We’re into another new month, and autumn is officially here.
The temperatures may be dropping by the day, 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, and we’ve cherry-picked 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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Oktoberfest at Albert Schloss
Peter Street
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Monday 4 October
Credit: Albert’s Schloss
Oktoberfest is back with flowing beer in the city this year, and this is your last day to make the most of it a Manchester’s ‘Bier Palace’.
Over the past few years, Albert’s Schloss has reigned as Manchester’s bier palace by providing an unrivalled selection of Bavarian biers to the people of the city, and now, to coincide with the original festivities in south east Germany, Albert’s Schloss is hosting Oktoberfest, with five speciality biers on tap – a rare find outside of the festival’s origin.
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As well as a unique selection of beers, there’s also keg tapping, bier tasting, festival games, wiener eating competitions, and more to be getting up to.
You can find out more here.
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The Autumn Food & Drink Fair
Platt Fields Market Garden
Monday 4 October
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Credit: Platt Fields Market Garden
Mary Ellen McTague’s The Creameries has teamed up with Platt Fields Market Garden to host an autumnal food and wine fair down on their allotment in south Manchester this Monday.
Bringing together some of Manchester’s best-loved restaurants, as well as local wine importers, brewers and growers for one day only, the fair will celebrate locally-grown, seasonal produce at its finest – with plenty of time to cook, eat, drink and chat throughout the day.
With food being cooked from The Creameries, Isca Wines, Erst, and Things Palace, there’ll be plenty of delicious hot and cool dishes to sample, and as for drinks, local importers Under The Bonnet Wines will be in attendance, with a selection of wines from small growers in Europe, Chile and the UK, as well as some top tier cocktails from the people at Where The Light Gets In.
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.
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.
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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
Monday 4 October – onwards
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Credit: Escape to Freight Island
A jam-packed lineup of “arts, culture, and music” is happening at Escape to Freight Island this months.
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.
You can find more on what’s happening at Escape to Freight Island this autumn here.
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Music Lovers Tour
Greater Manchester
Monday 4 October – onwards
Credit: Flickr | Manchester Digital Music Archive
Manchester is famous for many thing.
The city has given the world so much – but above all, it’s known for its musical roots, having set countless iconic bands on their road to success and most-notably inspiring the creation of the iconic Factory Records and the ‘Madchester’ scene that followed.
There’s 10 iconic landmarks across the region to visit.
You can find more about the landmarks of Music Lovers Tour of Greater Manchester here.
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Bottomless Brunch
Manchester City Centre
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Credit: Elnecot
Bottomless Brunch is a great way to spend a day in the city.
Getting stuck into some free-flowing drinks with your friends around a table of food is a match made in heaven if you ask us, and if you’re looking to achieve your ultimate bottomless brunch goals, then we’ve put together a list of some of our top spots in Manchester to help you find the right one for you.
From pancakes and smashed avocado, to Full English breakfasts, Chinese, chicken and waffles, and more – there’s over 15 choices to pick from.
Credit: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester / Jason Lock
There’s a unique Halloween-themed lego event coming to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester this month.
Now that October is here, and the spooky spectacular that is Halloween just a couple of weeks away, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester is getting into the spirit by giving lego lovers and “little monsters” the chance to get involved with a whole host of themed activities throughout the month.
Brick or Treat has everything to “get you into the Halloween spirit”.
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Some of the activities on offer include pumpkin building for the LEGO pumpkin patch, ‘scarevenger’ hunts, the chance to meet and greet character mascots scarecrow and Lord Vampyre and join them for a Halloween dance party, and more.
You can find more information here, and grab tickets here.
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Use Hearing Protection
Science and Industry Museum
Wednesday 6 October – onwards
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Credit: Science and Industry Museum
A special exhibition documenting the formation and early years of the iconic Factory Records is currently on show at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.
The exhibition also examines the period 1978 to 1982, revealing how the label grew and thrived to give the city an authentic voice and distinctive identity, and visitors will be guided through the pre-Haçienda years to uncover the history of the label and how it earned its status as a catalyst for innovation through rarely or never-before-seen objects.
The first 50 artefacts from the official Factory Records catalogue are on display, including creations from Joy Division, New Order, The Durutti Column, and so much more.
The Warehouse Project 2021 season has officially begun 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.
Independent comic book specialists Wow Comix is teaming up with Stretford Mall to host the town’s first ‘Comic Fest’ this weekend.
Stretford Comic Fest will be taking over the central area of the popular shopping mall with a celebration of all things sci-fi and superhero-related, so fans of comic book pop culture can browse through a wide range of stalls showcasing comic book products and memorabilia.
There’ll be plenty of special guests appearing at the festival too, giving attendees the chance to hang out with some sci-fi stars for autograph sessions and pictures.
A ‘legacy walk’ in memory of the Joe Thompson is taking place across Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
The ‘Walk With Me for JT’, a.k.a Joe Thompson ‘Legacy Walk’, is back next month, and Greater Mancunians are being encouraged to take part.
Returning this year following his tragic passing last April, the now annual charity walk has already raised thousands for charity and is set for another big turnout.
Joe Thompson, an ex-Rochdale AFC and Bury FC player, sadly died at just 36 following a long battle with lymphoma, having been diagnosed three different times in 12 years.
While the young husband and father of two’s story is a heartbreaking one, it has also become a source of inspiration for so many across the North West and, indeed, across the UK, with people once again gearing up to complete a fundraising walk in his name.
Set to honour him by making the journey from his adopted home of Rochdale all the way to Old Trafford, with Thompson having come through Man United’s youth academy, the 15-mile trek will start at his former club’s Crown Oil Arena and stop at Bury’s Gigg Lane as well as Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium.
