This October, mark the arrival of Halloween with a weekend of terrifyingly good events at Halloween in the City. Featuring: momentous monsters, petrifying parades, a trick or treat trail and a gigantic ghostly gathering  – plus events and offers from the biggest, baddest names in shopping, food and drink.

Check out the top 5 things you can't miss below: 

1. Monster Invasion 

Look out, look up, beware. The monsters are coming! Climbing up buildings, peeping from windows and hiding in the trees. Miss them at your peril…

Thursday 25-Sunday 28 October, FREE, 35 Dale Street, Mayfield, Manchester Arndale - Exchange Square, Manchester Arndale – Market Street, Piccadilly Place, House of Fraser and Manchester Hall 


2. Trick or Treat Trail

Get your spook on courtesy of this creepy trail around the city centre. Pick up a map and discover four trick or treat houses scattered across the city – there’s a different monster at each, waiting to greet you. Check off all four and collect a special sweet treat in St Ann’s Square 

Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 October, 10am-6pm, FREE, Market Street, Manchester Arndale (near Topshop), St. Ann’s Square, House of Fraser


3. A Ghostly World Record Attempt

Grab a bed sheet and join our Ghostly World Record Attempt – to gather together the most ghosts in one place, ever. Hosted by Heart DJs, it will be silly, spooky and all for a great cause, raising money for Manchester’s homeless charity, Big Change Manchester. 

Saturday 27 October, 1pm-3pm, FREE, Exchange Square (Main Stage). 

Advance registration required, click here to register.


4. The Spooky Pooch Costume Show

Give your four-legged friends the chance to shine in this spooky-style dog show. Dogs are asked to come with an owner, both dressed up in their Halloween best – winners will leave with a frighteningly good doggy treat and trophy!

Sunday 28 October, 1pm-3pm, FREE, Exchange Square (Main Stage). 

To take part, please click here to register.  


5. The Enchanted Forest

Thirty birch trees, each 4 metres high, pitch up in St. Ann’s Square, a pop-up forest that’s home to witches and magical creatures - including the witch’s house from our Trick or Treat Trail, a witch boot camp, sweet treats, face painting, a sensory zone for the under 5s, and a chance to meet the witch from the popular children’s book Room on the Broom. Trees provided by Real Oasis.

Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 October, 10am-7pm, FREE, St. Ann’s Square