Beyond the 9-5: The Best Things to Do in Manchester this May

Bruce Springsteen in concert, Manchester Jazz Festival and art exhibitions galore, it’s set to be a busy month in Manchester this May.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

Introducing Beyond the 9-5, our round-up of all the best things to do in Manchester each month. In May we’ve got plenty of cultural events, a Mexican feast and the chance to relive your rave days with a celebration of the city’s finest music.

1Head to the Manchester Jazz Festival

Whether you’re into smooth grooves or experimental sounds, May in Manchester is set to hit all the right notes. The Manchester Jazz Festival is marking its 30th anniversary with a citywide celebration of all things jazz, kicking off with a lively, free weekend of music and food at First Street before spilling out into venues like Band on the Wall, St Ann’s Church and Aviva Studios. Expect everything from big brass and bold improvisation to genre-blending newcomers, with artists like Steam Down and Camilla George already on the bill.

May 16th-25th

2Check Out the New Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery

Forget everything you think you know about traditional galleries - Stories – Brought to Life is a new immersive art experience from the National Portrait Gallery and Frameless Creative, taking over MediaCity in Salford this spring. Using floor-to-ceiling visuals, surround sound and cutting-edge storytelling, the show brings iconic figures from the Gallery’s collection to life, from Shakespeare and Churchill to Malala Yousafzai and Amy Winehouse. It’s moving, cinematic and totally different from your usual gallery visit.

From May 2nd. MediaCity in Salford.

3Celebrate the 125th Anniversary of John Rylands Library

You’re probably already aware, but the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, commissioned by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband, is a stunning example of late Victorian neo-Gothic architecture. Home to around 200,000 books, it offers a tranquil space for research, reading and exploration. This May, as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, the library unveils The Secret Public, a new exhibition from Jon Savage’s LGBTQ+ archive, featuring over 100 items including posters, books and photographs. Additionally, the newly opened Collections Gallery showcases a rich array of historical treasures, including an early fragment of the New Testament and Joy Division memorabilia.

4Walk through L.S. Lowry’s Iconic 'Going to the Match' at an Immersive Exhibition

To mark its 25th birthday, The Lowry is going big – and immersive. From May 3rd, the Salford gallery unveils LOWRY 360, a brand-new (and totally free) experience that brings L.S. Lowry’s iconic Going to the Match to life thanks to cutting-edge tech wizards Layers of Reality. A surround-sound, full-sensory journey that places you right in the heart of the painting, it captures all the atmosphere of match day before you view the real thing up close.

From May 3rd. The Lowry, Salford.

5Re-Live your Manchester Rave Days

If you danced your way through your twenties to the sounds of acid house and jungle, this one’s for you. Manchester Forever is bringing the spirit of the city’s golden rave era back to life – and where better than Bowlers Exhibition Centre, a legendary venue from those hedonistic days? More than 60 artists will take over four arenas, spinning everything from old skool to house, gabber and classic DnB alongside a retro fairground. Just don’t forget your dancing shoes.
May 3rd. Bowlers Exhibition Centre.

6Join a Craft Beer Tour

Love a good pint? There’s a relaxed, expertly guided craft beer walking tour that is the perfect way to explore Manchester’s booming beer scene without feeling like you’ve stumbled into a student pub crawl. Over the course of a few hours you’ll visit some of the city’s top independent breweries and taprooms, sampling 10–12 unique beers (served in third-pint measures) along the way. Brewers and tasting hosts are on hand to share the stories behind each pour, and there’s plenty of time to savour the flavours, chat and soak up the atmosphere.
Available on select dates throughout May.

7Watch Bruce Springsteen Perform Live

Perhaps the most exciting live music news of the spring, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are heading to Manchester for their only European arena appearance in 2025. Known for his high-energy shows and iconic anthems, The Boss is sure to bring the house down with hits spanning his incredible career, and we can’t wait to see it.

May 14th, 17th and 20th.

8Pay Tribute to Cinco de Mayo with a Mexican feast

May marks Cinco de Mayo and, to celebrate, Manchester street food hub GRUB will be bringing big Mexicana vibes to the city with Taco Fest. Think cocktails, craft beer, sodas, music and, of course, a whole lot of tacos, five top local traders will be dishing up their own signature spins on the classic tortilla, alongside sides, desserts and spicy specials. It’s the next best thing to being in Mexico.

May 4th – 5th. GRUB, Manchester.

9Step Into the Role of a Juror at a Live Theatre Courtroom

If you fancy a bit of courtroom drama without the legal consequences, The Jury Experience at Stoller Hall gives you the chance to step into the shoes of a juror for a night. A fun immersive event, professional actors perform a simulated trial, complete with compelling testimonies, cross-examinations and plenty of twists to keep you on your toes, and you’ll hear both sides, weigh the evidence and cast your vote on the final verdict.

May 18th. Stoller Hall.