Get ready to embrace the spine-tingling chills, the eerie excitement, and the ghostly gatherings, because Halloween is creeping up on Manchester.

As the leaves fall and the nights grow darker, the city comes alive with an amazing selection of hair-raising and ghoulishly delightful events that will send shivers down your spine.

For I Love MCR’s full Halloween listings, you can click here for more amazing events.

The Best Halloween Events in Manchester

Halloween In The City 2023: A Monstrous Manchester Takeover

Start Date: October 25, 2023 End Date: October 31, 2023 Venue: Manchester City Centre

Get ready for a spine-tingling Halloween in Manchester as Halloween In The City returns for 2023 with monstrous events that are sure to send shivers down your spine. The Halloween Festival in Manchester promises a giant monster party that will take over the heart of the city.

This year, a massive monster music festival will hit the streets, and you can expect to encounter monsters lurking around every corner. Halloween In The City 2023 promises to be a weekend of monstrous proportions, featuring a giant rooftop monster invasion, the Monster’s Rock Musical Festival, spooky DJs, live performances, and so much more.

Here’s what you can look forward to during Halloween In The City 2023:

MCR Monsters Takeover: Look up! Look out! Beware! The legendary MCR Monsters are back and ready to take over the city’s streets and rooftops. Keep an eye out for all 16 of these larger-than-life creatures during the biggest monster invasion ever, and don’t forget to share your pics using the hashtag #MCRMonsters. These fantastic monsters are the creations of artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas.

Monster Locations:

1. Manchester Arndale: Exchange Square, Above Next, M4 3AJ
2. Selfridges Exchange Square: Exchange Square, M3 1BD
3. Exchange Square (28 + 29 Oct Only): Festival Entrance, M3 1BD
4. Exchange Square (28 + 29 Oct Only): Music Stage, M3 1BD
5. Corn Exchange Manchester – Inside (10.30am-11.30pm): Exchange Square, M4 3TR
6. Harvey Nichols: New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD
7. New Cathedral Street (28 + 29 Oct Only): Near Ted Baker, M1 1AD
8. The Royal Exchange Manchester: St Ann’s Square, M2 7DH
9. National Trust – Castlefield Viaduct (10.30am-5.00pm): Duke Street, M3 4PU
10. AO Arena: Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR
11. AO Arena: Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR
12. New Century Hall: Miller Street, M4 4AH
13. New Vic: Corporation Street, M4 4DX
14. Kampus: Aytoun Street, M1 3GL
15. The Church: Chorlton Street, M1 3HN
16. Mayfield (6.00am – 7.30pm): Baring Street, M1 2PY

Tattu Halloween Party

When: October 27th – 31st, 2023

Where: Tattu, Manchester

Tattu, the award-winning contemporary Chinese fusion restaurant, is known for its exquisite cuisine and innovative concepts. This Halloween, Tattu invites you to a special “Skullduggery: A Halloween Dream” event that runs from October 27th to 31st.

The restaurant transforms into a hauntingly beautiful space inspired by the Tibetan belief in the overlap of human and ghost worlds.

During this time, Tattu unveils a spellbinding range of exclusive dishes, including Pumpkin Dumplings and the mouthwatering Wilting Blossom Dessert. You can also sip on eerie cocktails, like the Deadly Dismay of Crystal Head, served in blood-red candles.

On October 28th, Tattu hosts a Skullduggery one-off event, featuring a special Skullduggery Set Menu with small plates, champagne packages, and Trick or Treat cocktails. As the day turns into night, enjoy live music and DJ sets from 12 PM onwards. Tattu promises an unforgettable Halloween dining experience that combines the macabre with culinary excellence.

You can book by clicking here

Spooky cocktails at Manchester235

Manchester235 have upped their cocktail game with everyone’s favourite, the Pumpkin Spiced.

Blending the flavour of the season with the classic Smirnoff Red vodka, Kahlua and cream, then topped off with generous helpings of whipped cream, chocolate dust and a sweet marshmallow pumpkin. This creation is perfect to kick start your Halloween weekend, not to mention looking super cute on your Instagram

The Pumpkin Spiced is part of their 241 Cocktails promotion, available from bar open to bar close Sunday to Thursday and 6pm – 9pm Fridays and Saturdays.

Book a table here

Get spooked at FilmFear 2023

Edward Scissorhands at The Lowry

Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production of Edward Scissorhands has carved a place in the hearts of audiences world-wide since its premiere in 2005.

And now you can see it at The Lowry this November.

Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his New Adventures Company return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.

In a castle high on a hill lives Edward; a boy created by an eccentric inventor.

When his creator dies he is left alone and unfinished with only scissors for hands until a kindly townswoman invites him to live with her suburban family.

Can Edward find his place in the well-meaning community which struggles to see past his curious appearance to the innocence and gentleness within?

You can catch this amazing show at The Lowry from Tue 28 November – Sat 2 December.

