Our top tips for making the most of the week ahead, with brilliant things to do across the whole of Greater Manchester… For even more ideas, visit our What’s On page. 

Three Little Words

1. The Rugby League World Cup arrives in Greater Manchester 

The Rugby League World Cup comes to Manchester this month, and for the first time in its history, the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments will all take place together. Matches will be hosted across the North West in towns like St Helens and Warrington, and of course, Greater Manchester has a big role to play. With availability for the finals at Old Trafford limited, tickets starting from £15, are still available for fixtures at the University of Bolton Stadium and Leigh Sports Village. 

2. Experience award-winning actors, writers and comedians at Manchester Literature Festival 

Manchester Literature Festival, which returns from Friday 7 - 23 October, presents an exciting line-up of incredible writers, world-class actors and a plethora of emerging talent. Taking place at several venues across the city, including Central Library, Contact Theatre and RNCM, the full festival programme can be found here.  

3. Venture deep into the ‘Forbidden Forest’ at Arley Hall 

Dust off your cloaks and ready your wands from Sunday 16 October, for the return of Arley Hall’s ‘Forbidden Forest Experience’. The night-time trail allows Harry Potter fans to cast their Patronus while discovering mythical creatures such as Hippogriffs and Nifflers. Along the night walk, you can also grab a cup of Butterbeer or stop off to eat in front of a blazing fire. Tickets start from £24. 

4. Create and sample some of your own Gin in the city 

Unwind this weekend with a trip to one of Manchester’s secret hideaways. Three Little Words is nestled in the historical arches beneath Manchester Central (former GMEX) and offers visitors a unique insight into the iconic ‘Manchester Gin’ distillery. With a new menu launched this week that celebrates four key pillars of the bar’s history, guests can also try their hand at distilling their own unique bottle of gin.  

5. Celebrate 40 years of Afflecks with a pop-up exhibition 

The iconic Northern Quarter landmark, Afflecks, celebrates its 40th birthday this year with a pop-up exhibition featuring 40 iconic figures and faces that have made the emporium of eclecticism what it is today. Acclaimed photographer Paul Wolfgang Webster, who has permanent portraits in London’s National Portrait Gallery, has curated this 3rd-floor exhibition alongside a book available for purchase. 

New opening of the week: MNKY HSE 

Opening this week on Friday 14 October, MNKY HSE (pronounced Monkey House) will be welcoming their second UK restaurant on Lloyd Street. Loved for its upmarket Latin American-inspired menu, guests can dig into tacos, caviar, ceviche, sea bass and more alongside elegant platters designed for sharing and stunning cocktails inspired by the region. 

Book Now: Backyard Cinema 

Perfect for movie lovers and adventure-seekers, Backyard Cinema arrives at the old Mayfield Station this month for a limited 10-week run. In what will be the first Backyard venture outside of London, the immersive cinema will host 330 guests and show Halloween classics like Beetlejuice and Hocus Pocus to modern blockbusters like Elvis and Jordan Peele’s Nope.