Just when you think October couldn’t get any busier, there seems to be more than ever happening this week.
The chilly autumnal weather may be properly setting in now, but there’s still plenty happening in our region at the moment – especially as the spookiest time of year is just around the corner – so we’ve put together a fresh edition of our ‘what’s on’ guide for the city of Manchester and beyond this week to cherry-pick a few of the best bits you could be getting up to.
Some of the events we’re going to mention here are completely free, others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Plenty are still taking COVID-safety measures to give you peace of mind though.
Here are our top picks.
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ScareCity 2.0
Soccer Dome
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Monday 18 – 31 October
It was the sell-out success of 2020 – and now the immersive drive-in cinema experience ScareCity has returned to Manchester for the month.
With Halloween only a matter of weeks away, the much-loved drive-in cinema phenomenon that took 2020 by storm in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns is back in Greater Manchester.
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ScareCity 2.0 has taken over a brand-new location at the Soccer Dome in Stretford until 31 October to bring entertainment safely to guests in their own cars from the biggest screen in the UK, and it’s set to be packed with surprises and delights as visitors are guided through the haunting drive-in tunnel before parking up to watch a film.
Live actors lurking in the shadows and unexpected surprises throughout will make for a truly hair-raising experience.
You can find more information, and book tickets here.
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Escape to Freight Island
Depot Mayfield
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Monday 18 October – onwards
Credit: Escape to Freight Island
A jam-packed lineup of “arts, culture, and music” is happening at Escape to Freight Island this month.
David Rodigan, Joe Goddard, DJ Yoda and Craig Charles are among the headliners at Depot Mayfield this September and October – accompanying Escape to Freight Island’s “visionary” food market, other live music performances, dance, comedy nights, film screenings and family-focused events.
Entertainment will include the launch of a music and cultural film night, along with parties from the likes of Bugged Out, and La Discothèque.
There’s a new Tuesday night partnership from The Comedy Store starting in September, whilst The Untold Orchestra will also be in The Ticket Hall playing music by artists such as Amy Winehouse, Prince, Paul Simon, and Radiohead.
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You can find more on what’s happening at Escape to Freight Island this autumn here.
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Black History Month
Greater Manchester
October
Credit: HOME Manchester
Now that October has arrived, people right across the UK are coming together to celebrate Black History Month.
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First celebrated in the UK in 1987, Black History Month is an event intended to recognise the contribution and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage, and is also an opportunity for people to learn more about the effects of racism and how to challenge negative stereotypes.
Being such a multi-cultural region, Greater Manchester is known for being a place that champions everything Black History Month is about, with a wide range of events happening throughout the month and beyond.
We’ve rounded up just some of the things you could be getting up to here.
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Totally Gruesome
Walkden
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Monday 18 – 31 October
Totally Gruesome was a big hit with families last year, and this year looks to be no different.
From the team behind the super-popular Totally Roarsome – which you may remember as one of Greater Manchester’s most raved-about “socially-distanced outdoor adventures” – Totally Gruesome is a series of Halloween-themed mini escape rooms tailored towards primary school-aged children, and it’s returning to Greater Manchester this year and setting up shop in Walkden town centre.
There’ll be a total of 10 themed rooms to have a crack at, including ‘Gru’s House’, ‘Pumpkin Party’, ‘Shark Attack’, ‘Dino Domain’, ‘Ghost Ship’, and many more.
Tickets are priced at £7.95 per person, and you can find more information here.
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James Bond – Original Land Rover from ‘No Time To Die’
Trafford Centre
Monday 18 – 22 October
Credit: Williams Land Rover
Williams Land Rover will be showcasing one of the original Land Rover Defenders that appear in the new James Bond movie, No Time to Die, and this is your last week to see it.
The renowned dealership will take delivery of the exclusive vehicle – which appears in some of the most iconic scenes in the movie, that is now on show at cinemas right across the UK – and put it on display adjacent to the Trafford Centre up until 22 October.
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You can find more information on the exhibition here.
