Night & Day Cafe

What it’s like

A gig venue and gallery on Oldham Street with live bands, DJ sets and art on the walls, and a fair few free-entry nights.

This one's about the music more than anything you'd plan around a kid's day out. Live bands, DJ sets, and there's a gallery bit too, so if you've got a teenager who's into their gigs rather than soft play, this is more their scene than yours. The site lists gallery exhibitions alongside the music, so it's not just a room with a stage, there's stuff on the walls worth a look before the band comes on.

The perk worth knowing is that many events are free entry. That doesn't mean all of them, but it's the kind of detail that makes it worth glancing at what's on before you assume you need tickets. There's food on site too, though what exactly is on the menu isn't something they spell out.

It's easy to get to without driving into town for it. Market Street Metrolink is two minutes away, and if you're coming by train, Piccadilly or Victoria are both about ten minutes on foot. That makes it a decent option if you're already in the city centre for the day and fancy folding a gig in at the end of it.

This isn't a venue with a toddler soft play area or a fenced-off kids' corner, it's a proper live music spot with a gallery attached.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

Better suited to older kids and teenagers into gigs and art

Getting there by bus or train

Market Street Metrolink 2 min, Manchester Piccadilly or Victoria train 10 min

Worth knowing

Many events have free entry

• Check what's actually on before you go, since not every night is free entry.
• There's a gallery alongside the music, worth a wander round before the main act.
• Central location means you can walk in from Piccadilly or Victoria stations.

Plan your visit

See all Live Music & Gigs in Manchester · Things to do in Manchester