Five Things you can do in Greater Manchester this week (23 – 29 October)

1. Inflatable monsters invade for Halloween in the City 

Halloween is upon us, and the most spooktacular event is coming back to the city centre. From Wednesday 25 October, you can start spotting some friendly inflatables in what is the biggest MCR Monsters invasion ever! During the weekend make your way to Manchester Arndale and watch the Monster’s Rock Party Procession, bring the whole family to Hell-ter Skelter in New Cathedral Street for some frightening rides, or watch the roaming circus in the Carnival of Monsters in St. Anne’s Square. There are plenty more activities in this Halloween in the City, so dress up in your spookiest outfits and join the party! 

2. Outrun the zombies in a haunted half marathon 

Oldham is ready for the spookiest sporting event of the season. On Sunday, 29 October, the Halloween Half Marathon will run over a 13.1-mile course through the villages of the borough, with the start and finish lines in the town centre. If running a half marathon is not for you, you can still go out and support the athletes and cheer on as they cross the finish line. Entry fees for the runners start from £30. 

3. Discover the world’s first ever ‘Pooduction Line’ 

This half term, head to the Science and Industry Museum with the family and learn about what happens to food in your body through an interactive exhibition. With Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You, explore some super-sized science and make your way through the digestive system – you can even get flushed down a giant toilet! For Halloween, Dr Chris, Dr Xand and Dr Ronx have shared their favourite ickiest experiences from the exhibition. Tickets to the exhibition start from £9. 

4. Find all kinds of hocus pocus in Afflecks 

If you’ve ever been curious about the history of the iconic Afflecks building, this is the tour for you. On Saturday, 28 October, Afflecks will turn into a Halloween House of Horror where Karen from Mad for Art will take you through the ghostly heritage of the 180-year-old building, you’ll join a spellcasting session with the resident witches at Occult and you’ll even get to try some delicious, seasonal treats! Tickets for the event start from £10. 

5. Turnpike Gallery’s dazzling exhibition illuminates Leigh 

Step into brilliance at the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh until 16 December. Part of Wigan’s annual Light Night festival, the Light Up Exhibition invites visitors to actively contribute to the radiant displays with hands-on activities for visitors and drop-in workshops during this half term. The exhibition features artworks from Jim Bond, Joshua Space and Travelling Light Circus. Free to visit, the exhibition is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays. 

Book Now: West End Christmas Spectacular comes to the AO Arena 

Directly from the West End, one of the most successful festive shows is coming to AO Arena on the 4 December. Fairytale of New York was created by Ged Graham who is also a producer and cast member, and features some of our favourite Christmas hits. The Irish inspired phenomenon includes some of the greatest Irish hits to sing along to! Tickets start from £30.50, and you can grab yours now here. 

New opening: Mean Eyed Cat 

This Deep South-inspired dive bar opened in the Northern Quarter just last month, taking over the former District space. Having been a staple in Leeds for the past two decades, Mean Eyed Cat now brings its rebellious spirit to Manchester’s most eclectic neighbourhood. With every drink, from 5pm to 9pm, you get a free pizza, and you can order some delicious Johnny Cash themed cocktails. Take a chance and roll the dice – if you get a six, your round is free!