Mark the arrival of Halloween with a weekend of terrifyingly good events across Manchester city centre. Featuring: a giant rooftop monster invasion, Trick or Treat trail, skeleton procession, and Room on the Broom storytelling. Plus, a creepy carnival, poisonous maze and all of your favourites from CBeebies and CBBC.

Find out what's on and let us know you’re coming at www.facebook.com. Read on for our roundup of the top events to enjoy!


1. Monster Invasion: Return of the Monsters

Look up, look out, beware. The giant inflatable monsters are back and multiplying! Catch them taking over the city’s landmarks and buildings in a public art trail that weaves its way through the city centre. Share your monster pics across social using #MCRMonsters.

Find them at Manchester Arndale, Selfridges, House of Fraser, The Printworks, Depot at Mayfield, Royal Exchange, Spinningfields, Piccadilly Place, INNSiDE by Melia and Native at Ducie Street Warehouse.

Download the monster map.

25 October - 31 October 2019
Manchester City Centre


2. Trick or Treat Trail

Get your spook on courtesy of this creepy trail around the city centre. Dress up and pick up a map from the information point in Exchange Square to discover trick or treat houses scattered across the city – there’s a different character at each, waiting to greet you. Check off each point and collect a special treat at Lightopia’s Candy Land on New Cathedral Street.

Market Street, Manchester Arndale, New Cathedral Street, House of Fraser, The Printworks, St Ann’s Square and the Old Bank Residency NOMA.

26 October - 27 October
Manchester City Centre


3. Dr Mancenstein's Mad Science Castle & Poisonous Maze

Meet Manchester's mad-for-it scientist, Dr. Graphena Mancenstein (and her monster, Liam) in the ruins of their exploded castle, then take a walk through the grounds of her garden. It’s a real hedge maze that’s been taken over by creeping vines, enchanted statues and monstrous creatures – oh, and deadly, walking, talking bushes, too…

26 October - 27 October 2019
St. Ann's Square, Manchester


4. Grimm Rita’s Creepy Carnival & The Strolling Bones Skeleton Procession

Don’t look now: Grimm Rita’s Creepy Carnival takes spectral twists and turns along New Cathedral Street, a family-friendly freakshow bursting with street performers, sideshow stalls and a traditional Helter-skelter. Don’t miss the Strolling Bones procession, led by Grimm Rita herself, as it moves between the Creepy Carnival and Dr. Mancenstein’s Castle.

26 October - 27 October 2019
New Cathedral Street


5. Family Favourites at Halloween in the City

Get into the Halloween spirit with spooky screenings from CBeebies and CBBC, with family favourites such as Hey Duggee, Peter Rabbit, The Worst Witch, and Dennis and Gnasher Unleashed.

Plus, families can get creative with a special fun filled Slime School workshop, inspired by CBBC favourite Scream Street.

Manchester’s favourite kids’ arts centre, Z Arts, offers up a taste of the exhibition A World Inside a Book – Gruffalos, Dragons and Other Creatures, dedicated to the children’s author, Julia Donaldson. Head to Manchester Arndale to meet some of her best-loved characters and enjoy magical storytelling sessions of Room on the Broom.

26 October - 27 October 2019
Exchange Square & Manchester Arndale 

Head to The Printworks to join in PJ Masks’ ‘Be a Hero’ Tour, where little ones can learn hero moves like their favourite PJ Masks heroes - Catboy, Owlette and Gekko! But watch out for those Villains!

26 October 2019
The Printworks 

Follow the fun @HalloweenMCR.