It’s time to wave goodbye to September, and say hello to October here in Greater Manchester.
Where has the time gone? Now that October is here, and autumn is waiting around the corner, with another new month comes an events calendar that’s filled with lots of different things to be getting up to, so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks.
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Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2022
Manchester City Centre
Monday 26 September – Sunday 2 October
Manchester Food & Drink Festival 2022 / Credit: MFDF
Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) is celebrating its 25th year in the city – with a special roster of events lined up that brings together some of Manchester’s top chefs as it marks a quarter of a century in the city.
From a host of live fire pit feasts to a dedicated wine and fizz festival at NOMA, there’s some exciting events for this year’s festival.
The main Festival Hub in Cathedral Gardens is where much of the action will be happening, but elsewhere, there’s a packed schedule of event, an artisan market overflowing with local produce, and a wide selection of local street food traders showcasing the best that Manchester has to offer.
Find out more about MFDF’s postponed celebrations here, and read more about what to expect from the full festival lineup here.
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Mayfield Park
Castlefield
Monday 26 September – onwards
Manchester‘s first new park in the heart of the city centre for more than 100 years has officially opened to the public.
It’s been a long journey to get here, but Mayfield Park has become a reality.
Over the last 18 months, the vast and mostly-derelict former industrial site next to Piccadilly Station has been transformed into what project developers are calling a “stunning, accessible, and varied” green space for everyone who visits the city centre to enjoy.
The Stockport Collection / Credit: Heidi Alexander
A new photography exhibition that captures life in Stockport during the 1970s has now opened at a local museum.
After a successful run at one of the town’s most prestigious restaurants, Where The Light Gets In, back in June 2021, the exhibition – which is titled The Stockport Collection, and features the work of local photographer Heidi Alexander – has now opened to the public at Stockport Museum, and it’s free for everyone to visit.
The Stockport Collection documents the social history of a particular time, place, and way of life.
The exhibition illustrates the human need for a sense of identity, and of belonging to a working community with a common purpose.
Looking for some new restaurants and bars to try out in Manchester city centre this month?
As ever, a host of exciting new restaurants and bars are opening in Manchester in September.
New arrivals are varied, ranging from a non-profit cafe and bookshop being opened by the charitable arm of a local solicitors firm, to a no-nonsense butty shop where you’ll find established local bakers building hench sandwiches from the bread up.
On top of all this, think a new arrival in the old Northern Quarter Cafe Cafe, a swanky new cocktail bar in a bank vault, a new chicken wing shop, dessert cafe and more.
You can read our round-up to find out where to put on your list this month here.
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MCR Student Social 2022
Manchester City Centre
Thursday 29 September
MCR Student Social / Credit: Supplied
Manchester‘s popular student shopping event is back and “bigger than ever” this week, and there’s dozens of discounts up for grabs.
With a new academic year, comes the return of MCR Student Social.
For just one day only next week, both new and returning students can make the most of a whole host of unmissable offers – with over 120 stores inside Manchester Arndale and across the city centre dishing out discounts.
There’ll also be live entertainment, competitions and games to get involved in, and so much more.
The Manc x Skiddle Fresher’s Closing Party / Credit: The Manc Group | Hatch MCR
The Manc is absolutely buzzing to announce that we will be collaborating with Skiddle to host this year’s ‘Welcome to Manchester’ Fresher’s closing Party at Hatch.
And the best part is? It’s absolutely free to get tickets.
With the latest batch of freshers having descending on Manchester and set to take over the city for the foreseeable, us lucky lot have the privilege of helping put a bow on their start-of-year party at one of the city’s best-loved hangouts.
The hugely-popular outdoor immersive horror experience is taking on a new life just in time for Halloween, and this time round, it’s set to take over the derelict site of one of the North West’s most iconic theme parks.
Events company Park N Party has announced that its sell-out success Scare City is coming to Camelot with a new walkthrough scare attraction, and it’s already being described as a “blood-soaked ordeal”.
For those who’ve got the guts to enter this year, a trek through “nightmarish zones” awaits.
