2 dates · next Wednesday, 21 October 2026 · 18:00
Where to park for Paul Smith - Happy at AO Arena
Paul Smith is at AO Arena. Compare mapped parking around AO Arena and check recent driver-reported availability in Parkwise before travelling.
This run at AO Arena: 21 and 22 October 2026.
Three mapped options for Paul Smith
Parkwise locations with walking times from the AO Arena. Tap a numbered pin or list card for details.
78 locations mappedCitiPark AO Arena Car Park
Official venue parkingCar Park · Deansgate
- Type
- Car Park
- Price
- Paid · £6.00/2h · £22.00/day · £16 event flat (5pm–12am)
- Max stay
- Not confirmed yet
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Spaces
- ~958
- Operator
- CitiPark
- Distance
- 125 m from the venue
Good to know
- • Multi-storey car park
Numbered pins are our picks for this event — tap one for details. Every other dot is a mapped street bay or car park on the growing Parkwise map. Recent driver-reported availability is in the app only — Open Parkwise →
Why these work for Paul Smith
1 · Official venue parking
CitiPark AO Arena Car Park. The official venue option, around a two-minute walk from the doors. The published rate is £6.00/2h · £22.00/day · £16 event flat (5pm–12am). Confirm the latest details with CitiPark before travelling. Hours: Open 24 hours.
2 · Park once in the Northern Quarter
Arndale Car Park. A park-once option nearby, around a seven-minute walk to the venue. The published rate is £3.90/hr · £21.50/day. Confirm the latest details with Manchester City Council before travelling. Listed as open 24/7. Max stay: No limit.
3 · 6-minute walk
APCOA Manchester Printworks. An alternative car park, around a six-minute walk to the venue. Paid parking — check the operator for current rates. Confirm the latest details with APCOA before travelling.
Before the show starts
Hotels, food and things to do around the AO Arena.
The Northern Quarter
Manchester's creative hub is a short walk north from the AO Arena. Vintage shops, independent cafés, craft breweries, and restaurants fill the streets. Park further out and spend an hour here before or after an event—it's a natural buffer to the post-show rush.
- Our favourite
Spinningfields Market
Just south of Deansgate, this covered market has food vendors, independent stalls, and seating. Good for a quick bite before heading to the arena or a place to sit after if you're not racing away.
Deansgate restaurants and bars
The main street around the arena is lined with chain and independent venues. Arrive early and eat here to break up the evening; most places clear out in time for the show.
Whitworth Art Gallery
Free to enter and open until late on most days. Less than ten minutes' walk from the arena if you've got time to kill before an evening event.
Own a great local business? See how Parkwise advertising works →
Parking tips for Paul Smith
Official parking at CitiPark AO Arena Car Park is the shortest walk — just 2 minutes from the venue entrance.
Arndale Car Park in Piccadilly puts you in the Northern Quarter, so you can explore the area before heading to the show.
Check recent driver reports in the Parkwise app before you travel to see what spaces others have found nearby.
Arrive early enough to find a space and walk to the venue without rushing before the 18:00 start.
If CitiPark is full, APCOA Manchester Printworks is a reasonable 6-minute walk away as a backup option.
Check the latest reports before you leave
Heading to Paul Smith?
This page was designed as a practical guide to parking around the AO Arena. For a more up-to-date picture before you travel, open Parkwise for the full searchable map, useful filters and recent availability reports shared by drivers nearby.

Paul Smith parking questions
What's the closest car park to AO Arena?
CitiPark AO Arena Car Park is the official venue parking, a 2-minute walk from the entrance. Arndale Car Park in Piccadilly is a 7-minute walk away if you prefer another option.
How can I check if there are spaces available before I arrive?
Check recent driver-reported availability in the Parkwise app before you set off. This shows what other drivers have found at nearby locations, helping you plan your route.
When should I arrive to find parking?
Give yourself enough time to park and walk to the venue before the 18:00 event start. How early you leave depends on how busy nearby car parks are — using the Parkwise app before you travel can help you decide.
Are there other car parks nearby if my first choice is full?
Yes. The AO Arena is in Deansgate with several mapped car parks within walking distance. APCOA Manchester Printworks in Piccadilly is a 6-minute walk away as an alternative, and Arndale Car Park is 7 minutes away.
Can I submit a parking report after the show?
Yes. If you find a space at any of the nearby car parks, you can submit a report in the Parkwise app once you're safely parked. This helps other drivers heading to future events at the AO Arena.
Not here for this event? See all AO Arena parking