Hero Image Credit: CityCo Manchester 

Looking for a fun-filled Halloween that won't break the bank? We've rounded up the best free activities happening in Manchester this spooky season. Whether you're planning a day out with the kids or just looking for some eerie entertainment, there's something for everyone! 

MCR Monsters: The Monster Invasion is Back! 

The iconic MCR Monsters are returning to Manchester, and they’re bigger and better than ever! This year’s monster invasion will feature 16 gigantic ghouls and creepy creatures taking over the city’s streets and rooftops. Prepare to see the Manchester skyline like never before—filled with terrifying monsters and haunting sights! 

A map will be available soon to help you navigate your monstrous adventure, but keep in mind the full route might be a bit much for little legs. 

For more details, visit Manchester Monsters

📍 Across Manchester 
📅 Friday, October 25 – Thursday, October 31 
🆓 FREE 
🎫 ❌ No booking required 

Share your spooky snaps using @HalloweenMCR and #MCRMonsters! 

MCR Monsters

Halloween in the City: A Weekend Takeover 

On Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, Manchester will transform into a Halloween wonderland. Expect thrilling games, festive processions, live music, crafts, delicious food, costumes galore, and much more - all for free! 

Events will be taking place at several key locations, including: 

  • Exchange Square 

  • New Cathedral Street 

  • St Ann’s Square 

  • Manchester Arndale 

Highlights include: 

For more information, visit Halloween in the City

📍 Across Manchester 
📅 Saturday, October 26: 10:00 – 19:00 
📅 Sunday, October 27: 10:00 – 17:00 
🆓 FREE 
🎫 ❌ No booking required 

Monster Parade

Arachnobot: A Giant Spider Roams Manchester Arndale 

If you’re afraid of spiders, this may not be for the faint-hearted! The Arachnobot, a massive, world-first giant spider puppet, will be prowling Manchester Arndale as part of the Manchester Science Festival. Marvel (or tremble) as this incredible, lifelike spider roams the mall. 

Created by Artistic Director Tim Davies, Arachnobot is a stunning work of art that combines an inflatable body with a cable skeleton to control its eight articulated legs, all manipulated by a single puppeteer. 

For more details, visit Arachnobot

📍 Manchester Arndale 
📅 Saturday, October 19 
🕒 Activities: 10:00 – 18:00 
🕒 Spider Walks: 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30 

📅 Sunday, October 20 
🕒 Activities: 11:30 – 17:30 
🕒 Spider Walks: 12:30, 13:45, 15:00, 16:15 
🆓 FREE 
🎫❌ No booking required 

ArachnobotImage Credit: Tim Davies 

Screamworks at The Printworks: Can You Scream Loud Enough to Win? 

Ready for a scream-worthy challenge? Head to Screamworks at The Printworks on Friday, October 25th, where you could win one of 50 gift vouchers worth £50 each—just by screaming! The louder your scream, the higher your chances of winning. 

Prepare to be scared out of your wits as creepy characters lurk the halls, all with one mission: to make you SCREAM! 

📍 Printworks 
📅 Friday October 25 
🕒 12:00 – 17:00 
🆓 FREE 
🎫 ❌ No booking required 

Get Ready to Scream

Mayfield Park: Ride the Biggest Slides in Town! 

No family trip to Manchester is complete without a visit to Mayfield Park. Recently awarded the prestigious Green Flag, the park was praised by judges who said they had “never seen such an outstanding urban park in over 20 years of judging." 

The highlight? A world-class adventure playground that's perfect for children of all ages. With towering slides and thrilling play structures, it’s an experience not for the faint-hearted—but one that's guaranteed to entertain for hours! 

Are you brave enough to take on the biggest slides in town? Ride if you dare! 

📍 Mayfield Park
🕒 5am – 10pm every day 
🆓 FREE 
🎫 ❌ No booking required 

Mayfield Park Playground

For even more Halloween fun, head to our Halloween in the City page.