WHAT'S ON AT Z-ARTS, MANCHESTER
What's On at Z-arts, Manchester
Z-Arts in Hulme, Manchester is the only arts centre in the UK dedicated to offering best-practice in creative provision for children and families, with a leadership role in networks including Big Imaginations, MADE, and Family Arts Campaign. Opening their doors in 2000 in the former Zion building, their 230 seat theatre hosts shows, productions, events and premiers for different ages each season, including international touring theatre shows.
Z-Arts also homes a studio theatre, a recording studio, music space, dance studio, and offers numerous dance, drama, and arts & crafts classes, workshops, and activities. They offer numerous outreach programmes with local communities and educational establishments.
Be entertained and inspired at Z-Arts with plays, comedy, dance, and musicals to look forward to such as Robin Hood The Merriest Panto Adventure, Christmas Lights, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and immersive experiences such as The Family Escape room, and The 100 Story Hotel. See what’s on at The Edge Theatre below and book tickets online.
Z-Arts in Hulme, Manchester is the only arts centre in the UK dedicated to offering best-practice in creative provision for children and families, with a leadership role in networks including Big Imaginations, MADE, and Family Arts Campaign. Opening their doors in 2000 in the former Zion building, their 230 seat theatre hosts shows, productions, events and premiers for different ages each season, including international touring theatre shows.
Z-Arts also homes a studio theatre, a recording studio, music space, dance studio, and offers numerous dance, drama, and arts & crafts classes, workshops, and activities. They offer numerous outreach programmes with local communities and educational establishments.
Be entertained and inspired at Z-Arts with plays, comedy, dance, and musicals to look forward to such as Robin Hood The Merriest Panto Adventure, Christmas Lights, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and immersive experiences such as The Family Escape room, and The 100 Story Hotel. See what’s on at The Edge Theatre below and book tickets online.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Z-arts, Manchester
Z-arts Immersive Experience 2025 - Schools Visits
Z-arts
Tue 22 Apr - Thu 17 Jul 2025
Adventures in Wonderland - Schools Visits
Z-arts
Tue 22 Apr - Thu 17 Jul 2025
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What's On at Z-arts, Manchester
The 100 Story Hotel
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 27 - Tuesday 31 December 2024
Created with bestselling, multi-award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph and Discover Children's Story Centre. This interactive world of play and storytelling has something for everyone aged 1-8 and their families. Hello and welc...Christmas Lights
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 27 - Monday 30 December 2024
With beautiful lights, original music, playful performance and integrated BSL, Christmas Lights will be sure to dazzle children aged 1-4 and their families. On a tiny house, covered in snow, colourful lights that twinkle and glow. Snow is f...The Library of Enchantment
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 27 December 2024 - Saturday 29 March 2025
Ever wanted to step inside a story? The Library of Enchantment is a fun-filled thrilling family-friendly escape room, full of seafaring adventures, time travelling tricks and a pesky old bookworm who's always up to meddlesome mischief! Can ...Wriggle & Rhyme (age 2+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 14 January - Tuesday 8 July 2025
Wriggle & RhymeEvery 2nd Tuesday of the month10.30am ? 11.00amWriggle and Rhyme are fun interactive sessions for preschool children and their grown-ups. Play with lots of noisy fun and instruments to shake and rattle and everyone gets to wr...Rhyme Time (babies & toddlers)
Z-arts, Manchester
Thursday 16 January - Thursday 17 July 2025
Rhyme TimeThursdays10.30 ? 11.00amIn Rhyme Time we sing, read stories and do LOTS of playing with puppets. We promise bubbles and lots of silliness. Rhyme time is for babies, toddlers and their adults. This session is lead by Tabitha:Find o...LibraryLab
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 18 January 2025
LibraryLabOur Z-arts special guest programme in our Children?s Library. Each LibraryLab will welcome a local author or illustrator to the library to share their work. There?ll be arts and crafts activities each time inspired by our special ...LibraryLab: Belly Bugs
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 18 January 2025
LibraryLab: Belly BugsOur Z-arts special guest programme in our Children?s Library. Each LibraryLab will welcome a local author or illustrator to the library to share their work. There?ll be arts and crafts activities each time inspired by ...Mini Move & Groove (age 2+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Wednesday 22 January - Wednesday 16 July 2025
Mini Move & GrooveEvery 3rd Wednesday of the month10.30-11.00amGet active, be happy and have fun whilst learning some new moves in our groovy dance session. Mini Move and Groove is a fun way for children and their grown-ups to join in with ...Tales From The Lighthouse (ages 5+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 25 January 2025
Little Seeds Music presentsTales From The LighthouseWritten by Oliver BishopPrepare yourself for a musical voyage full of stories, songs and the sea?Upon a distant shore, a lonely lighthouse keeper has grown fearful of the sea and its wild ...Baby Book Club (ages 0+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Wednesday 29 January - Wednesday 25 June 2025
Baby Book ClubEvery 4th Wednesday of the month10.30am ? 11.00amBaby Book Club is a wonderful way to spend time together with your baby and develop your baby?s love of books, stories and reading. Baby Book Club is here to help parents develo...Peter Pan-To
Z-arts, Manchester
Thursday 30 January - Saturday 1 February 2025
All children grow up. Except one?BEE Academy invites you to join us on a Magical Adventure! Come with us as we fly to Neverland this Pan- tomime Season!Get ready for a swashbuckling, laughter-packed adventure as Peter Pan soars onto the sta...Little Reads
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 4 February - Tuesday 1 July 2025
Little Reads with Manchester Literature Festival. Join Ged for an interactive Storytelling session in our new Children's Library. 10am session - Pre-school/Family session 11am- Inclusive session (If you require a BSL interpreter please do l...The Velveteen Rabbit (ages 3+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 8 February 2025
The Velveteen Rabbit?Inspired by Margery Williams? tale. Retold by Ben Crompton.?Toys come to life through the magic of storytelling, music, and dance, creating a captivating show for the whole family.?In this entertaining dance theatre per...Sandscape (ages 2 - 7)
Z-arts, Manchester
Sunday 16 February 2025
SandscapeSand the favourite plaything of many children! But how exactly does the sand feel when it runs through your hands, over umbrellas, and into buckets? Sand constantly creates new landscapes that want to be discovered. The result is a...Z-access Day
Z-arts, Manchester
Sunday 16 February - Saturday 7 June 2025
Z-access DayEnjoy an afternoon of inclusive workshops in drama, music, circus, and art, designed to showcase the diverse talents of our community. In partnership with local organizations supporting children and families with additional need...
