Can you believe we’re leaving October behind this week?
Autumn is in full swing, spooky season is here, with the big day itself finally arriving on Thursday, and schools across the region are out for half term to celebrate, so of course there’s absolutely no shortage of things for the whole family to be getting up to across Greater Manchester all throughout this week.
Think immersive horror experiences, Halloween trails, spooky cinemas, ghost train rides, firework displays, and so much more.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide, so here’s some of our recommendations.
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MCR Monsters
Manchester City Centre
Monday 28 – Thursday 31 October
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MCR Monsters / Credit: CityCo & Manchester BID
The MCR Monsters are back once again, and you’ve only got a few days to get yourselves out there to find them all.
Part of the annual wider ‘Halloween in the City’ events lineup, just as they have been doing for the past few years now, giant inflatable monsters will be looming and creeping over buildings across the city centre this week to transform some of our most well-known landmarks with tentacles and googly eyes and pointy teeth for a free trail.
There’s dozens of monsters to spot around town this year, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you.
Pumpkin Lanterns / Credit: CityCo / Manchester BID
There couldn’t be a more ideal time to catch a glimpse of the pumpkins.
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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.
Chester Zoo’s Halloween Festival / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has been transformed into a ‘super-natural spectacle’ for the spooky season, and there’s loads of exciting events planned now that Halloween is here this week.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo has been getting into the scary spirit throughout October, with a trail of giant animals made out of pumpkins, and a fully animated 360-degree ‘mythical experience’ among the highlights at the huge new Halloween festival.
Visitors get to come face-to-face with giant animal sculptures made with pumpkins, all before encountering untamed creatures at the new BEASTS experience – which is the first of its kind in the UK.
Scare City is back for the fifth year running with its “most immersive” horror experience to date.
Taking over the grounds of the abandoned Camelot Theme Park for “another year of terror”, just as it has done for the past three years following the success of its initial 2020 launch as a drive-in cinema, this year’s event features a selection of terrifying zones to weave your way through – some familiar, some brand new.
A brand-new Halloween trail is leading people through an enchanted and haunted woodland this autumn.
Taking place at the Trafford Centre’s little-known Wilderspool Woods, the 4.5 acre hidden woodland in the grounds of the iconic shopping centre has been taken over by skeletons, bats, and all sorts of other spooky creatures.
More than 100,000 lights illuminate a Skeleton Village, and there’s laser-filled gardens of mist, a spooky soundtrack of otherworldly tunes curated by DJ Rasp, and supernatural surprises around every corner – whether it’s colourful bats soaring overhead, or glowing LED eyes watching down from the treetops.
That’s because a brand-new immersive scare experience presented by Manchester Scare Factory, called ‘Time To Die’, has landed right here in the city centre down at Diecast, and it’s said to be elevating horror to a whole new level.
Created by the group of innovative professionals behind the award-winning Newsham Park in Liverpool, and the infamous Area51group, this horrifying masterpiece has than enough to send shivers down your spine.
The Big Manchester Bake / Credit: Big Bakes | Brydn Webb
The Big Manchester Bake has landed, and believe us when we tell you it’s one of the best ways to spend an evening in the city.
Baking enthusiasts and novices alike can indulge in the enjoyment of the Big Bakes experience, with step-by-step instructions allowing you to bake your way through the 90-minute timed task and be crowned ‘star baker’ (or…not).
Halloween Ghost Trains / Credit: East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway’s popular Halloween Ghost Trains are back for one last ride this Thursday.
Always proving to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for “loads of spooktacular fun” once the scariest time of year rolls around, those brave enough at lending the ‘Monster Squad’ a helping hand at banishing ghosts and ghouls will be whisked away on a haunted steam engine through the atmospheric Greater Manchester countryside.
You’ll get to meet lots of “oddballs and curios” along the way, including Count Brian the vampire, Veronica the witch, Zombie Bob, and the mad Dr Frankenburger as you board the rain ride of a lifetime.
Want to immerse yourself in spooky season with a touch of sophistication? Well, one of the city’s newest venues has got you covered.
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Giving film fans the chance to enjoy something a little different this Halloween, an alternative immersive cinema experience called Silent-ology will be taking over Arch 19 – which is part of the Found neighbourhood, nestled in Red Bank – and embracing the spooky spirit with a showing of Nosferatu.
The iconic horror film will be screened in the soft glow of candlelight, with a soul-stirring soundtrack played by a live string quartet to add to the atmosphere.
This is your chance to dress in your sexiest Halloween outfit and prepare to find love… or simply enjoy watching others try.