Jungle Beats: Volume ll at I’m A Celebrity… Jungle Challenge
MediaCityUK
Friday 30 September & Saturday 1 October
Daredevil students are invited to take on an epic late-night jungle challenge inspired by reality competition show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! this week.
Having returned to Manchester following huge success and demand for tickets earlier this year, I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge has announced that its popular ‘Jungle Beats’ series is back once again this week, and it’s giving students arriving to study at universities across our city-region exclusive access to the Salford-based blockbuster attraction.
Students and those over 18 will take on a series of challenges that are said to put nerves and agility to the ultimate test.
A festival of authentic beers, German food markets, and tributes to some of Manchester‘s most iconic bands will be taking over the city this weekend.
It’s everything we know and love about Oktoberfest – but with a Mancunian twist.
Manctoberfest 2022 is taking over the BEC Arena in Trafford Park from Friday 30 September – Sunday 2 October, and during the three-day Manchester take on the traditional festival, organisers are promising a huge weekend that’s jam-packed with music, food, and “more steins than you can shake a stick at”, with some of the best tribute bands set to perform and celebrate the city’s rich music heritage.
Burger lovers in Manchester should probably get themselves down to the city’s largest street food hub this weekend for a feast like no other.
The Cheetham Hill-based venue’s annual celebration of all things burgers returns for 2022, with traders bringing a special menu inspired by their own take on the humble burger, as well as a whole range of different sides, snacks, and all-American desserts to go along with it.
GRUB Burger Food Fair is taking over the events space next weekend from Friday 30 September – Sunday 2 October, promising to bring “wall to wall burgers” to the hungry masses.
Two-day sustainable fashion event Refashioned is coming to the Trafford Centre this weekend.
The leading shopping and leisure destination will champion circular fashion, environmentally conscious fashion, and new season trends with a selection of pre-loved fashion sales, ticketed live expert talks and spectacular fashion shows.
Aiming to inspire shoppers to reinvent their wardrobe whilst championing brands that are taking more steps to adopt greener practices, Trafford Centre will come alive with spectacular fashion shows and dance fusion performances whilst showcasing key A/W trends from the centre’s vast array of fashion retailers.
The public can also expect pre-loved fashion sales from We Are Second Life, live talks from experts, performances, and more.
Keen to find some of the best things happening in Manchester this September that you can still grab tickets for?
There’s a whole host of brilliant new Manchester gigs, club nights, and events this month.
Whether you’re a die-hard gig goer or a late-night raver, or an all-day festival type, there’s something on this list for you to get excited about.
September Events 2022 / Credit: Carl Cox | Rob Jones (via WHP)
You can read our round-up of which events to add to your list this month here.
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Neighbourhood Festival 2022
Albert Hall Manchester
Saturday 1 October
Neighbourhood Festival 2022 / Credit: NBHD Festival
Neighbourhood Festival (NBHD) is bringing a jam-packed lineup as it makes its long-awaited return to Manchester city centre this weekend.
After a few years away, Manchester’s biggest multi-venue music festival is back once again this year, and is set to take over Manchester city centre on Saturday 1 October – with headline shows by indie titans The Snuts, local heroes Everything Everything, alternative quartet Sundara Karma.
The headliners will also be joined by whole host of emerging talent.
Some of the fast-rising newcomers on the lineup include Alfie Templeman, Baby Queen, Rachel Chinnouriri, Dylan, The Royston Club, Louis Dunford, Lauran Hibberd, and STONE.
Iconic heritage railway service East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back by popular demand this weekend, and the Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be “a train ride like no other”.
Families will be able to hop on board the replica of the cult-classic blue train character for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.
The journey begins at Bury Train Staion, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 8 – 14 September 2025
Emily Sergeant
We’re into our second week of September now, and the weather is really starting to hint to us that autumn’s on it’s way.
The sun isn’t showing itself as much, the rain is pouring, and the temperatures are dropping – but even though summer may be coming to an end, there’s still plenty of exciting activities to be getting up to in Greater Manchester in the coming weeks.