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SPOOKFEST
Trafford Centre
Monday 18 – 31 October
Credit: Trafford Centre
A haunted maze, ghastly ghost train, spooky big top show, lots of tasty treats, and more have arrived at Trafford Centre just in time for Halloween.
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SPOOKFEST is a “spooky spectacle of hair-raising horrors”.
Not only will thrill seekers get the chance to try out a scary selection of rides – including a ghost train, escape rooms, hook a pumpkin, and a spooky hay bale maze that are ideal for all the family – but there’ll also be independent food and drink traders serving up some “deliciously devilish dishes”.
Epic Pizza, Old School Dogs, and Cha Cha Chai will all be setting up shop over the festival’s three-week stay outside The Orient.
Jägermeister is bringing four days “caffeine-fuelled entertainment” to the heart of the Northern Quarter this week.
Jägermeister Cold Brew is partnering with Foundation Coffee House on Lever Street for the four-day takeover from Wednesday 20 – Saturday 23 October, which will see the well-loved city centre cafe rebranded as the ‘Jäger Coffee Haus’ to serve up complimentary specialty coffee for guests from 7:30am until close.
And then from 5pm, the Jäger Coffee Haus will add some extra-special Jägermeister Cold Brew cocktails to its menu as the perfect fuel to a series of nighttime events.
It’s one of Liverpool’s most infamous dive bars – and now, Salt Dog Slims is bringing its “steins, brines and good times” right here to Manchester, and its opening doors this Wednesday.
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Known for its late night parties, emporium of world beers, bespoke cocktails and American-style chilli dogs, Salt Dog Slims is the perfect day to night spot for everything from post-work drinks to weekend celebrations.
Giant pieces of neon art, a fire garden, and a glittering love heart will all appear on Oxford Road this week as it hosts its own version of the Blackpool illuminations.
A new Corridor of Light installation will see buildings, parks, and other venues lit up along the busy stretch for three days this month, showcasing a range of works by renowned artists both local to Manchester and further afield.
Some impressive illuminations are set to go on display, including a fire garden with flickering sculptures, a neon work on a bridge, a giant comic strip, and a massive heart-shaped glitter ball – with twinkling lights stretching out one square mile south of Manchester Central Library.
Corridor of Light hopes to champion the transformative and powerful role arts and culture can play in supporting communities when given the chance.
The Warehouse Project 2021 season is in full swing at Depot Mayfield.
After the party kicked off with mega stars Megan Thee Stallion, and Nile Rodgers & Chic, a star-studded selection of shows that run right up until New Year’s Day are all set to rock the city – with electronic pioneers Four Tet, DJ EZ, and Jamie XX due to make appearances.
Mayfield Depot will also welcome back favourites such as Jon Hopkins, Disclosure, Rudimental, Adam Beyer, Chase & Status and Bicep during the autumn.
Other acts include Hacienda, Classical, FISHER, Gorgon City, Basement Jaxx, Marco Carola, Loco Dice, Eats Everything, and Annie Mac.
Van Gogh Alive is opening at MediaCityUK from this week.
It’s “the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience” that exhibits the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist and after having welcomed over eight million visitors in 70 cities around the world – including sell-out runs in London and Birmingham – the art and culture experience is now destined for Salford.
Van Gogh Alive takes people on a trip through the periods of Van Gogh’s life that defined him as an artist and showcases 3,000 images, including some of his most iconic works like Starry Night and Sunflowers, and lesser-known paintings inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints.
The exhibition is home to a life-sized walk-in representation of Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom in Arles’ painting, a ‘Sunflower selfie room’ – a 360° mirrored space complete with hundreds of sunflowers, and so much more
A new world-first free exhibition that’s set to explore the revolution in science that is transforming cancer care is opening to the public at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester this Friday.
The Science Museum Group has partnered with expert partner Cancer Research UK for the curation of the new exhibition at what is a key moment in time when one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, but more of us than ever before are living longer and better with the disease.
Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation, and hope is the first “major object-rich exhibition” to reveal the past, present and future of how cancer is prevented, detected and treated.
