What's on in Manchester February

What’s On in Manchester: February 2025

January always feels like the longest month of the year, but we’ve finally made it to February! With the days getting longer and the city buzzing with activity, it’s time to come out of hibernation. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with someone special, Galentines with the girls, or the Lunar New Year with festivities and food, or just looking for a way to let your hair down after finishing Dry Jan, there’s plenty happening across Manchester. From exciting cultural events to live performances and family-friendly activities, February is set to be a month full of fun and celebration! Check out our top picks of things to do in Manchester this February…

 

Dragon Parade: Chinese & Lunar New Year Celebration

Welcome the Year of the Snake with a spectacular parade in Manchester’s city centre to celebrate the arrival of Chinese New Year! Enjoy traditional Chinese music, lion dances, and festive decorations as the city comes alive in celebration. Thousands of red lanterns already adorn the city, creating a stunning backdrop for the celebrations. The Dragon Parade will wind its way through the streets and showcases traditional Chinese music, lion and dragon dances, and vibrant street performances. This year’s festivities officially begin on Wednesday 29th  January, but the main events take place over the weekend of February 1st and 2nd, when Manchester’s Chinatown will really come to life. Soak up festive the atmosphere, explore street food markets, and enjoy a variety of live performances as Manchester celebrates the culture and welcomes the Year of the Snake.

Date: Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February

Location: Manchester City Centre

Find out more: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-chinese-new-year-2025-30869627

 

Candlelit Concert: Valentine’s Day Special

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a live string quartet playing some of the best classic love songs surrounded by candles in the enchanting setting of Manchester Cathedral, it doesn’t get much more romantic than this! Featuring renditions of love songs from Elvis Presley, Elton John and Celine Dion, this candlelit concert promises a night of beautiful live music and romantic ambiance, perfect for couples looking for an unforgettable evening.

Date: Thursday, 13th February

Location: Manchester Cathedral

Find out more: https://feverup.com/m/270133

 

Chinese New Year Lantern Painting Workshop

Get Creative This Lunar New Year with a Lantern Painting Workshop at Ducie Street! Celebrate the Year of the Snake in a unique way by crafting your own beautifully decorated lantern with Floating Art at Ducie Street. Lanterns are a key part of Lunar New Year traditions, symbolising hope, prosperity, and new beginnings—so why not personalise your own? In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn the delicate art of Chinese Brush Painting, using authentic materials like bamboo brushes, ink, and vibrant mineral paints. Whether you're an experienced artist or wanting to try something new, this session is designed for all skill levels, making it a great way to embrace the festive spirit.

Date: Wednesday, 29th January

Location: Ducie Street Warehouse

Find out more: https://duciestreet.com/events/chinese-new-year-lantern-painting-workshop/

 

Puppy Yoga

Unwind and de-stress with an adorable twist on traditional yoga! Based in Manchester City Centre, the sessions are an hour long with 30 minutes of yoga and 30 minutes of puppy playtime and chances to get some adorable polaroids and content. You will stretch, relax, and interact with playful puppies for the ultimate feel good experience. This could be the perfect wholesome Galentines experience…

Date: Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd, Saturday 8th February

Location: (Released 48 hours before the event)

Find out more: https://www.puppyyogauk.co.uk/manchester  

 

Astro Night: Valentine’s Special

Swap candlelit dinners for cosmic views this Valentine’s Day with a truly out of this world experience at Jodrell Bank Observatory. Gaze up at the dazzling night sky with your special someone as expert astronomers guide you through the stars, planets, and constellations above. With fascinating talks, hands-on activities, and breathtaking views through powerful telescopes, this is a Valentine’s date like no other. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to celebrate love, this magical evening promises romance under the stars in one of the UK’s most iconic scientific locations.

