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. 

Crowd at The Night Market

1. Follow Chester Zoo's Halloween-themed journey filled with dangerous and terrifying creatures 

Halloween is heading to Chester Zoo this month with a new and free interactive Halloween trail that will give you the creeps while also allowing you to get to know some fascinating creatures better. Visitors can explore the zoo's trail, where they will encounter some unique animals such as the Komodo Dragon, Gaboon Viper, Poison Dart Frogs, Blue Komodo Viper, Tarantula, and upside-down Jellyfish. 

2. Undress 250 years of men’s fashion at Manchester Art Gallery 

Exploring 250 years of men’s fashion from the 18th Century to present day, Manchester Art Gallery’s new exhibition Dandy Style will open as the inaugural exhibition of their dedicated new Fashion Gallery on Friday 7 October. Featuring work from artists including David Hockney, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, the exhibition will be on display until May 2023. 

3. Explore Manchester’s Melanin Markets at HOME 

After two jam-packed, fantastic events at Contact and Royal Exchange Theatre, HOME welcomes Melanin Markets Manchester on Sunday 9 October. The markets celebrate and promote black-owned businesses, vibrantly, with unorthodox spaces not usually frequented by the Black community. The Melanin Markets promise to fill the air with Caribbean and African food, drink, music, clothing and art.  

4. Sip some mulled wine in an outdoor tipi at The Oast House 

The tipi at The Oast House will return to Spinningfields this year, welcoming visitors throughout the colder months from Friday 7 October. The tipi has been entirely reinvented for 2022, with three tents linked together by a massive open hub that allows guests to view into the main bar and soak up the party atmosphere. The cosy refuge at The Oast House will also include firepits and live music, as well as winter drinks, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and delicious street cuisine, just in time for the cold weather. 

5. Shop and eat at The Night Market in the historic Victoria Baths 

On Friday 7 October the iconic Grade II listed Victoria Baths will be transformed into an independent and alternative Aladdin’s cave.  For one night only, The Night Market will showcase the finest local talent and feature over 100 independent stalls. They’ll be a vast array of street food to indulge on alongside a Vintage Pool Party filled with the finest treasures and best in local musical talent. Tickets from £6. 

New opening of the week: Shogun Ramen and Bar 

Following the closure of one of Chorlton’s most popular chicken shacks, Peck and Yard. This week sees the former south Manchester restaurant open its doors as a new Japanese concept. Offering up steaming bowls of ramen and hand-rolled sushi, Shogun Ramen and Bar hope to offer something new to the growing Chorlton food and drink scene. 

Book Now: The Art of Banksy, MediaCity  

Following a successful global tour, The Art of Banksy, will come to MediaCity in Salford on Friday 21 October to display 145 iconic and original pieces from the works of street artist Banksy. Working with leading Manchester arts centre HOME, the exhibition will be hosted in a purpose-built 1,200 sq meter structure featuring rarely seen works on loan from private collectors. Tickets start from £21.50 with the exhibition running until Sunday 8 January 2023.