Through never-before seen objects and stories, cutting edge treatment and research, reflection, new artist commissions and installations, film, photography, interactive exhibits and a breadth of personal stories, the museum says the exhibition will present the stories of people affected by cancer and those who study and treat it.
You can find more information about the new exhibition here.
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Scare Skate
Cathedral Gardens
Friday 22 – Sunday 31 October
Credit: Skate Manchester | Georgie Glass
The magic of the Cathedral Gardens ice rink will be turned on its head for its Halloween-themed opening week.
Scare Skate will see Halloween fans and fear-loving families take to the ice, as the spooktacular rink will be complete with Halloween-themed music and lighting, whilst a band of ghoulish skating monsters will join skaters on the ice every hour.
Tickets for Scare Skate are available now, with prices starting at £13 for adults and £11 for children – with discounted family and season tickets also available.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 19 – 25 January 2026
Emily Sergeant
Another winter week full of things to do is upon us.
Now that January is in full swing, we’re really not short of exciting activities and events to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester – with everything from smash-hit musicals to 360° walk-through projection shows happening this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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LUMINISCENCE
Manchester Cathedral
Monday 19 January – 26 March
LUMINISCENCE / Credit: Supplied
Manchester Cathedral has been lit up with a ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection show this winter.
Combining 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special, visitors are now invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling.
LUMINISCENCE pays tribute to Manchester’s rich cultural heritage through specially arranged orchestral renditions of iconic anthems – with the setlist including songs by Oasis, The Verve, Joy Division, and Elbow, just to name a few.
The award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back.
Taking over the iconic Palace Theatre stage in Manchester this week, leading lady Sidonie Smith stars as Rachel Marron, Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer, Sasha Monique as Nicki Marron, and Coronation Street and Hollyoaks stars as Matt Milburn as Sy Spector.
Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge, but what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this winter? Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
A huge gaming event is happening in Manchester at the moment.
With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP at the Science and Industry takes ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming, with everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more.
Power UP is taking place each weekend only throughout this month, with each ticket including unlimited play all day.
Did you know what Manchester Airport is currently hosting a HUGE January sale with up to 40% off travel essentials?
January is often considered one of the least-favourite months of the year, with many people dreaming of their next holiday, which is why Manchester Airport has decided to launch a big January sale – with up to 40% off everything from fast-track security to parking.
While you won’t be able to bag a couple of quid off flights unfortunately, tourists will be able to save on a range of other services instead.
That’s not all either, as Manchester Airport has also announced that it’s launching seven exciting new routes to destinations right across the world, and you can find out what they are and get booking your next holiday here👇
Fancy making the most of all the January dining deals on offer over these next couple of weeks?
The time has come again for Manchester’s restaurants and bars to slash their prices in a bid to entice customers to keep eating and drinking out all throughout January, and that means hundreds of places are offering up half-price scran, added freebies, or two-for-one offers this month.
There’s loads of offers beyond Manchester city centre too, as suburban gems are getting in on the action in 2026.
So whether you’re looking for a date night for less, an affordable family dinner, or a cheap eat after work with your mates, we’ve got you covered.
Read our massive round-up of January dining deals here.
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NEW OPENING – The Matcha Kyoto
Lincoln Square
The Matcha Kyoto has found a permanent city centre home.
There’s no denying that this viral matcha spot has gone crazy in Manchester, with pop-ups all over our city, but now, after huge fan demand, they’ve finally opened the doors to their very-own home, and are bringing a little slice of Japan to Lincoln Square.
Step inside their new cafe and you’ll find with traditional Kyoto details, as well as their famous matcha drinks topped with satisfying cream swirls and banana pudding.
They’ve even got a full food menu now, too. Think a range of sandwiches, including egg mayo, teriyaki chicken and black truffle mushroom, and delicious baked treats.
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Winter Beer Fest 2026
Fairfield Social Club
Thursday 22 – Saturday 24 January
Winter Beer Fest 2026 / Credit: Fairfield Social Club
Manchester’s popular Winter Beer Festival is back this weekend and tickets are only £5.
Running from Thursday 22 – Saturday 24 January at Fairfield Social Club, you can expect there to be plenty of local brews to taste test over the course of the four-day festival – with loads of pop-up brewery bars and more than 30 guest taps too.
