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Top Small Gig Venues in Manchester
Manchester's music scene is legendary, and finding the ideal small gig venues to show off your talent is easier than ever! With Tagvenue, you can effortlessly find outstanding venues for small gigs by using our search filters to narrow down options based on capacity, location, and amenities. We list top-rated small music venues throughout the city's coolest neighbourhoods, from an alternative pub in Ancoats to the energetic music club on Oxford Road. Make your booking on our platform and get ready to rock your audience!
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![Compass at The Lowry Salford Quays Venue in Near Manchester]()
from £2400
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityCompass
300 guestsThe Lowry Salford Quays VenueNear ManchesterA beautiful self-contained space which really does have the wow factor, with an impressive circular shape it is perfect for larger events. Floor-to-ceiling windows give panoramic waterside views. -
![Entire Venue at The Empty Space in Near Manchester]()
from £160
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEntire Venue
150 guestsThe Empty SpaceNear ManchesterThe Empty Space is a hidden gem, a black box theatre, offering substantial space for performers and audiences but retaining an intimate feel. Situated close to the MediaCityUK studios, with free parking and good transport -
![Theatre, event space at The Empty Space in Near Manchester]()
from £100
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityTheatre, event space
180 guestsThe Empty SpaceNear ManchesterThe Theatre space at the Empty Space offers a spacious performance area for various kinds of events, shows, and productions. The space has been successful in hosting both professional and amateur performers, as well as in -
![Pier Eight at The Lowry Salford Quays Venue in Near Manchester]()
from £990
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityPier Eight
120 guestsThe Lowry Salford Quays VenueNear ManchesterImpress your guests with sleek, modern decor and gorgeous waterside views. Use as one large space or easily divide into two. Popular for private dining and perfect for meetings or breakout spaces for conferences and seminars. -
![Green Room at The Empty Space in Near Manchester]()
from £100
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityGreen Room
20 guestsThe Empty SpaceNear ManchesterThe Green Room is a medium sized rehearsal space upstairs which can also be used as a dressing room or rehearsal or up to 10 adults. “We wanted to build a place that everyone could use, to attend and perform in without feeling -
![Theatre at North West Theatre Arts Company in Manchester]()
from £30
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityTheatre
84 guestsNorth West Theatre Arts CompanyManchesterSpacious theatre located in Moston, Manchester, with street parking and accessible via public transport just 25 minutes from the city centre . Two open spaces perfect for rehearsals, exercise classes and photography. -
![Stoller Hall at Stoller Hall in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £3850
hire fee / per dayCheck availabilityStoller Hall
399 guestsStoller HallCity Centre, ManchesterWWinky M.
“Great venue and helpful staffs” -
![SITU at The Alan in Chinatown, Manchester]()
from £1000
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilitySITU
200 guestsThe AlanChinatown, ManchesterBBobby R.
“Fast responses to all questions which was great as I was booking very late.” -
![Basement Floor at Area Manchester in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £500
hire fee / per dayCheck availabilityBasement Floor
150 guestsArea ManchesterCity Centre, ManchesterBBeverley R.
“Sound technician and amenities were brilliant. Would recommend anyone to hire this venue” -
![Whole Venue at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £1000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityWhole Venue
450 guestsHard Rock Cafe ManchesterCity Centre, ManchesterDDebbie J.
“We are already looking at booking the next Member meet up drinks back there in Manchester.” -
![Cultplex at CULTPLEX in Cheetham Hill, Manchester]()
from £100
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityCultplex
150 guestsCULTPLEXCheetham Hill, ManchesterNNatalie .
“The staff were incredibly helpful throughout booking and on the day.” -
![Box'd Up at Box Deansgate in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £3000
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityBox'd Up
200 guestsBox DeansgateCity Centre, ManchesterSStephanie T.
“The room was great, exactly what we needed. Food was great and drinks were great too!”
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Make an Impression at Remarkable Bars for Gigs
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FAQs about Top Small Gig Venues in Manchester
In Manchester, prices of small gig venues average £1750 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Manchester, based on Tagvenue data:
| From £1000 | to £2500 | minimum spend per event |
| From £500 | to £3240 | hire fee per event |
| From £500 | to £3600 | hire fee per day |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:
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Stoller Hall at Stoller Hall in City Centre - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘Great venue and helpful staffs...’ -
Basement Floor at Area Manchester in City Centre - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Would recommend anyone to hire this venue...’ -
SITU at The Alan in Chinatown - rated 4.7/5
Our user said: ‘The night itself was amazing, bar staff were incredibly friendly and helpful!’
- Live Music - The most classic option for small gig spots in Manchester is live music performance, featuring local bands or solo artists.
- Acoustic Sessions - These venues are ideal for intimate, unplugged performances that highlight raw talent and stripped-down arrangements, making them perfect for folk, jazz, and blues musicians.
- Comedy Shows - You can organise stand-up comedy nights that bring local and touring comedians together, creating a cosy atmosphere for laughter and entertainment.
- Spoken Word Events - Small gig spaces are also suitable for poetry slams, storytelling nights, and literary readings that engage audiences with the power of words.
- Theatre Productions - Host small plays, monologues, and dramatic readings, offering an up-close-and-personal theatrical experience.
- DJ Sets and Dance Parties - You can set up DJ sets and small dance parties, as some gig venues are equipped with sound systems and dance floors.
- Art Performances - Arrange experimental art performances and multimedia shows that combine visual art, music, and live performance for a unique artistic experience.
Many small gig venues in Manchester are equipped with bars. Small music venues like The Talleyrand, a bar in Levenshulme with vintage decor and a space for live performances, offer a selection of cocktails and craft beer for your audience to enjoy while watching the show. Additionally, some venues may also offer snacks or light bites to complement the drinks available at the bar. We recommended contacting the venue directly to ensure your specific needs are met. This can also help you understand if there are any minimum spend requirements or if drink packages can be arranged for your gig or event!
