Your Guide to Halloween in the City

Hero Image Credit: CityCo Manchester

Once again, Manchester will transform into a Halloween wonderland and we've put together a frightfully handy guide to help you plan your visit.  

Here's everything you need to know about what's happening, when, and where—so you won't miss out on any of the eerie excitement! 

From Friday, October 25 to Thursday, October 31, the legendary Manchester Monsters will once again take over the city's rooftops and buildings. If you're up for a monster hunt, we’ve created a handy map showing where these colossal creatures will land. It's the perfect way to explore the city while getting into the Halloween spirit! 

📅 Friday, October 25 – Thursday, October 31 
📍 Across Manchester 
🆓 FREE 

On Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, Manchester transforms into a full-blown Halloween wonderland. Expect thrilling games, live music, spooky processions, festive crafts, delicious food, jaw-dropping costumes, and so much more—all for free! 

Here's the breakdown of what’s happening: 

A monstrous music festival will take over Manchester’s streets with spooky DJs, live performances, gruesome games, carnival rides, and yes—even monster portaloos! 

📅 Saturday, October 26: 10:00 – 19:00 
📅 Sunday, October 27: 10:00 – 17:00 
📍 Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Manchester Arndale 

Are you Team Trick or Team Treat? Head over to New Cathedral Street (near Zara), grab a wristband, and pick your side. Join in a variety of ghoulish games to win points for your team! Bonus: come in fancy dress to earn an extra 10 points! 

📅 Saturday, October 26: 10:00 – 16:00 
📅 Sunday, October 27: 10:00 – 16:00 
📍 Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Manchester Arndale 

Don’t miss this spectacular roaming performance by Walk the Plank, featuring giant monster puppets, stilt walkers, and a lively five-piece band! 

📅 Saturday, October 26: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30 
📅 Sunday, October 27: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30 
📍 Manchester Arndale & Market Street 

Indulge in some spooky shopping at the Halloween Market, where you’ll find delicious treats, crafts, and more! 

📅 Saturday, October 26: 10:00 – 19:00 
📅 Sunday, October 27: 10:00 – 17:00 
📍 St Ann’s Square 

A brand-new monster is crawling into the spotlight! The Leech, an eight-meter-long creature, will be worming its way through the Carnival of Monsters, delighting crowds with its creepy, crawly charm. 

📅 Saturday, October 26: 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30 
📅 Sunday, October 27: 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30 
📍 St Ann’s Square 

Feeling watched? You should be! Hundreds of eyeballs are hidden across the city, waiting to be spotted. Keep an eye out (pun intended) as you explore doorways, lampposts, tram stops, and more. Snap your finds and share them using @HalloweenMCR and #EyeballHunt. 

📅 Thursday, October 19 – Thursday, October 31 
📍 Across Manchester City Centre 

Step into the Rave-yard, where DJ Ghostman and his fiendish friends will be spinning spooky beats. Play some ghoulish games, dance the day away, and enjoy tasty treats from Franco Manca as you eat, sleep, GRAVE, repeat! 

📅 Saturday, October 26: 10:00 – 19:00 
📅 Sunday, October 27: 10:00 – 17:00 
📍 St Ann’s Square 

With so much happening across the city, this Halloween promises to be an unforgettable experience. And the best part? It’s all FREE! Happy haunting! 🎃👻 

Follow @halloweenmcr for regular event updates.

For more information, head to our What's On page.