LibraryLab: Mother Language Day
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 21 February 2025
LibraryLab: Mother Language Day3:00pm ? 5:00pm | free, for all the family!Featuring Godfrey Pambalipe, a storyteller and musician with extensive experience in African storytelling through dance, drumming, and songs. He has worked in the UK ...Soft or Spiky (6-18 months)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 February 2025
Half Moon and Polka Theatre presentsSoft or Spiky?A new show for babies aged 6-18 monthsA playful discovery of shapes, sounds and texturesDiscover a wonderful world of soft or spiky with your baby. What question would you want your baby to ...The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 March 2025
Dive into Eric Carle's bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. Featuring your favourite titles: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubb...The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (ages 1+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 March 2025
Coming to Z-arts March 2025!The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show?has been dazzling audiences around the globe for over seven years, faithfully bringing to the stage Eric Carle?s timeless classics.?Dive into Eric Carle?s bright and colourful wor...Kevin The Musical
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 7 - Saturday 8 March 2025
Kevin! [The Musical]Kevin! [The Musical] is an up-and-coming dark comedy show written by Will Sharland. It follows an exchange student from England, named Kevin, who comes to America intending to find out what the modern day USA is really l...Punk Alley (ages 5+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 15 March 2025
Punk AlleyPunk Alley is a loud, wild, and unapologetic joyride of live original punk music and high energy dance. But don?t leave your adults at home ? this is a punk show for everyone. Enter the world of the Lazurr Tuts, a world-famous, gu...World Poetry Day 2025
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 21 March 2025
Join us for World Poetry Day!ages 4+ | freeJoin us Friday night to celebrate World Poetry Day! Enjoy listening to favourite poems, meet a special guest poet, and create your own poetry-inspired art. Don?t miss this evening of creativity and...So Unfair (ages 7 - 10)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 29 March 2025
One Tenth Human in association with The Dukes Lancaster presentSo Unfair!Can you help us make the world a better place? Performers Daniel Bye and Toni-Dee Paul are hosting an interactive science demo with a twist ? and they need you to take...Easter Storytelling
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 15 - Friday 18 April 2025
Easter StorytellingFree family friendly story-time that celebrates Easter and our brand new immersive experience Adventures in Wonderland! So get your rabbit ears ready to listen!Book tickets now - choose a time belowShow accessible perform...Adventures in Wonderland - Schools Visits
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 22 April - Thursday 17 July 2025
Adventures in Wonderland: an immersive experience for Nursery to Year 3 classes!Want to be the first to know about our new experience and what it?s all about? Get in touch with tabitha@z-arts. org or call 0161 226 1912.?Join us on a magical...Z-arts Immersive Experience 2025 - Schools Visits
Z-arts, Manchester
Tuesday 22 April - Thursday 17 July 2025
Introducing Z-arts? immersive experience for Nursery to Year 3 classes!Full details will launch soon! ? `Curiouser and curiouser!? cried Alice. Want to be the first to know about our new experience and what it?s all about? Get in touch with...The Giant Balloon Show (ages 5+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 3 May 2025
The Giant Balloon ShowDizzy O?Dare?s The Giant Balloon Show will have the audience in stitches and in awe. Expect feverous balloon sculptures, high energy comic performance and of course the all important giant balloon!Take everything you k...Dance Day
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 10 May 2025
Dance DayEnjoy a fantastic day of dance, exploring styles from around the world and catching a brand-new show by Knotted Hawk Dance!More details coming in 2025?Book tickets now - choose a time belowShow accessible performances onlySat 10 Ma...The Ultimate Bubble Show (ages 1+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 17 May 2025
The Ultimate Bubble ShowRay Bubbles, an International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble!This show promises a whirlwind of excitement and ...The Ultimate Bubble Show (ages 4+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 17 May 2025
The Ultimate Bubble ShowRay Bubbles, an International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble!This show promises a whirlwind of excitement and ...