Get your tickets here 

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Screening at RNCM with Live Orchestra

When: October 25th, 2023, 7.30 pm

Where: RNCM

Step into the world of silent cinema’s original horror film, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” Experience the spine-tingling tale of Dr. Caligari and his murderous somnambulist, accompanied by a live improvised soundtrack performed by organist Darius Battiwalla. The evening begins with the short feature “The Impossible Voyage” with a live improvised score by RNCM students. A night of betrayal and bloodshed awaits.

You can book by clicking here

Freight Island ‘Stranger Breeds’ Halloween Party

In celebration of this spooky season, Freight Island collaborate with Dog Days Out to bring a new and exciting experience for owners and their companions.

On Sunday 29th October This Halloween Pawty held exclusively at Freight Island encourages Stranger Breeds, welcoming pooches of all shapes and sizes.

With a quirky twist on the popular TV series, Freight Island welcomes pooches of all shapes and sizes to flaunt their ‘Stranger Breeds’.

As part of an array of Halloween festivities, unite with frightening companions and enjoy a fun-filled evening. Offering prizes to the best costumes, a range of themed games and props and photo opportunities.

From dalmatians to demogorgans, come along to celebrate the strangest breeds at Freight Island.

Tickets available to book now, more information here

Hilton’s Halloween Party

When: October 28th, 2023, 9 pm – 2 am

Where: Cloud 23, Hilton Manchester Deansgate

Join Cloud 23 for a thrilling Halloween party high above the city.

Enjoy a complimentary Frankenstein’s Welcome cocktail, dancing to a DJ, and a spooky mini cocktail masterclass.

Standard and VIP table tickets are available.

Dress in your spookiest attire and get ready for a night of electrifying fun.

You can book by clicking here

2:22 A Ghost Story At The Lowry

Winner of BEST NEW PLAY at the Whatsonstage Awards, this edge of your seat, supernatural thriller stars Joe Absolom (A Confession, Doc Martin), Charlene Boyd (Mayflies, River City), Nathaniel Curtis (It’s A Sin, The Witcher) and Louisa Lytton (Eastenders, The Bill). Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist, 2:22 A Ghost Story comes fresh from record-breaking seasons at five West End theatres with a host of acclaimed star performances. It’s a brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear…
What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?

“THERE’S SOMETHING IN OUR HOUSE. I HEAR IT EVERY NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME”

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up…until
2:22…
and then they’ll know

It’s on from 31st October to 4th November 2023 – BOOK NOW

Trafford Centre Events

Spookfest:

When: October 13th – 31st, 2023 (closed on 16th and 17th)

Where: Outside The Orient, Trafford Centre

Spookfest is the spookiest night in town, featuring exhilarating funfair rides, a towering pumpkin tower, a Gandeys Spooktacular show, face painting, and creepy costume characters. Free face painting is available on select dates, and character appearances from favourites like Batman and Scooby Doo will make it a memorable family day out.

Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular:

When: October 13th – 31st, 2023

Where: Outside The Orient, Trafford Centre

This brand-new show in a heated Big Top features a cast of skeletons, vampires, Jack o’lanterns, and circus artists. From thrilling acts to grand productions, Gandeys’ Halloween Spooktacular is an edge-of-your-seat extravaganza.

Get ready to experience the best Halloween events in Manchester. Whether you’re into spooky dining, classic horror films, or electrifying parties, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Make sure to book your tickets in advance and embrace the Halloween spirit!

You can book by clicking herePhantoms of the Deep at Sexy Fish Manchester

Phantoms of the Deep promises an opulent Halloween Masquerade – an occasion where the lines between reality and fantasy blur.

Sexy Fish Manchester, the newly opened, destination restaurant, will welcome diners on Sunday 29th October, with live performances from mesmerising contortionists and hypnotising fire breathers, alongside a delicious array of dishes and cocktails.

Guests can enjoy bewitching cocktail creations and dishes from the curated A La Carte menu, including lobster tempura, wagyu gyoza, and famed Sexy Fish sashimi and sushi.

Enjoy a host of specially curated cocktails from the Trinity Cocktail Menu, including the Marshmallow and Raspberry Unctuous, mixed with marshmallow infused gin, fortified wines and raspberry, the Coconut and Lemongrass Delicate, a refreshing blend of coconut infused Absolut Elyx Vodka, coconut, sake, lime, celery and lemongrass oil, or the Cucumber and Dill Fizzy, mixed with Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin, cucumber, dill, mastiha and soda.

‘Phantoms of the Deep’ will commence from 7:30pm until late at Sexy Fish Manchester.

