Things to do around Oxford Road this November
The nights may be drawing in as autumn gives way to winter, but there’s plenty of things to do in and around Oxford Road. Here’s our guide to the top things to do this month.
October News Round-up
October 2026Catch up on October news from Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter, including major investment, research breakthroughs, cultural highlights and our new ten-year Strategy.
Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai, Hiroshige, and ukiyo-e print
The Whitworth Until 16 November 2026LAST CHANCE. Beneath the Great Wave is the Whitworth’s first exhibition dedicated to Japanese prints in over 100 years.
Manchester Animation Festival 2026
Multiple venues Until 12 November 2026Manchester Animation Festival returns to the Corridor from 8–12 November with premieres, screenings, talks, workshops and more.
See My World Film Festival
Contact 21 November 2026Discover diverse stories and perspectives at the See My World Film Festival, celebrating representation, identity and inclusion through film.
Carol Ann Duffy and Friends: Imtiaz Dharker and Guests
Manchester Poetry Library 26 November 2026Join Carol Ann Duffy, Imtiaz Dharker and special guests for an evening of poetry, music and conversation celebrating Manchester Writing School alumni.
Latest News
Nine New Innovation-Led Lettings At Manchester Science Park
November 2026Bruntwood SciTech secures nine deals at the Oxford Road Corridor campus, with new and expanding customers taking more than 23,500 sq ft.
October News Round-up
October 2026Catch up on October news from Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter, including major investment, research breakthroughs, cultural highlights and our new ten-year Strategy.
Our new ten-year Strategy for Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter
October 2026New Strategy sets out ambitions for the next decade, with potential for around 15,800 additional jobs and £1.9 billion in annual GVA by 2036.
Our Vision
Oxford Road Corridor is a world-class knowledge quarter, transforming lives through research, innovation, skills, and education—a place where knowledge, business, and culture thrive.
Health & Life Sciences
Oxford Road Corridor is home to one of the largest clinical academic campuses in Europe, attracting clinicians, students and researchers from around the world.
Advanced Materials
Manchester is leading the 2D revolution and home to the UK’s leading research and innovation association of advanced materials.
Digital & Tech
The availability of digital talent generated by the two universities on the Oxford Road Corridor is a major factor in the city region’s success in attracting inward investment and growing new digital firms.
Knowledge Events
Colours in the Field: Cotton, Empire and alternative futures in India
Samuel Alexander Building Until 30 November 2026Explore the colonial legacy of cotton between India and Manchester through archival research, natural pigments and women’s farming stories.
Osaka Calling: Manchester’s Gateway to Global Innovation
Renold Building 12 November 2026Watch UK and international start-ups pitch at the Tech Osaka Award regional competition, connecting Manchester with Japan’s innovators.
Robotics Innovation Showcase 2026 – From potential to progress
Renold Building 17 November 2026Discover robotics and AI research, emerging technologies, funding opportunities and industry collaborations at this innovation showcase in Manchester.
The Whitworth After Hours: Autumn Preview
The Whitworth 19 November 2026Explore the Whitworth’s latest exhibitions after hours, including a felt installation by Gulnur Mukazhanova and an artist conversation.
Armed with Hope
Citylabs 1.0 19 November 2026Manchester Lit & Phil presents a talk exploring the Royal Armouries’ history and its role in a world of modern weapons, conflict and political uncertainty.
See My World Film Festival
Contact 21 November 2026Discover diverse stories and perspectives at the See My World Film Festival, celebrating representation, identity and inclusion through film.
Communities, Collections and CARE: UK Collections Management Symposium
Manchester Museum 24 November 2026Explore how museums can centre Indigenous rights, community care and data sovereignty in collections management at this sector symposium.
Festival of Business
Alliance Manchester Business School 25 – 26 November 2026Explore the future of the North at Alliance Manchester Business School’s Festival of Business, with talks, debate and networking.
Celebrating older people’s lives and communities in North Manchester
Manchester Museum 25 November 2026Discover photographs, textiles and stories celebrating older residents, community life and belonging in North Manchester at this exhibition.
FinTech North: Manchester 2026
Whitworth Hall 26 November 2026Dive into fintech innovation, AI, payments, banking and financial resilience at FinTech North’s Manchester conference and networking event.
Carol Ann Duffy and Friends: Imtiaz Dharker and Guests
Manchester Poetry Library 26 November 2026Join Carol Ann Duffy, Imtiaz Dharker and special guests for an evening of poetry, music and conversation celebrating Manchester Writing School alumni.
Bunker Talk #170 Nicola Dale
Grosvenor East Theatre 1 December 2026Visual artist Nicola Dale explores sculpture, performance and the power of objects, touch and interaction in contemporary art practice.
Knowledge
The Oxford Road Corridor is at the heart of Manchester’s knowledge economy. With specialisms in life sciences and advanced materials, it is a recognised centre for science, R&D, and the commercialisation of ideas and innovation.
Business
Oxford Road Corridor boasts a high value business base with a concentration of life sciences, professional services and digital businesses. With access to a skilled workforce, a modern science park and incentives for new businesses wishing to grow, the city’s innovation district continues to attract investment and compete on a global scale.
Culture
Oxford Road Corridor is home to many of Manchester’s high-end cultural offerings such as the Whitworth, HOME and RNCM, and some of the city’s most iconic music venues creating a vibrant nightlife.
Circle Square
Circle Square is an exciting multi-million pound, mixed-use neighbourhood, created on the site of the former BBC building on Oxford Road.
First Street
First Street is a vibrant neighbourhood between Oxford Road and Deansgate, it is home to a number of businesses and is a popular spot for food, drink and culture.
Green Spaces
Oxford Road Corridor has a number of historic parks and contemporary green spaces to enjoy.
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Galleries & Museums
Some of the best Galleries & Museums in Manchester are here on Oxford Road Corridor. Explore a diverse programme for all cultural enthusiasts.
Live Music
Manchester is undeniably one of the UK hotspots for live music. With many of its most iconic venues based on the Oxford Road Corridor.
Tours
Explore the history of Manchester’s knowledge quarter through some of the area’s most significant landmarks and iconic buildings.
Cocktails on Oxford Road
Oxford Road is packed with a great range of bars where you can get your fill of cocktails, spirits and fizz.
Breakfast and Brunch on Oxford Road
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast around Oxford Road, you’re in luck! Manchester’s vibrant knowledge quarter is home to a wide variety of eateries serving up tasty morning meals to kickstart your day.
Cafés and Coffee Shops on Oxford Road
As much as anywhere else in Manchester, the Oxford Road Corridor is packed with great examples of modern cafe culture.
Latest News
Nine New Innovation-Led Lettings At Manchester Science Park
November 2026Bruntwood SciTech secures nine deals at the Oxford Road Corridor campus, with new and expanding customers taking more than 23,500 sq ft.
October News Round-up
October 2026Catch up on October news from Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter, including major investment, research breakthroughs, cultural highlights and our new ten-year Strategy.
Our new ten-year Strategy for Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter
October 2026New Strategy sets out ambitions for the next decade, with potential for around 15,800 additional jobs and £1.9 billion in annual GVA by 2036.