Manchester Concerts: Rock and Metal schedule 2025-2026

Want to know who’s playing in Manchester? We’ve put together a schedule of the city’s top rock concerts and music festivals so you can plan ahead.

Our Manchester concerts calendar is organized by month, making it easy for you to access both international and local shows happening in the city.

After choosing which concert to attend, take advantage of the opportunity to plan your musical journey or outing with the Travel 2 Concert Manchester Rock Guide. It includes record and instrument stores, comprehensive info on concert venues, significant places in the history of rock and heavy metal, and even rock bars.

UPCOMING ROCK CONCERTS IN MANCHESTER

Learn more about the venues

Curious about the concert venues, tips for picking the best seat, or nearby hotels to stay at on show day? Check out our special pages:

• AO Arena Manchester
• Apollo Manchester
• Ritz Manchester
• Albert Hall Manchester
• Victoria Warehouse Manchester
• Manchester Academy
• New Century Hall
• Band On The Wall
• Aviva Studios – Warehouse
• Co-Op Live

Rock Route in Manchester, England

Manchester, one of the places where Britpop thrives, is also an essential city for rock lovers. With a music scene dating back to the days of The Smiths, the city offers legendary venues like Manchester Academy and Albert Hall. Manchester’s rock influence, represented by bands like Oasis and The Stone Roses, makes it a city where tradition and innovation harmoniously meet.

In addition to the concert you’re planning to attend, if you have a few extra days in Manchester, consider taking a rock music tour through the city. Manchester is home to some great rock pubs where you can enjoy a good beer, such as The Salisbury, located near the Manchester Oxford Road station, as well as the historic venues Gullivers and Castle Hotel, both of which offer live music.

For Oasis fans, there are iconic spots to visit in the city. One such place is The Boardwalk, where Oasis performed their first-ever gig in August 1991. Although the venue is no longer in operation, a traditional Blue Plaque marks the historic brick facade.

Music collectors and enthusiasts can also check out historic record stores like Sifters Records and Piccadilly Records, both renowned for their wide selection of vinyl and CDs.

To plan your rock-inspired trip to Manchester (or other cities and countries worldwide), check out all the guides we’ve published on Travel 2 Concert!