The weather may have started to turn, but nothing’s keeping us indoors this October – we’re braving the cold and getting swept up like the leaves with all the brilliant events going on in and around Manchester. From fun Halloween events to entertaining concerts – we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Manchester this October.
1. Dine at new Japanese-Peruvian rooftop restaurant Chotto Matte
One development that is the talk of the town is St Michael’s. Led by Gary Neville, the first phase of the Manchester development is almost complete, but one spot set to join the neighbourhood this October is Chotto Matte, an acclaimed Japanese-Peruvian dining experience. Occupying the entire 20,000 sq ft rooftop at No. 1 St Michael’s, Chotto Matte will serve up fresh, healthy and inventive Nikkei dishes such as ceviche, tiradito, anticucho BBQ, sushi, sashimi and tempura, alongside masterfully crafted cocktails.
2. Bag a bargain at the Trafford Centre’s student night
One of the region’s biggest student night events returns to the Trafford Centre this October, with exclusive offers and free entertainment across the evening. In partnership with Student Shopping UK, students can shop a variety of incredible discounts at the Trafford Centre on Thursday 2nd October from 6pm – 10pm, including 20% off at River Island, 25% off at Boux Avenue and 20% off at All Saints. £5 pizzas at Franco Manca, £3 burritos at Barburrito, 25% off at The Real Greek and 20% off at Wagamama.
3. Head to Freight Island for a one-night-only Food Fest full of independent collab creations
Freight Island is hosting Food Fest on October 2 – a one-night-only celebration that brings together the city’s best chefs with Freight Island’s much-loved traders, creating one-off, limited, and unique collaborations. Free to attend, guests can expect a culinary mash-up of Manchester’s finest, with headline collaborations including: SKOF x Nell’s Pizza, Stow x Ornella’s Little Kitchen, Where The Light Gets In x Burgerism, Cardinal Rule x Pattersons, Sampa x Mia’s Arepas, Madre x Mega Gyros, Kongs NQ x Fuku, and DGHNT x Oh My Cheesecake. Alongside the food, the night will be soundtracked by live performances from The Juice and Sola Guinto, plus DJs to keep the party rolling.
4. Spot hidden monsters around the city centre
Halloween in the City is back for 2025, with a number of fantastic inflatable monsters popping up on top of some of Manchester’s most recognisable buildings. From three-eyed monsters to giant dragons, there’s plenty to spot, and they’ll all be dotted around all corners of the city, too. Created by Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas from Designs in Air – the huge inflated creations will be put on display across Manchester city centre, and they’ll be available to see for a short time period only, slithering away on October 31 once Halloween is over.
5. Hear James TW for one night only at this Candlelight Original Session event
James TW, whose songs like When You Love Someone and You & Me have earned billions of streams, has redefined modern pop’s emotional landscape with honesty and melodic warmth. His intimate, story-rich songwriting bridges worlds, touching listeners across generations and cultures. This Candlelight Original Session on October 2 is set to weave in highlights from his catalogue, James’ powerful vocals and the delicate flicker that Candlelight is known for—reminding us how a single voice with a guitar can echo far beyond the stage.
6. Prepare for a fright at this immersive zombie experience
The abandoned Camelot Theme Park has opened its doors to the public once more, but it’s not the joy-filled kingdom of fun it once was. A darkness has swept through the land and left a swarm of zombies in its wake, each one burning with an all-consuming hunger for human flesh. This time, the screams you’ll hear won’t be from thrill-seekers riding rollercoasters but from pale-faced visitors who couldn’t resist a trip back to the nostalgia-inducing amusement park they once visited as a kid. Think you’re brave enough?
7. Go on a scenic journey through Greater Manchester aboard Thomas the Tank Engine
Arguably the most famous train of all is set to thunder through Greater Manchester, as Thomas the Tank Engine drops by for Day Out With Thomas. The steam team’s number one blue engine – Thomas himself – is waiting for you on the East Lancashire Railway, for one great big adventure. Hop aboard on October 4 and 5, and Thomas will pull your train through the amazing countryside of Summerseat, Burrs Country and Nuttall Parks, on a fun-filled journey to the quaint local town of Ramsbottom.
8. Get a fright as Scare Skate returns to this Manchester city centre ice rink
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this October. Friends and families visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting and themed props to ignite the fright factor. Plus, new for this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
9. Pick your own pumpkins at these pumpkin patches near Manchester
Autumn is in the air, and there’s nothing more that we love than the anticipation that the season brings. But first on the agenda = Halloween. Whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram or just absolutely love getting your carve on, there are a range of pumpkin patches in and around Manchester to pick your own this year. Multiple fields near Manchester are now abundant with these orange orbs, so get picking!
10. See all the autumnal colours at RHS Bridgewater
Opening just a few years ago in Worsley, the RHS Garden Bridgewater gates lead to a beautiful, nature wonderland – and it’s the perfect place to catch a literal breath of fresh air. Featuring multiple areas throughout to explore, including the ‘crown jewel’ of the site – the 11-acre Weston Walled Garden – visitors won’t be at a loss for beautiful sights, with tons of greenery, blooms, a peaceful lake and a number of lovely little ponds to potter around, as well as seasonal flowers and plants that transform throughout the year. Escape the city and witness the leaves turn into hues of oranges, reds and browns before the cold sets in at this scenic garden.
