The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 16 -22 October
It’s both half term and Halloween around the corner, so you know we’re in for a busy week.
With the spooky season officially here, and schools now officially out for October half term, the events calendar is absolutely jam-packed with all sorts of different things to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester this week.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to choose though, then we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ – only this time, with a terrifying Halloween twist.
Here’s our top picks.
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Luna’s Legendary Creature Halloween Trail
Chester Zoo
Monday 16 – Tuesday 31 October
Luna’s Legendary Creature Halloween Trail gives visitors the chance to get up close to five of Chester Zoo’s most magical species.
Having now kicked-off, and running right up until Halloween itself, the rhinoceros hornbill, Sulawesi-crested macaque, and huge Sunda gharial crocodile are just some of the species you’ll get to learn all about as you make your way around the 90-minute interactive trail.
You’ll be tasked with helping Luna the witch discover a legendary creature living deep inside the zoo’s Monsoon Forest habitat.
Find out more here.
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Pumpkin Lanterns
Manchester City Centre
Monday 16 October – onwards
There couldn’t be a more ideal time to catch a glimpse of the pumpkins.
If you’re looking to get in the mood for Halloween, but want to keep things a little on the cheaper side this week, then you need look no further than up above in the city centre as the annual decorative pumpkin lanterns are back once again.
Going on a little tour to see the lanterns in the trees in St Ann’s Square, Market Street, and beyond is the perfect activity for all the family, easy to plan, and great for pictures – and it’s FREE too.
Find more information here.
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Operation Ouch!
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 16 October – onwards
A brand-new exhibition is currently having its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and it’s giving families the chance to “dive headfirst into the digestive system” and “travel like a poo”.
The new blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch!, is based on and will see the award-winning CBBC children’s TV series brought to life.
Visitors can expect interactive experiences, amazing objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, and appearances from world-renowned doctors who will be on hand to guide audiences through this “lively, interactive, and playful adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies”.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
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Did you know you can get a pass to visit loads of National Trust sites across the UK for FREE this autumn?
Autumn in Greater Manchester is a wonderful thing, and and our region is filled with places to appreciate the beauty of this much-loved season – but if you were looking for a reason to travel a little further afield to experience everything nature has to offer and see the leaves change colour, then it doesn’t get much better than this.
This is why the National Trust wants to give people the chance to “experience the awe of the season” at no extra cost.
The pass allows free entry for two adults and up to three children, one adult and up to four children, or just two adults on their own.
Find out more about how to claim the limited-time offer here.
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Halloween Lakeside Light Trail
Partridge Lakeside Fishery
Monday 16 – Tuesday 31 October
A magical new Halloween lakeside light trail has transformed Partridge Lakes Fishery in Warrington into “an enchanting Halloween attraction”.
Organisers say the hour-long immersive experience is like “stepping into a living Halloween storybook”.
You’ll be able to see the “mesmerising world of Halloween wonder” come to life as you stroll along a winding path around the lake’s edge that leads that takes you on a magical journey through woodland decorated by eerie and captivating lights.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
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Richard Kelly: A Time and Place
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Monday 16 – late October
Some rarely-seen photos of Amy Winehouse are currently on display in Manchester to mark the late singer’s 40th birthday.
The exclusive images of the legendary vocalist are forming part of an exhibition showcasing work by critically-acclaimed music photographer Richard Kelly that’s currently happening down at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in the city centre.
Following its unprecedented popularity, the exhibition‘s stay in our city has been extended, and will now be running until the end of October.
Find out more here.
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Spookfest 2023
Trafford Centre
Monday 16 – Tuesday 31 October
Spookfest is back once again for 2023, and is promising more frightful fun than ever before.
Having returned to the Trafford Centre for yet another spooky season, visitors heading down to the massive shopping centre can expect a scary circus, a frightening fairground full of retro rides, and a seriously-impressive five-metre tall tower of pumpkins.
You can also get into the spooky spirit with free face painting, the chance to meet and greet a whole host of Halloween characters, and so much more.
Find out more here.
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NEW REOPENING – The Teepee
The Oast House
Monday 16 October – onwards
The Oast House’s legendary Christmas has returned to Spinningfields for the festive season.
Set to be a popular spot for locals and those who’ve finished a hard day at work during the colder months, The Teepee officially reopened last week and is made up of three tents joined together with a huge open hub, complete with two roaring fires, twinkling fairy lights, faux fur throws.
The Teepee is famed for its free live music, home-cooked food, and laidback warm and welcoming atmosphere.
There’s a mouthwatering street food menu, a selection of limited-edition winter cocktails, mulled wine, and festive hot chocolates, and, of course, a stage area set up for guests to dance the night away – with a packed lineup of live gigs all planned over the next few months.
Find out more and make a booking here.
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Manchester Folk Festival 2023
Manchester City Centre
Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 October
Manchester Folk Festival is back for another year of action in 2023.
The beloved multi-venue festival based in right across Manchester city centre takes place each October and brings together a diverse range of artists who represent the broad definition of contemporary folk music.
The Breath, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Oysterband, and Boss Morris are just some of the names forming part of this year’s jam-packed lineup of talent.
Find out more, and grab last-minute tickets and wristbands here.
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Fancy trying out some new bars, and restaurants that have opened in Greater Manchester this month?
October is set to be a big month for new restaurant openings in Manchester.
Some of the most high-anticipated launches of the year are taking place this month, with everything from Sexy Fish, that hugely glitzy London establishment that’s moving into Spinningfields at long last, to Louisiana fried chicken legends Popeyes.
Leeds’ favourite ramen house House of Fu is also opening, and there’s a Broadway Diner, where wait staff sing musical numbers at you while you eat.
You’ll also find new restaurants to check out right across Greater Manchester too.
Find out where to stick on your list here.
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The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
Victoria Baths
Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 October
One of the UK’s biggest and most prestigious craft shows returns to Manchester this week.
Now in its 16th year, the award-winning The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair brings together over 200 of the most talented makers and designers from across the UK all under one roof at the historic Victoria Baths – with exhibitors including printmakers, ceramicists, jewellery makers, textile and glass artists, metal workers, silversmiths, and furniture and lighting designers.
The festival provides a unique opportunity to view and buy original handmade pieces from both established artists, and new graduate talent showcasing their work for the first time.
Find out more here.
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Manchester Wine Tours
Manchester City Centre
Sunday 22 October
A new series of events will whisk guests around town sampling some of the city’s very best bars and pubs.
Launched by local food and drink writer and WSET-qualified wine expert Kelly Bishop, the Manchester Wine Tours will feature Manchester bars, restaurants, pubs, and wine shops specially chosen by Kelly.
Each tour will cost £75 per person and will include a guided tour around Manchester city centre, six small glasses of wine, and a series of wine-matched snacks at four different places, and along the way, Kelly will also be on hand to point out local points of interest and things you might not already know about the city.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
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Featured Image – The Oast House | Science Museum Group | CityCo / ManchesterBID