First held in 2024 under the ‘Walk With Me for JT’ banner, the initial legacy walk saw the Bath-born footballer and countless others complete 21 miles in an effort to raise money for treatment.
Gone but never forgotten, the charity walk survives not only in the hearts and souls of his family, friends and other people’s lives he touched, but in the community spirit that his struggle and immense bravery in the face of illness helped spur on throughout the region and beyond.
Writing on social media, the Thompson family and the Foundation in his memory said, “Last year, he walked beside us. This year, we walk for him. This isn’t just a walk… It’s a promise. A promise to carry his strength, his belief, his light forward.
For every family facing illness. For everyone experiencing loss or hardship. For anyone who needs hope right now. Every step matters. Every mile has meaning. Whether you’ve walked before or this is your first time. You won’t walk alone.”
Join the annual Joe Thompson legacy walk on Saturday 2nd May 💙
Departing from the Crown Oil Arena, the 15-mile walk will finish at Manchester United's Old Trafford 🏟️
They signed off by adding: “Be part of something bigger. Be part of Joe’s legacy. Be part of the movement. Get a team together, invite your friends, colleagues and family and let’s raise funds to support The Joe Thompson Foundation.”
With the event beginning at 11am on Saturday, 2 May, there have already been numerous sign-ups, and you can expect even more to lace up their shoes and pay tribute to a local hero.
If you want to join in the effort and help do your bit, you can register for the 2026 Joe Thompson Legacy Walk right HERE.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 6 – 12 April 2026
Emily Sergeant
Schools are still out, and we’ve got one last bank holiday to make the most of.
Now that a new month has arrived and it’s officially spring in the UK, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week… as long as those classic ‘April showers’ don’t show their face too much, that is.
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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Matilda The Musical
Manchester Palace Theatre
Monday 6 – Saturday 25 April
Matilda The Musical / Credit: The Manc | Supplied
Matilda The Musical has now arrived in Manchester.
The RSC’s smash-hit musical – which is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book of the same name – is currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and this includes a special four-week run at Manchester’s iconic Palace Theatre.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the beloved production about a determined heroine with a vivid imagination has won hearts all over the globe.
Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some last-minute tickets here.
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.
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is currently open in Manchester, 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.
NEW OPENING – Sticks n Sushi / Credit: The Manc Group
Welcome to Manchester, Sticks n Sushi.
It’s not every day we get a new restaurant that’ll stop you in your tracks, but this is one of them. Feast your eyes on Sticks n Sushi – the stunning new opening in the heart of Spinningfields, transforming the old Iberica site into a two-storey, Scandi-style spectacle.
The Really Wild Egg Trail is back at Chester Zoo for 2026.
Spring has arrived at Chester Zoo and there’s more than animals to discover this time, as visitors will need to keep their eyes peeled for giant hidden eggs as they make their way around the zoo as part of this fun seasonal trail.
Each giant egg has been beautifully decorated to resemble some of the incredible animals at the zoo.
From feathery friends to creatures big and small, you’ll discover interesting facts about these species along the way, and you might even spot the real animals nearby and learn more about how we’re helping wildlife survive and thrive.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 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 invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
The sun has arrived in Manchester… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last.
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing installation that’s now shining bright inside Victoria Baths.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA, all now dangling above the former swimming baths.
Helios will be lighting up this corner of Manchester until 6 April, so this is your last day to see it.
Works from legendary Japanese artists Hokusai and Hiroshige have now arrived in the city.
Opening the Whitworth’s first exhibition of Japanese print in more than a century, ‘Beneath the Great Wave’, features colourful woodblock ukiyo-e prints from Edo-period Japan, dating as far back as 1700s – including the iconic ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’.
It’s an easy shout if you fancy something different this week, oh and even better, it’s completely FREE to enter and look around.
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The Wizarding Adventure
East Lancashire Railway
Thursday 9 April
The Wizarding Adventure / Credit: ELR
The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be back travelling through Greater Manchester once again this week.
This is your chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’, where little Mancs can come together for a magical day of sharing spells and getting stuck into lots of magic-themed fun. Aspiring witches and wizards of all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery, as they take a ‘wacky and wonderful’ whistle stop tour through the ‘Irwell Valley of wonders’.
You’ll get to learn powerful incantations and perfect their wand-waving skills, all while using their imagination and learning how to soar through the skies on a broomstick.
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in March, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in April, 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 a bunch of new openings too. From mini tiramisu drawers, to Magnum-stuffed croissants, egg custard tarts, and more, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Do you know about the ‘secret’ Italian produce cash-and-carry in Manchester city centre?
You’ve probably seen the grey trucks belonging to Amato Products all over Manchester, usually parked outside your favourite restaurants delivering premium ingredients to them, but this wholesaler has another trick up its sleeve… a miniature supermarket where you can pick up quality Italian produce for way less than your local Tesco.
Whether it’s guanciale, San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, burrata, unusual pasta shapes, pizza dough, pre-filled pasta, or even octopus you’re after, you’ll find it here.
Ever seen a full menu of Scotch eggs? We’re gonna guess not.
But that’s exactly what you’ll find over at The Davenport Arms.
There’s no greater duo than a pint and a Scotch egg, and now you can find the perfect pairing at a pub in Stockport. Known locally as The Thief’s Neck, The Davenport Arms has launched a whole menu of different homemade Scotch eggs, each served with its own matched condiments.
Not only is there a wide selection of savoury options, just as you’d expect, but did we mention there’s a dessert one too.
Emily Sergeant -
30th September 2021 