11. Drink steins and enjoy live music at Albert’s Schloss
It’s no surprise that this German-inspired establishment would be celebrating with an Oktoberfest party, so prepare to get your oompah on! Albert’s Schloss is bringing a whirlwind of celebrations to Manchester this September for Oktoberfest (September 20 – October 12) where revellers are invited to enjoy an array of programmes throughout the 16 days, from Keg Tapping to the must-see spectacle of eclectic entertainment and best dressed competitions.
12. Celebrate Black History Month by visiting some tasty Black-owned eateries
Put your money where your mouth is and head to some brilliant Black-owned restaurants in Manchester this October. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new city centre foodie spot or something in one of South Manchester’s most popular neighbourhoods, there are some great Black-owned restaurants in Manchester worth checking out. From comforting Caribbean scran to vegan fast food, Manchester has got it all!
13. Follow the yellow brick road to this Wizard of Oz classical tribute concert
Inside Hallé St. Peter’s, you’ll venture into the wondrous Land of Oz once again, only this time it’s thanks to The Wizard of Oz – A classical concert. Candlelight is rolling out the emerald carpet to invite you to a 60-minute concert celebrating your favourite songs from the Land of Oz. Picture a string ensemble performing classics like Over the Rainbow and We’re Off to See the Wizard while surrounded by a sea of twinkling candles. Through the lens of classical music and the magic of a string ensemble, the music and memories will sweep you away far beyond the rainbow this October.
14. Get cosy with the return of The Oast House’s famous winter tipi
Popping up in Spinningfields every single year without fail, the tipi at The Oast House has become an institution in itself… An annual highlight, one might say. The tipi at The Oast House will boast three tents joined together with a huge open hub, allowing guests to see into the main bar and soak up the party atmosphere. The Oast House’s snug retreat will also feature firepits and live music alongside winter cocktails, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and tempting street food, just in time for the chilly weather.
15. Solve a murder mystery on the steam railway
If you’re after something immersive this October, look no further than the murder mystery events put on by ELR. Have you got the super-sleuth skills to find clues and solve a murder? The detective persona to interrogate the suspects? The judge and jury deliberation to identify the killer? All on a moving train? The murder mystery evenings on the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) are the perfect way to enjoy delicious food and an evening of murder, puzzles, questioning and solving the ultimate whodunnit.
16. Celebrate spooky season at this magical Halloween trail
This October, the creators of Manchester’s acclaimed Twilight Trail will unveil The Halloween Trail, a spooktacular Halloween-themed light show at Trafford Centre. Featuring over 100,000 lights, the mesmerising trail is filled with captivating installations that centre around a Skeleton Village theme. Guests will be greeted by supernatural surprises and moments of spooky delight as they arrive at the experience, with thousands of tiny laser beams coming together to create a mist-filled garden of light. Spooky stuff, indeed!
17. Visit Manchester’s iconic 160-year-old Power Hall as it reopens after huge regeneration
The Science and Industry Museum is gearing up to mark a monumental milestone by welcoming visitors back inside one of the UK’s most significant industrial heritage buildings, the Power Hall. Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery is a free working gallery that will reopen on Friday 17th October, where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, smells and sounds of the engine-driven ideas and industry that started in Manchester and went on to change the world. Expect the return of iconic engines, including some that will be running for the first time in more than a decade, alongside a host of new interactives, perspectives and people stories that reveal the innovation of Manchester’s industrial heritage.
18. Watch Twilight at an immersive eat-along screening
As one of the colder months of the year, indoor activities are high up on the agenda. Taste Film is a great option if you’re looking for something to do with your pals or partner, with or without alcohol. Pairing brilliant food with iconic on-screen moments, Taste Film is truly a feast for all the senses. Giving a whole new meaning to ‘watch what you eat’, the immersive experience combines two of life’s greatest joys: food and film. If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to reach out and grab a bite of whatever’s on screen, then you can do exactly that, with this month’s movie being Twilight.
19. Get a fright at Cultplex’s horror movie season
One of Manchester’s most-loved independent cinemas is set to re-open, and with it CULTPLEX is bringing a brand new Halloween horror film season, aptly named STAB. The relaunch of CULTPLEX on Wednesday 1st October catapults this revitalised venue straight into their annual Halloween STAB Horror Season which is always their busiest month of the year. Highlights of this year’s offering includes a Q&A with acclaimed director Peter Strickland (Berberian Sound Studio), a 25th anniversary showing of Chris Morris’ JAM, a live edition of hit podcast Scarred for Life with special guest John Thomson and a screening of horror classic Deep Red with a live soundtrack.
20. Browse and buy high-quality, one-off handmade pieces at Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
The largest and most prestigious craft fair in the North and one of the leading fairs in the UK, Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF), is making a return to Manchester. The fair’s 18th annual edition will be held between October 16 and 19 in the stunning historic Victoria Baths in Manchester. GNCCF brings together 200 of the most talented makers from across the UK, from established artists to new graduate talent, and is a great opportunity to browse and buy a wide array of high-quality, one-off handmade pieces, including ceramics, jewellery and silver, interior and fashion textiles, glass, basketmaking, prints, wood, furniture & more.
