Outwards

Outwards 2026

Outwards 2026 is a one-day electronic dance music festival taking place on Saturday 2 May 2026 at Square One, an open-air venue in Manchester, Lancashire. The event celebrates the past, present, and future of dance music in a community-focused setting.

Music

The festival features a diverse lineup across multiple outdoor stages, showcasing classic house, techno, and experimental electronic sounds from global legends and local artists.

Workshops and Community

Attendees can participate in workshops and panels on DJing, music production, and dance music history. The event also includes an interactive exhibition on Manchester’s electronic legacy and a vinyl fair.

Atmosphere

Set in Square One’s open-air space, Outwards offers a vibrant but relaxed atmosphere with colourful lights, art installations, chill-out areas, and local street food, creating a welcoming environment for all electronic music fans.

Square One is located in Manchester’s Ardwick area (postcode M12 6HF). It’s only a short distance from the city centre (around a 15-20 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station). Manchester Piccadilly is the city’s main train hub, with frequent direct services to London (around 2 hours away), Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Glasgow. Once you arrive by train, a quick taxi or local bus can take you to Square One since several routes run through Ardwick. Manchester’s Metrolink tram network also connects central stops (Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square) to nearby tram stations, making it easy to combine a tram ride with a short bus or taxi trip to the venue.

For those arriving by plane or car, Manchester is easy to reach. Manchester Airport (MAN) is about 15-20 km south of the city centre, with frequent trains to Piccadilly Station (about a 15-20 minute ride). From Piccadilly or other central stops, take a short taxi or bus to Square One. If you prefer to drive, approach via the M60 ring road and exit towards Ardwick (for example, via the A6 or A57). Keep in mind that parking is limited near the venue, so it’s wise to plan ahead. You might park in a city centre lot or use a park-and-ride, then take public transport or a taxi the rest of the way. Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt, etc.) operate throughout Manchester, making it easy to get to and from Square One at any hour.

Manchester offers a wide range of accommodation. Many visitors stay near the city centre (around Piccadilly Station, the Northern Quarter, Deansgate or Spinningfields) for convenience, as these areas have strong transit links to the venue. Budget travelers may look to hostels or affordable hotels near Oxford Road or the University districts. If you plan to drive, consider hotels that offer parking or have easy access to park-and-ride services. Airport hotels near MAN can also be a convenient choice if you arrive by plane. The city’s hotel market has options for every budget, so it’s best to book early – rooms fill up quickly on weekends with major events.