Following the amazing turnout at the last Take Me Out-style event hosted, Take Me to Hell and Back will take over Bierkeller down at the Printwork on Halloween night itself this Thursday, and will feature plenty of attempts at trying to reach the Isle of Fernando’s.
There’ll also be lots of cheap drink deals, a live band, DJs playing everything from DnB to house, and so much more.
The skies above Manchester city centre will be sparkling when a huge Bonfire Night event takes over the city’s newest park this weekend.
All happening at over at Mayfield Park, and organised by Freight Island and the acclaimed Manchester events company Walk the Plank, Fireworks Extravaganza is set to take place over several evenings, with 10-minutes of fireworks, free sparklers for the kids, and food traders serving mulled wine, hot chocolate, and candy floss.
On Friday and Sunday, the displays themselves will take place at 6:30pm, but on Saturday night, there’ll also be an extra-late slot with a display at 8:30pm too.
Brickhouse Social is making every Saturday feel like a ‘throwback Thursday’ this autumn.
At the 2000s Brunch, running right through to the last Saturday of November, you can enjoy unlimited pizza, funky cocktails, and back-to-back noughties anthems up on Manchester’s best-kept secret roof terrace.
Drinks will be flowing, as guests are treated to unlimited bottled beers, bottomless fizz, and even bottomless select cocktails.
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac is hosting a club night in Manchester this weekend, and it’ll all be wrapped up by midnight.
Following the success of her big outdoor shows this past summer, the Dublin-born DJ, broadcaster, and writer is bringing her Before Midnight clubbing concept back for more, and she’s taking to Manchester city centre’s famous Albert Hall stage on Saturday, making it one of the most inclusive clubbing experiences there is.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo | CityCo & Manchester BID | Freight Island
Boroughs
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 9 – 15 March 2026
Emily Sergeant
The first signs of spring are really starting to show themselves now, and we couldn’t be happier about it honestly.
March is in full swing, so we’re really not short of exciting events and activities to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester this week – with everything from world-class theatre shows, Holi colour festivals, exciting new art exhibitions, and so much more happening.
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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Picasso: A Legacy
Castle Fine Art
Monday 9 March – 4 May
Picasso: A Legacy / Credit: Supplied
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is opening in Manchester this week, including works never-before seen on public display.
The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
Mamma Mia! The Musical / Credit: ATG Tickets | Brinkhoff/Moegenburg
Here we go again… one of the most iconic stage musicals of all time, Mamma Mia!, has arrived back in to Manchester, and has taken to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage for an extended stay throughout the month.
There’s absolutely no denying that Mamma Mia! has millions of fans right across the globe, after all, when you take all of ABBA’s greatest hits and put them into one all-singing all-dancing show, it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
Going from the West End to becoming a global phenomenon, this irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world for more than two decades.
Find out more and get your last-minute tickets here.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 9 March – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this spring? 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.
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in February, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in March, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have loads of new openings too. From golden egg pops, to a pickle lover’s wet dream (… sorry) in pizza form, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Ski season is officially here, the Winter Olympics have well and truly entertained us, and people are jetting off to the slopes left, right, and centre. But if you’ve never been skiing before, and you’re heading on your first ski holiday, luckily you can learn the ropes here at Manchester’s very-own Snow Centre first.
Over a two-hour beginner lesson here, you can learn everything from how to get your skis on, to snow ploughing… and even getting back up again after falling over.
Our Amy’s currently on her first-ever ski holiday this week, so we took her for her initial lesson👇
You’ve know American Pies, you’ve had Foldies, you may’ve even tried Big BBQ Tray already, but we’re pretty sure you’ve never had stuff quite like this.
This is Ferma Pizza Bakery – the new concept from Brewski.
It all revolves and their that delicious pizza dough and their experimental excellence, which has resulted in everything from fresh new focaccia creations, top-notch sausage rolls, and even an Italian twist on Cornwall’s most famous food.
Oh, and you’re simply not ready for what they’ve done on the sweet side of things.
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NEW OPENING – Le Coq Boutique
Northern Quarter
NEW OPENING – Le Coq Boutique / Credit: The Manc Group
Le Coq Boutique has just landed in the Northern Quarter, and it’s doing one thing and one thing properly.
And that ‘thing’ is 24-hour brined, butter-basted roast chicken, cooked to perfection and finished with your choice of sauce.
Our personal favourite was the Buffalo, but there’s everything from chicken jus, to herby butter, and so much more to pick from. And then for sides, think crispy, fluffy hash browns topped with pecorino foam, labneh carrots. Divine.
