What's On in Manchester
Wednesday 12 August 2026 · This weekend · City guide
Wednesday in Manchester is proof that midweek was always underrated. From a lunchtime of sublime piano to a night packed with comics who will make your ribs ache, the city is in full swing — and whether you fancy something cultured, something silly, or something thrillingly hard to categorise, there is a door open for you tonight.
Highlights

Chetham's International Piano Summer School 2026 — Kick off your Wednesday afternoon at the gorgeous Stoller Hall, where some of the most talented young pianists from around the world take to the keys as part of Chetham's prestigious summer school. There is something quietly electric about watching the next generation of concert artists in full flight, and for just £8 at 1:45pm, this is one of the finest-value live music experiences the city has to offer. Bring a friend who claims they are not into classical music — they will leave converted.

Stand Up Bingo || Creatures Comedy Club — For the price of a single pound coin, Creatures Comedy Club is offering you stand-up comedy and bingo rolled into one glorious, chaotic evening starting at 7:00pm. It is the kind of concept that makes you wonder why no one thought of it sooner, and the intimate atmosphere at Creatures means the laughs hit harder and the bingo calls get weirder. Bring a fiver, keep the change, and prepare to have a surprisingly brilliant time.

Trapdoor Comedy at The Old Monkey — The Old Monkey is one of those Manchester pubs with real character, and Trapdoor Comedy knows exactly how to make the most of it — filling the room with sharp, unpredictable stand-up from a rotating cast of brilliant acts at 7:30pm. At £8, it is the kind of night where you wander in not knowing quite what to expect and leave with sore cheeks from laughing. A proper local comedy night done right.

Murder Inc presents: DEAD VALUABLE — Head over to Thread Stockport at 7:45pm for what promises to be a darkly funny, theatrically charged evening from the Murder Inc crew, whose knack for blending comedy with something a little more sinister has earned them a loyal following. DEAD VALUABLE sounds like exactly the kind of show that surprises you — equal parts gag and gasp — and at £12 it is an affordable night out with genuine edge. Do not sleep on Stockport's arts scene; nights like this are exactly why it deserves your attention.

LAUGH THERAPY || Creatures Comedy Club — If you have had a week already and it is only Wednesday, Creatures Comedy Club has you covered with Laugh Therapy at 8:30pm — a bargain £4 dose of stand-up that does exactly what it says on the tin. This is the kind of late-night room where the comics are hungry, the audience is loose, and the laughs come thick and fast. Think of it as medicine, only louder and considerably more fun.
Full listings
| Event | Venue | Time | Price | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Music | |||||
| Chetham's International Piano Summer School 2026 | Stoller Hall | 1:45pm | £8 | Tickets | |
| Comedy | |||||
| Stand Up Bingo || Creatures Comedy Club | Creatures Comedy Club | 7:00pm | £1 | Tickets | |
| Trapdoor Comedy at The Old Monkey | The Old Monkey | 7:30pm | £8 | Tickets | |
| Murder Inc presents: DEAD VALUABLE | Thread Stockport | 7:45pm | £12 | Tickets | |
| LAUGH THERAPY || Creatures Comedy Club | Creatures Comedy Club | 8:30pm | £4 | Tickets | |