Date: Friday, 14th February

Location: Jodrell Bank

Find out more: https://www.jodrellbank.net/events/astro-night-valentines-special/

 

Galentine’s Moulin Rouge Spectacular

Grab your friends and celebrate Galentine’s Day with a Moulin Rouge-themed night of cabaret, music, and entertainment. Hosted by Burlesque Off The Wall, this dazzling celebration is the perfect way to mark Galentine’s in style. Expect glamorous burlesque performances, fabulous live music, and an atmosphere full of Parisian opulence, confidence, and a touch of rebellion. Whether you’re celebrating sisterhood, self-love, or just looking for an unforgettable night out, this event promises an evening of fierce femininity and fun. Dress to impress, embrace the extravagance, and prepare to be captivated by a night of dazzling beauty, high-energy entertainment, and fearless expression.

Date: Thursday, 13th February

Location: Band on the Wall

Find out more: https://bandonthewall.org/events/galentines-moulin-rouge-spectacular/

 

Hello Oriental: Chinese New Year Celebration

Celebrate the Year of the Snake in style with Chinese cuisine and cultural performances at Hello Oriental, Manchester’s vibrant East Asian food hall in Circle Square. On Sunday, 2nd February 2025, this much-loved venue is hosting a Chinese New Year celebration, packed with culture, family fun, and incredible food. Expect a spectacular traditional dragon dance to usher in luck and prosperity, balloon animals to keep the little ones entertained, and a specially curated celebration menu featuring authentic East Asian dishes—including the Prosperity Salad, where the higher you toss it, the more good fortune you'll attract for the year ahead! Whether you're here for the festivities, the flavours, or simply to soak up the lively atmosphere, Hello Oriental is a fantastic place to be this Lunar New Year.

Date: Sunday, 2nd February

Location: Hello Oriental, Circle Square

Find out more: https://hofoodhall.com/chinese-new-year-2025/

 

Brand New Production of Kinky Boots

Get ready for a fabulous, feel-good musical as Kinky Boots struts onto the stage in Manchester! Based on a true story and the hit film, this uplifting production is packed with show-stopping performances, heartwarming moments, and an unforgettable soundtrack featuring Tony® and Grammy®-winning music by pop legend Cyndi Lauper. Follow the journey of Charlie Price, who, after inheriting his family’s struggling shoe factory, finds an unlikely saviour in Lola, a fiercely confident drag queen with a dazzling vision. Together, they take on the challenge of reinventing the business—and themselves!Directed by Nikolai Foster (Grease, An Officer and a Gentleman), this hilarious, high-energy musical showcases joy, resilience, and a whole lot of sparkle.

Date: Tuesday 4th – Saturday 8th February

Location: Palace Theatre

Find out more: https://www.manchestertheatres.com/event/kinky-boots

 

 

Dark Skies Festival

Escape the city lights and discover the beauty of the night sky at this week-long star-gazing festival in The Forest of Bowland! Just over an hour from Manchester, this stunning rural landscape offers the perfect setting for stargazing events, guided walks, and expert-led talks on the wonders of the cosmos. you’ll have the chance to admire dazzling constellations, learn about nocturnal wildlife, and even hear stories from a renowned local astronomer. Whether this is something you’ve done before or are just looking for a something new, this festival is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Date: Monday 17th February - Saturday 22nd February

Location: Forest of Bowland National Landscape

Find out more: https://www.forestofbowland.com/festival-bowland

 

Super Duper Family Fun Festival

Treat the kids to a fun-filled weekend with activities, performances, and workshops happening at various locations throughout the city. Perfect for families looking for an adventure-packed half-term.

Looking for some fun activities for the kids this half term? The Super Duper Family Festival is bringing four days of FREE fun to Manchester! This city-wide festival will transform Manchester’s public spaces, squares, and venues into interactive Play Zones, each packed with exciting activities, games, performances, and creative workshops for all ages. With six immersive Play Zones around Manchester City Centre, there’s a range of activities from parties with dancing, music and entertainment to nature inspired activities and interactive challenges and sports.

Date: Saturday 15th February – Tuesday 18th February

Location: Across Manchester City Centre

Find out more: https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/