What's On in Manchester
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Tuesday in Manchester has absolutely no intention of being quiet. From underwater wonders to free day parties, bargain comedy to indie band face-offs, the city is serving up a full, glorious spread that refuses to let a weeknight go to waste.
Highlights

Sea Life Manchester - Standard Entry — Kick off the day with something genuinely magical — sharks gliding overhead, rays drifting through tunnels of light, and enough weird and wonderful sea creatures to leave you wide-eyed whatever your age. Sea Life Manchester is one of those places that reminds you wonder is not just for children, and it opens its doors from 10:00am. Check the website for ticket prices and to book your slot.

Anish Kumar - FREE Day Party — Before the evening properly gets going, The Abbey is throwing open its doors for a free afternoon party with Anish Kumar on the decks from 5:00pm. There is genuinely nothing better than stumbling into a buzzing room mid-week without spending a penny, and this one promises the kind of loose, sun-warmed energy that makes you forget it is a Tuesday entirely.

F*ck Marry Kill: Comedy Game Show || Creatures Comedy Club — For just £1 — yes, one single pound — Creatures Comedy Club is hosting this wonderfully chaotic comedy game show from 7:00pm, and it is arguably the best value laugh in the city tonight. Expect sharp wits, bold choices, and an audience that will not be able to keep a straight face; this is the kind of raucous, interactive fun that turns strangers into instant friends.

cold comforts VS talk like you know — The Castle Hotel has built a well-earned reputation for championing exciting new music in an intimate, no-nonsense setting, and tonight it hosts a proper head-to-head between cold comforts and talk like you know from 7:30pm. At £8 this is a brilliant opportunity to discover two acts before everyone else does, in a room where you can feel every note.

Open Mic Night every Tuesday — The Trading Route has made Tuesday nights a ritual for Manchester's emerging singer-songwriters, poets, and brave first-timers, and tonight is no different from 7:00pm. For £7 you get a whole evening of raw, unfiltered talent — the nerves, the breakthroughs, and the occasional moment of something genuinely special that makes you feel like you were there first.

Stand Up Comedy @ Joshua Brooks — Joshua Brooks Bar is one of Manchester's most beloved grassroots comedy spots, and its Tuesday night stand-up showcase from 8:00pm is a proper gem — tickets start at just £0 to £4, making it one of the most accessible laughs in town. Expect a rotating lineup of comics ranging from polished professionals to rising stars still finding their stride, all in a cosy bar setting that keeps the atmosphere delightfully intimate.
Full listings
| Event | Venue | Time | Price | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Music | |||||
| Open Mic Night every Tuesday | The Trading Route | 7:00pm | £7 | Tickets | |
| cold comforts VS talk like you know | Castle Hotel | 7:30pm | £8 | Tickets | |
| Nightlife | |||||
| Anish Kumar - FREE Day Party | The Abbey | 5:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Comedy | |||||
| F*ck Marry Kill: Comedy Game Show || Creatures Comedy Club | Creatures Comedy Club | 7:00pm | £1 | Tickets | |
| Stand Up Comedy @ Joshua Brooks | Joshua Brooks Bar | 8:00pm | £0–£4 | Tickets | |
| Easy Comedy || Creatures Comedy Club | Creatures Comedy Club | 8:30pm | £3 | Tickets | |
| General | |||||
| Sea Life Manchester - Standard Entry | SEA LIFE Manchester | 10:00am | Check website | Tickets | |