Last Updated on 28 August 2026 by Colette
After a busy summer, I tend to like to keep September pretty quiet while we all settle back into our routines and get into the swing of early mornings and long school days, however if you’re looking for something to do in September to blow away those back to school blues, here’s what on in Manchester this September.
You’ll find a handful of events left over from the summer holidays just sneaking into the first week of September – making it the perfect time to just finish off anything you’d missed and enjoy it being a bit quieter too!
[I am steadily updating this post with information about things to do in Manchester in September 2026 as it becomes available – if you know something I don’t, please let me know and I’ll add it in!]
Special Events in Manchester this month
André Rieu at Co-op Live – Friday 11th September 2026
The ‘King of Waltz’ André Rieu returns to Manchester this September, bringing his brand-new show to Co-op Live as part of his 2026 UK and Ireland tour. Joined by his 70-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, along with soloists and special guests, expect an evening of famous waltzes, romantic ballads and plenty of the theatrical touches Rieu is known for. The concert starts at 7.30pm, with general admission doors opening at 6.30pm. Under 15s need to be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Book tickets for André Rieu at Co-op Live
Bolton International Film Festival at The Light Cinema – from 30 September 2026
Sneaking in right at the end of September and into the start of October, Bolton International Film Festival is a five days celebration of short films from emerging and established filmmakers from the UK and around the world. The BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying festival covers everything from comedy, animation and documentaries to horror, sci-fi, music and experimental films, alongside filmmaker Q&As, industry talks, masterclasses and networking events.
Family Days Out in Manchester this month
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail at Quarry Bank – ends Sunday 6th September 2026
Calling Pokémon fans new and old! This September, get active outdoors on a Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail at Quarry Bank. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges.
Are you ready for a mega adventure? Trail sheets will be available to collect on the day.
This trail is free to take part however normal admission applies (free for National Trust members).
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail at Dunham Massey – ends Sunday 6th September 2026
This September, get active outdoors on a Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail at Dunham Massey. Flex your skills, discover Pokemon zones and collect Mega Evolution stickers!
Are you ready for a mega adventure? Trail sheets will be available to collect on the day.
This trail is free to take part however normal admission applies (free for National Trust members).
Three Cheers for Pooh! Garden Story Trail at Tatton Park – from Saturday 18th July to Sunday 6th September 2026
Finishing on the first weekend in September, Tatton Park’s Three Cheers for Pooh! Garden Story Trail in celebration of 100 years of Pooh!
Standard parkland, farm and garden entry fees apply. Garden entry is free for National Trust and RHS members.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos at the Science and Industry Museum – throughout September 2026
Blast off into the Solar System at Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, a hands-on family exhibition at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum. Based on the Horrible Science books and BBC TV series, the exhibition mixes silly science with interactive experiments and challenges as you discover what astronauts eat, how they go to the loo in space and what different planets are really like. You can touch a real piece of the Moon, see a space toilet used on the Soyuz-Mir spacecraft, programme an interplanetary rover, experience a moonquake and even find out whether you could survive a black hole.
Tickets are £10 per person, with family discounts available and under-threes going free. The exhibition runs until 3rd January 2027
Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals at the National Football Museum – throughout September 2026
Football meets science at Head, Shoulders, Knees & Goals, a family-friendly exhibition at Manchester’s National Football Museum. Through hands-on activities, sensory experiences and objects from the museum’s collection, you can discover how the human body helps us play and experience the beautiful game. Find out how sports science, exercise, nutrition and even what players wear can affect performance, before exploring the sights, sounds and smells that make up the matchday experience for fans. The exhibition is in the museum’s Score Gallery and runs until 1st November 2026.
Free things to do in Manchester this September
Wild Things exhibition at Lowry Arts Centre – throughout September 2026
This free exhibition celebrating animals in children’s books continues at The Lowry Arts Centre right through September 2026. The exhibition features beloved classics including Elmer, Dear Zoo, Owl Babies, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, to new favourites, including Time for Bed, Fred!, The Steves; and The Great Unicorn Rescue
The exhibition also includes lots of fun interactives and games designed especially for under‑7s including the Bee Calm Spa, Vera’s Veggie Delights Stall, and The Furry Wardrobe.
Although this exhibition is free, you are required to book timed entry slots and of course donations are welcome.
Manchester Igbo Iriji Festival – Saturday 5th September 2026
Manchester Igbo Iriki Festival is a free family-friendly festival at Platt Fields Park, with music, dance, masquerades, food, arts and cultural displays, running 11am–10pm.
Chorlton Community Bike Ride – Sunday 6th September 2026
Get on your bike this September for a friendly community cycle ride from Chorlton to Wythenshawe Park. Organised by Stockport Community Cycling Club, the Chorlton Community Bike Ride takes place from 11am to 2pm and is designed as a relaxed opportunity to enjoy cycling, get outdoors and meet other local cyclists.
The exact meeting point, route and booking details haven’t yet been published, so check for further information before setting off.
Manchester Open 2026 at HOME – runs until Sunday 6th September 2026
If you’re looking for something free to do on the first weekend of the month, The Manchester Open – Manchester’s biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent – fills HOME’s Main Gallery with hundreds of works.
What’s on at the theatre in Manchester this month?
High School Musical at Lowry – until 19th September 2026
Celebrating 20 years since the original Disney movie was released, this brand new production stars Jason Donovan as Coach Bolton, alongside original High School Musical cast member KayCee Stroh as Ms Darbus.
Expect all the familiar characters, songs and East High drama as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan take to the stage.
High School Musical opened at Lowry on 22nd August and runs until 19th September 2026.
Book tickets for High School Musical.
Jersey Boys at the Palace Theatre – Monday 7th to Saturday 19th September 2026
One for the grown-ups and older teens, the smash-hit musical Jersey Boys returns to Manchester’s Palace Theatre as part of its 20th Anniversary Tour. Telling the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, the show follows four young men from New Jersey as they go from singing on street corners to becoming one of the biggest groups in pop history. Expect plenty of familiar hits along the way, including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and December, 1963 (Oh What a Night). With strong language and more mature themes, this isn’t one for younger children, but could be a great theatre trip with older teens.
Book tickets for Jersey Boys at the Palace Theatre
Hopefully this has helped you to find some things to do in Greater Manchester this September – I will of course continue to update this article through the month as I spot more things!
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