – including Rock of Ages & Sneaker Festival

It’s St Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day this weekend, which means there will be a lot going on in Manchester this weekend. But if all that partying doesn’t tire you out, then there are still plenty of other, non-themed events taking place. Here are some of our top picks for this weekend, including comedy, vintage fashion and musicals.

ClothesCycle

Victoria Baths, Sunday 19 March

ClothesCycle is a sustainable fashion brand that curates pop-up shopping experiences and they will be setting up in Manchester’s historic Victoria Baths this Sunday. There will be 70 stalls selling a mix of exclusive designer items, vintage bargains and ethically-produced new clothes. All the stall holders are online sellers, who have given ClothesCycle first access to their stock before they sell them on apps like Depop. Shoppers will also be able to grab a drink and bite to eat from the bar and street food vendors. A DJ will be playing tunes for the crowds and there will also be opportunities to get your nails done, a tooth gem or your tarot cards read.

To attend you must first book online via the ClothesCycle website. VIP early access tickets for entry from 11am are £5, and there are three general admission times at 12pm (£3.50), 2pm (£3.50) and 4pm (£2).

Crepe City Sneaker Festival

Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Sunday 19 March

Europe’s biggest sneaker festival Crepe City returns to Manchester this weekend. If you are collector or rare and exclusive trainers, or just enjoy looking at them, then this is not to be missed. Expect shoes from brands such as Nike, Air Jordan and New Balance and streetwear brands like Supreme, Palace and Stussy. There will be a bar and food stalls and Manchester DJs entertaining the crowds.

Tickets are £12.50 and can be purchased via the FeverUp platform.

Rock of Ages

Opera House, 14-18 March

Rock of Ages, the headbanging musical set to the sounds of 80s rock, is in Manchester this week. It tells the story of two young musicians trying to make it in Hollywood and features rock anthems like Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ and Europe’s Final Countdown. It was adapted for film in 2012, starring Tom Cruise and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Tickets start at £13 and can be purchased via the ATG website.

Grime Orchestrated

Blues Kitchen, Friday 17 March, 7pm

If you have ever wondered what grime would sound like when played by a 12-piece orchestra, well now is your chance. Expect to hear hits from the genre’s biggest stars, including Skepta, JME, Wiley, Kano and Treble Clef performed by up-and-coming MCs. Tickets start at £13.75 and be purchased via the Dice platform. More information can be found on the Blues Kitchen website.

Dave Gorman – Powerpoint to the People

The Lowry Theatre, Sunday 19 March

Dave Gorman, the comedian behind Dave shows such as Modern Life Is Goodish and Are You Dave Gorman?, will be setting up his powerpoint presentation at the Lowry this weekend for his latest comedy show Powerpoint to the People. Tickets are £31.50 and can be purchased via the venue’s website.

Songwriters’ Circle

Gulliver’s, Wednesday 22 March

This event is not at the weekend, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you want a chilled out, mid-week outing next week. Gulliver’s on Oldham Street is hosting a special gig with four acclaimed sing-songerwriters, Annie Dressner, Lucy Grubb, Dan Wilde and Luke James Williams. They are currently touring the UK together, but between they have previously performed at some of the UK’s biggest festivals, including Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk, Green Man and Black Deer. Tickets are £13.75 and can be purchased via SeeTickets.