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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The Common Walls International Mural Festival
Rochdale
Monday 8 – Sunday 14 September
The Common Walls International Mural Festival / Credit: Supplied
The Common Walls International Mural Festival will give Rochdale locals and visitors a chance to see artworks being created up close by the world-renowned artists who’ll be in the Greater Manchester town bringing their masterpieces to life.
Set to run until 14 September, a collection of artists are descending onto the streets of Rochdale to give walls around the town centre a lick of paint that will not only brighten up the space, but also leave a lasting legacy.
10 of Rochdale’s notable town centre buildings will undergo a drastic change as part of this art-focused event, and each art piece will pay homage to moments in Rochdale’s captivating history.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Multi-sensory experience SUPERMASSIVE has made its way over to Depot Mayfield for a maze of interactive activities this summer.
Suitable for all ages – especially kids and families – and open for the next three weeks, there’s so much to get stuck into. Think puzzles where you connect various wires, a large sandpit with projections overhead, and even a retro arcade machine where you can practice creating your own DJ set.
There’s even timeslots dedicated to adults available from 7pm too, so you can bring your mates, have a pint or two, and wander around this huge indoor attraction.
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The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years
Manchester Museum
Monday 8 – Sunday 14 September
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years / Credit: Supplied
You can step into the fantastical imaginary world of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years this summer.
This world-premiere exhibition, created in collaboration with robotics studio Air Giants, invites you to experience a playful blend of education, theatre, and dreamscape – and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen at Manchester Museum before.
Once you’ve met the 10-meter long sleepy cat, you’ll then find a series of fun, free, cat-inspired activities at the Museum throughout the summer, including an augmented reality trail.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You / Credit: Science Museum Group
You can plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses at a new immersive museum exhibition that’s now arrived at the Science and Industry Museum.
Back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! is giving you the chance to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Tickets to Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You are now on sale, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.
Here & Now – The Steps Musical / Credit: ATG Tickets
Here & Now, a musical inspired by the music and story of beloved British pop group Steps, has arrived in Manchester.
Happiness is only a heartbeat away, as this hilarious and heart-warming new musical based on the songs Steps takes to the stage at Manchester’s legendary Opera House, so don’t miss this sparkling celebration of love and friendship as it embarks on a UK & Ireland tour after its record-breaking world premiere.
An event dedicated to all things Japan has made its way to Manchester.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase with loads of free activities.
From interactive performances to hands-on experiences, there is loads to do for all ages across the city centre during the festival.
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail has taken over the town.
Visitors should get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail is making its North West debut and taking over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
The trail is created by trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Summer is nearly over, but Kargo on the Docks is clinging on.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
A pioneering production company is bringing immersive theatre inside shipping containers to Greater Manchester this week.
DARKFIELD has announced their first shows in Greater Manchester for seven years, and will present their three most critically-acclaimed experiences at iconic venues across the region as part of an ‘exciting’ collaboration.
Keen audiences will be able to head to The Lowry, Aviva Studios, and HOME this month to see theatre like they’ve never seen it before.
This is a stop-you-in-your-tracks addition to the city.
Mappin & Webb has opened the doors to its exclusive new store right in the heart of Manchester, and it’s two floors of jewellery paradise
The company has meticulously-restored this landmark pink building on St Ann’s Square and filled it with all things heritage and sparkly, with a luxury bar and lounge downstairs.
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NEW OPENING – Primark Home
Trafford Palazzo
NEW OPENING – Primark Home / Credit: The Manc Group
Home sweet (Primark) home.
New openings don’t get much bigger than this, both metaphorically and literally, as Great Britain’s first-ever dedicated Primark Home store has now opened its doors over at Trafford Palazzo, and it’s an absolute interior-lover’s paradise in there.
The huge new store is packed full of homewares and lifestyle items at Primark’s typical affordable price point so expect bathroom bits, kitchenware, soft furnishings, bedroom decor, and right now, LOADS of pumpkins.