And yes… you can wash it all down with chicken wine, because they’ve got bottles of the stuff. If you’re bored of basic roasts and dry chicken, then this is your upgrade.
A huge jacuzzi pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and lounge pods – and all a five-minute walk from Manchester Victoria? Jayde Spa has just opened to the public for the first time, so you can quite literally float away from your daily grind.
There aren’t a whole lot of spa spaces in Manchester city centre, but this one is a real escape from the madness of town.
If you’re ready to relax, get yourself booked in here.
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Power Hall: After Hours
Science and Industry Museum
Thursday 12 March
Power Hall: After Hours / Credit: Science Museum Group
Fancy releasing your inner child? If you need an excuse to leave the little Mancs at home, then the Science and Industry Museum has announced that its popular After Hours event especially for adults is returning for one night only this week.
You’ll get to celebrate the energy that ‘sparked a revolution’ with an evening of interactive games, live music, and unique experiences as you explore the Museum once it’s closed for the day.
It’s your chance to be among the first to explore the newly re-opened Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery after dark, and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of engine-driven ideas that started in Manchester and went on to change the world.
RDC Festival Elements / Credit: John Thomas (via Unsplash)
A huge festival of colour celebrating renewal and new beginnings is coming to the Trafford Centre this weekend.
Known for bringing communities together through music, colour, and wellbeing, RDC Festival’s Elements is back next month, and will be transforming the shopping centre’s outdoor space into a vibrant global celebration inspired by Holi – the ‘Festival of Colours’.
Holi is traditionally a celebration of renewal, love, and new beginnings, and Elements is designed to bring this spirit to life through immersive colour play, movement, and ‘shared joy.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group | Brinkhoff/Moegenburg | John Thomas
Boroughs
A new social ‘osteria’ and Italian restaurant is opening in Stockport town centre
Danny Jones
You may not have come across the phrase ‘osteria’ before, but all you really need to know is that it’s Italian, involves food and drink, and the concept is coming to one of the most exciting new developments in Stockport.
Put simply, an osteria is somewhere that typically serves up wine and simple, rustic food in a more laid-back setting; they’re even more chill and perhaps extra focused on gathering friends and the communal side of the culinary world than a traditional trattoria.
However, the lines have been blurred over time, and in fact, it’s The Social Trattoria over in Poynton, just on the Cheshire border, that is bringing this concept to the flourishing Greater Manchester town.
Being headed up their team and property firm, Capital and Centric, who will be providing the space for the new social-first foodie spot, it will form a popular hospitality hub in the middle of a new mini-district.
The first CGI of the soon-to-open space. (Credit: Supplied)
That epicentre is the soon-to-be fully reborn Weir Mill: a new housing, business and leisure neighbourhood revolving around the old Grade II-listed cotton factory of the same name.
Scheduled to open later this year and deliver more than 250 new homes, a slate of cafes and bars (as well as Social Osteria), not to mention lots of new jobs, the aim is to make it one of the most vibrant places with an SK postcode.
While the Social Osteria doesn’t quite have a specific opening date just yet, it’s set to be one of the big focal points of the new and improved Weir Mill.
Promising all of the favourites from pasta, pizzas, antipasti, Aperol, other aperitivos and plenty more, they’re hoping it’ll be a place to meet throughout the day rather than just evening dining.
Clocking in at 2000 square feet – not including the 65,000 sq ft of surrounding outdoor space, paired riverside terrace and another exciting new opening in Stockport, Weaver’s Square – they’re looking to make a big impression on the locals, as well as bring even more tourists to the up-and-coming area.
You can read more about how Weaver fits into the Weir works down here:
The Social Trattoria – the Poynton go-to founded by Will Okill, Jeremy Alexander, and Daniel Barron – was named best Trattoria at the Italian Awards UK 2025 and is up for four more this year.
Co-Founder Will Okill said of the plans: “You can’t help falling in love with this building, and that’s what happened when I walked into Weir Mill.
“It was stripped back to its bare bones, but the atmosphere was already there, you could feel the character – and then the outdoor space overlooking the river sealed it; as soon as I saw it, I could picture what we’d create here.
“We’re all about taking traditional Italian cooking and making it fresh for today – everything from scratch and using locally-sourced ingredients wherever we can. Stockport’s indie food scene is booming, and we can’t wait to be part of it.” Exciting times ahead indeed.
Take a closer look at the kind of dishes and drinks you can expect Trattoria to carry over to the new Social Osteria site down below.
Emily Sergeant -
24th October 2024 
