Your Guide to Halloween in the City

Boo! Did we scare you? Halloween is creeping into Manchester once again, and the city is pulling out all the stops. On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2025, families and monster hunters alike can enjoy a host of free, spine-tingling events across Manchester city centre. From roaming monster processions to fashion catwalks, monster hunting and ghostly DJ sets, there’s something for everyone.

The legendary MCR Monsters are back, taking over the city’s streets and rooftops from 25 to 31 October. Keep your eyes peeled for all 17 monsters and share your monster spotting snaps with @HalloweenMCR #MCRMonsters. These larger-than-life creations are brought to life by talented artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, Designs in Air, and promise plenty of surprises for all ages.

Over the weekend of Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, the streets of Manchester will come alive with the Monsters Party Procession. Produced by Walk the Plank, this roaming spectacle features dancing monster puppets, stilt walkers, and a six-piece brass band performing spooktacular tunes. 

The Rave-Yard in Exchange Square is the place to be. Hosted by resident evil DJs, it’s a ghost’s favourite spot to party, with ghoulish games, disco play sessions by Born to Be Wild Child, and live music from Half Baked on Saturday evening. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the fun, making it a perfect family-friendly Halloween hangout.

Fashion lovers can strut their stuff at Monster Fashion Week on New Cathedral Street. Put on your most ghoulish glamour and hit the catwalk in front of spooktacular fashion designers. Snap photos, share them on Instagram with @HalloweenMCR and #MCRMonsterFashion, for the chance to be crowned ‘Manchester’s Most Monstrous’ and win a £100 shopping gift card. 

For a touch of magic, The Monster Library at Manchester Arndale’s Exchange Court offers live storytelling performances by Z-arts. The show uncovers the origins of the MCR Monsters in a fun, engaging way, packed with laughs, thrills, and plenty of audience fun - perfect for little monster fans.

Meanwhile, the Carnival of Monsters tumbles into St Ann’s Square, hosted by The Super Duper Family Festival, offering a family-friendly freakshow with roaming circus performers, hula hooping workshops, a hall of mirrors, and the terrifyingly fun, gigantic wriggling Leech. This eight-metre-long creature, accompanied by underground skeleton puppets and a stilt-walking ringmaster, dances through the streets with a soundtrack to die for, courtesy of Walk the Plank.

Of course, no Halloween in Manchester would be complete without a Fancy Dress Takeover. Ghosts, ghouls, and glitter lovers are invited to come in costume, join the city-wide celebration, and create unforgettable memories. Strike a pose at themed photo points, snap a selfie with the mischievous MCR Monsters, or show off your style on the Monster Fashion Week catwalk.

Celebrate Halloween in Manchester

Celebrate Halloween in Manchester like never before - dress up, party, and enjoy magical experiences with your family and friends. Keep up with all the latest events, visit halloweenmcr.com or follow @HalloweenMCR on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Extend the Magic and Stay in Manchester This October Half Term  

With spooky events, cultural gems, family dining, and cosy overnight stays, there’s plenty to see and do in Manchester this October half term. And with two days of Halloween in the City, the adventure doesn’t stop at sunset.