Looking for a bite to eat in Manchester this month? We’ve got a few suggestions to share…
Ooh have we been eating good in August.
Even with the last of the warmer weather throughout August, that doesn’t mean we haven’t been having some right feasts – with plenty of cheese pulls, saucy drizzles, and for some reason, ANOTHER Labubu-themed dessert.
With the festive season soon approaching, we’re expecting the next month to get extra cosy and indulgent.
If you need some inspiration for where to eat in our region this month, we rounded up some of our best suggestions for you to pick from:
Everyone knows that brunch is better when the booze is bottomless, and there’s bangers blasting in the background, so if you’re on the hunt for a bottomless brunch that will truly get your night out started, Manchester’s The Blues Kitchen is the place to head to.
Endless mimosas, rum punch, and prosecco, banging brunch dishes like their legendary Buffalo wings and popcorn shrimp, and DJs spinning 90s and noughties tunes throughout.
The vibes of a Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch are truly unmatched.
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Nature Fest 2025
Chester Zoo
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September
Nature Fest 2025 / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has announced that its Nature Fest is back by popular demand this weekend – with the two-day event boasting a jam-packed lineup of interactive events for all ages.
Taking place across the zoo’s six-hectare nature reserve, conservationists hope the weekend-long event will connect festivalgoers with nature, all while raising awareness of precious UK wildlife.
Open to everyone for free of charge, Nature Fest will have hands-on activities, workshops, talks, and performances – including the interactive Hedgehog Hideaway adventure, which teaches participants how to make their gardens more hedgehog friendly.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo | The Manc Group | Mihaela Bodlovic
What's On
A sneak peek at the first pour: Greater Manchester celebrates the return of Boddingtons
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester has every reason to drink and jubilate this Friday and toast the perfect excuse for an early dart as the first fresh pours in a new chapter for Boddingtons beer have been sunk.
And by’eck if ain’t still bloody gorgeous.
That’s right, in case you didn’t hear the latest news about ‘Cream of Manchester’, we can now officially and ever-so gladly confirm that Boddingtons Bitter is properly back on draught in the region.
With the iconic cask ale making a glorious return decades on from its glory days in the 1990s, the new and improved Boddies beer is flowing from the taps – just in time for the weekend, no less.
Yes, with local brewery and pub chain J.W. Lees taking over the manufacturing and distribution, leaving the Budweiser Group to take over the licensing, the updated recipe Boddingtons – which clocks in at a 4.0% ABV – is about to be rolled out across the 10 boroughs.
Better yet, with five native pubs having already reinstalled honey yellow and black pumps, and with Lees looking to deliver it to the ale-loving masses across the North West, this could be the biggest Manc comeback since, well, those two lads from Burnage…
Speaking of: we were invited along to Founder’s Hall on Albert Square (formerly Duttons and now home to every one of the brand’s beers, not to mention serving as a tribute to John Lees himself), for a special ceremony to celebrate the inaugural public pints of Boddies being poured.
Let’s just say we were honoured to be part of the grand resurrection.
Obviously, there have been some holdouts hanging onto the classic Mancunian brew, and we certainly had fun trying to track them down over the past couple of years, but we’re just glad we don’t have to do as much work to find one now.
Managing Director of JW Lees, William Lees-Jones, said on the relaunch: “When I joined JW Lees in 1994, Boddingtons was ‘The Cream of Manchester’ and we were in awe of their position in leading the cask beer revolution.
“We’re proud to bring it back home, starting with Founder’s Hall, and we’re planning to restore Boddington’s as one of the UK’s leading premium cask beers, particularly here in the North West.” Well said, sir.
Available from Founder’s Hall, The Black Friar in Salford, Stables Tavern; Sams Chop House, The Circus Tavern, Oxford Road Tap, Piccadilly Tap and Victoria Tap from today, as well as Corbières and Stockport pubs like The Crown and The White Lion, we can’t wait to see Boddingtons take over the nation.
In the meantime, why not look back at the storied history behind one of our finest exports?
Emily Sergeant -
23rd September 2022 