Shlomo's Beatbox Adventure For Kids (ages 0+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 31 May 2025
Shlomo?s Beatbox Adventure For KidsJoin world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo (they/them) who makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic, and has performed around the world with legends like Bjork, Ed Sheeran and Rudimental. Their ...Shlomo's Beatbox Adventure For Kids (ages 3+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 31 May 2025
Shlomo?s Beatbox Adventure For KidsJoin world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo (they/them) who makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic, and has performed around the world with legends like Bjork, Ed Sheeran and Rudimental. Their ...Shlomo's Beatbox Adventure For Kids (for all the family)
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 31 May 2025
Shlomo?s Beatbox Adventure For KidsJoin world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo (they/them) who makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic, and has performed around the world with legends like Bjork, Ed Sheeran and Rudimental. Their ...Festival of Libraries - Fun Day
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 7 June 2025
Festival of LibrariesJoin us for a delightful afternoon with special guests who love libraries as much as we do. Meet local authors and illustrators, listen to captivating stories, and create your own book-inspired art!More details coming s...Hulme Is Where The Art Is
Z-arts, Manchester
Saturday 14 June 2025
Hulme Is Where the Art Is ? back for another year!?Hulme?s vibrant community festival!For 2025 we?ll be celebrating The Great Big Green Week, the UK?s largest event for community action on climate change and nature protection. Come on Hulme...The Smeds and The Smoos (ages 3+)
Z-arts, Manchester
Friday 20 - Sunday 22 June 2025
Tall Stories presentsThe Smeds and The SmoosA stellar show based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel SchefflerA JOYFUL TALE OF STAR-CROSSED ALIENSSoar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by sup...National Play Day
Z-arts, Manchester
Wednesday 6 August 2025
National Play DayJoin us at Hulme Park for a fun-filled day with the Z-arts team. Enjoy obstacle courses, a treasure hunt, hula hoops, and plenty of games for everyone!More details coming soon?Book tickets now - choose a time belowShow acce...How to get to Z-arts, Manchester
Z-arts Frequently Asked Questions
Zion Arts Centre, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
There is some on-street parking available near Z-Arts (Dearden Street opposite, Ancroft Street round the corner).
There are on street restrictions in place from Mon-Fri 8am-6pm. After 6pm and at the weekend these restrictions are lifted.
Some streets offer 3 hours free parking. Always check the parking signs as they are individual to each street.
Disabled parking bays are available at the front of the venue.
Watch this video for further information.
Oxford Road Station is a 15 minute walk away from Z-arts.
Piccadilly Station is a five minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens bus rank where you can catch one of the regular bus services that will take you to Z-arts.
The nearest tram stations are Deansgate (23 mins walk) or Trafford Bar (22 mins walk).
The capicity of the main theatre in Z-Arts is 230.
Please contact Z-Arts directly and their team will be able to help you.
If you would like to buy a ticket in person from Z-Arts Box Office, they open:
Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 6pm
Fridays 9am - 9pm
Saturdays 9am - 6pm
Closed Sun & Mon (unless there is a show on).
Alternatively, you can see what's on and book online here.
When we know of a duration of a show, we add it to the description of the show on our event pages. For example, on our Wicked event page, after the description of the show we have added the duration of the show in large capital letters. If the time isn't listed, we do not have the information yet. We update our pages daily so it maybe a case of knowing closer to the performance itself, so keep checking.
You can also contact Z-Arts and they will be able to advise you.
Please click here for accessibility information at Z-Arts.
Whether you have positive or negative feedback you would like to feedback to Z-Arts, please click here for more contact information.
Z-Arts lost property will be held at Z-arts for one month. After this it is donated to charity or disposed of. Refillable water bottles are disposed of at the end of every day for hygiene reasons.
Click here to contact Z-Arts.
Z-Arts have their own Z-Cafe for you to grab a sandwich, coffee and cake.
Alternatively, with loads of great places to eat in Manchester and decent pre-theatre menus, you should check out our Manchester Restaurant site here!
Z-Cafe turns into a licensed bar for grown up events.
Alternatively, Manchester is full of great bars and pubs and some decent ones close to the venue. check out our Manchester Bar site here!
Absolutely! If you are attending a theatre show, you can leave it in the buggy park area if there is limited space in the theatre.
For The 100 Story Hotel there is space within the exhibition to park your buggy, but due to space you cannot take them around the full experience.
If you need further information about your visit Z-Arts, click here to visit their website or contact their team directly.
Please note that ManchesterTheatres.com isn't the venue itself. We promote what's on at the Z-arts and all other venues in Manchester and the local region. Feel free to contact us if you need more help though and we'll do our best to support you.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Z-arts, Manchester
Z-arts Immersive Experience 2025 - Schools Visits
Z-arts
Tue 22 Apr - Thu 17 Jul 2025
Adventures in Wonderland - Schools Visits
Z-arts
Tue 22 Apr - Thu 17 Jul 2025