Abyss, Brew York, GlassHouse, Pastore, and Vault City are just some of the breweries you can sample tipples from.
Could a trip to the theatre could be on the cards this year?
Greater Manchester has firmly earned itself a spot as a place for world-renowned touring theatre productions to make a stop off at.
This beloved industry has now well and truly bounced-back post pandemic – with the region’s three main theatres, Palace Theatre Manchester, Opera House Manchester, and The Lowry, all having welcomed some absolute show-stopping productions in 2025.
Our region’s theatre events calendar is already jam-packed with award-winning musicals, family-friendly plays, inventive dance productions, and so much more in 2026, so we’ve rounded up some of the best shows to see and grab tickets for this year.
If there’s one thing Manchester is known for across the world, it’s music.
Our region is not only a historic musical hub in and of itself, having been the birthplace of so many legendary famous names, but it’s also a major UK stopping point on many global artists’ tour schedules too, thanks to the city’s various sizes of stage and venues.
This means there’s a jam-packed schedule of gigs happening all throughout 2026 – with something for everyone, no matter your taste in music.
Read our picks for 10 of the best gigs happening in Manchester this year here.
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What else is there to look forward to in Greater Manchester in 2026?
Oh, so much. So so much.
The next 12 months are shaping up to be another monumental year for Manchester, with absolutely loads of huge developments, events, and reopenings on the horizon. Expect major global events like the BRITs and The MOBO Awards, huge openings like The Medlock Hotel at the expanded Etihad Stadium, and the relaunch of venues like Manchester’s popular Cat Cafe, and The Spinners Rest (formerly known as The Shamrock).
We’ve rounded up some of the best things to look forward to throughout the year here.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group | The Manc Group | Luminiscence
What's On
Live comedy nights are returning to a beloved bar in Chorlton
Danny Jones
We’re all in need of a good chuckle, especially in these dark and colder months, which is why we’re buzzing to hear the local venue, The Garden Bar in Chorlton, is bringing back comedy nights after a sold-out debut this year.
Sod your January blues, let’s have a laugh.
That’s right, the bar and restaurant – formerly well-known under the legendary Font brand – is set to supply the giggles once again after the place was packed out for its first show of 2026.
Promising a top-tier line-up of comedians to the heart of the suburbs for an evening of “sharp wit, big laughs and brilliant live entertainment”, we can’t think of a better way to start the working week.
Credit: Press shots (supplied)
With doors opening at 7pm and the show proper starting around an hour later, The Garden‘s fantastic food menu will be available as usual on the night.
Whether you want to share a pizza, smash some burgers or have a simple sarnie, guests aren’t just being welcomed to arrive early for a cheeky pre-show meal.
And it goes without saying that having an evening of stand-up comedy in a popular neighbourhood bar makes for the perfect place to take a night off from ‘Dry Jan’ if you fancy it, but of course, there will be plenty of zero-alcohol options, as well as soft and hot drinks if not.
To be fair, it’s been fun weeknights like this that have made it easier for us this year.
Now, as for the latest roster of roasters, comics and comperes, you’re in for a treat this coming Monday, 19 January.
The night will be hosted by veteran Tony Vino, a charismatic and quick-witted compere known for his warm crowd work and infectious energy. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Co-headlining the show is local lad, Stephen Bailey; the Tameside comedian, presenter, writer and television personality’s popularity only seems to keep growing of late.
Outside the live circuit itself, the Denton stand-up and jack of all trades has appeared on everything from the Takeshi’s Castle reboot and Celebrity Mastermind, to The Stand Up Sketch Show and Richard Osman’s House of Games, as well as being a regular comedian on Big Brother‘s ‘Bit on the Side’.
Joining him is seasoned comic, writer and actor and self-confessed former football hooligan, Eddy Brimson. Known for his no-nonsense style and unapologetic humour, he’s no stranger to touring up and down the UK, bringing stories drawn from his real life with warmth and plenty of bite.
Emily Sergeant -
14th October 2021 