You can book by clicking here

Halloween at The Warehouse Project: A Spooky Dance Extravaganza

When: Saturday, October 28th, 2023

Where: Depot (Mayfield) in Manchester

When it comes to Halloween in Manchester, it conveniently falls right in the middle of the illustrious Warehouse Project season. This is a real treat for city ravers because, year after year, they’re guaranteed a 10/10 night during the spooky season. Halloween at The Warehouse Project is one of the two epic nights WHP is putting on, and it’s absolutely STACKED.

The lineup is nothing short of a Halloween dream come true. Get ready to dance the night away to the beats of renowned artists like Annie Mac, Dennis Sulta, Skream, Hannah Laing, Chaos In The CBD, Dan Shake, and many more. With this incredible lineup, there’ll be little time for scares as everyone will be locked in the trance of the dance.

Don’t wait too long to secure your tickets for this unforgettable night of music and Halloween spirit. Tickets are running low, so grab them ASAP and get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of Halloween at The Warehouse Project. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate Halloween in Manchester!

You can get tickets by clicking here

The Rocky Horror Pizza Show: A Spooky Slice of Fun

When: Friday, October 27th, 2023

Where: All Nell’s Pizza venues – M1 3EF, M4 1HW (Northern Quarter), and M21 0BQ (Chorlton)

If you’re a pizza lover (and who isn’t?), and you haven’t had the pleasure of trying Nell’s Pizza yet, this is your sign to indulge. The Rocky Horror Pizza Show is coming to all of Nell’s venues on the 27th, and it promises a night of pizza, performance, and pure Halloween-themed delight.

Prepare for a Rocky Horror-themed extravaganza that will take your taste buds and senses on a thrilling journey. At Nell’s, it’s not just about pizza; it’s about the experience. Feast on insanely lush New York-style pizza, including unique creations like vegan pizzas with cashew cream and cheese and onion pie pizza with burnt onions, along with all the classic favourites.

But that’s not all; this event goes beyond food. DJs and live performances will keep the party alive, making this a night to remember. Whether you’re a Rocky Horror fan or simply looking for a spooktacular night out, Nell’s Pizza venues will have it all. So mark your calendar and prepare for a slice of Halloween fun that’s both cheesy and eerie, just the way it should be!

A Frightfully Fun Halloween at Great Northern Warehouse

Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice at Dormouse Chocolates

Halloween isn’t just about costumes and spooky decorations; it’s also about indulging in seasonal delights. Pumpkin Spice season is back, and so is Dormouse Chocolates’ pumpkin spice bar. Treat your taste buds to this autumnal delight, crafted with a delightful blend of fruity milk chocolate, a mellow mix of spices, and white chocolate infused with sweet pumpkin. It’s the perfect treat for those cold autumn nights, and it’s available for just £6 a bar.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for a Suki Suki Surprise 🎈

Make this Halloween truly memorable at Suki Suki with special edition spooky Boo! Buns and a range of creepy cocktails. Starting on October 27th, you can sink your teeth into charcoal-infused Boo! Buns filled with tasty Korean chicken or tofu. But that’s not all; on the same day, keep an eye out for red balloons scattered around the city. Each balloon features a QR code that lucky finders can scan to claim their free Boo! (or bao) bun – the ultimate Halloween treat!

Enjoy Suki Suki’s lineup of Halloween-themed cocktails, including the Spooky Suki, the Cherry Scary, and the Poison Apple Iced Tea. These spine-tingling libations will be available from October 27th to November 1st.

Scary Skating at Paradise Skate World 🛼

Paradise Skate World has some scarily good offers for Halloween. Across Halloween weekend, you can enjoy 50% off walk-in tickets – just be sure to come dressed in your spookiest Halloween costume to take advantage of the offer. Don’t miss the haunting Halloween cocktail special, the Dead On The Beach, made with vodka, cranberry, orange juice, and pineapple juice, and finished with an edible eyeball and a grenadine shot.

On October 27th, Paradise Skate World is hosting the Cosmic Creep skate event in collaboration with international roller-skater, Brats on Quads. From 7 pm until late, join the ultimate Halloween party on the skating rink, complete with Halloween face painters and spooky surprises along the way!

Creepy Cocktails at Impossible 🍸

Head to Impossible this Halloween to experience the spooktacular Halloween specials. Take your pick from a tantalising selection of cocktails, including the Witches Brew, Poison Apple, Dracula Sour, and Drink My Blood. Each cocktail is priced at £10, or you can get two for £15.

This Halloween, Great Northern Warehouse is your go-to destination for a ghoulishly good time. Whether you’re indulging in delectable pumpkin spice, claiming your free bao bun, showing off your skating skills, or sipping on creepy cocktails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, put on your spookiest costume and get ready for a Halloween to remember!

You can book your tickets by clicking here

Scare Skate: An Eerie Ice Skating Experience in the Heart of Manchester

When: October 27 – 31, 2023

Where: Manchester City Centre

Get ready to put a spine-tingling twist on your half-term holiday as Scare Skate returns to Manchester’s city centre. This beloved Halloween tradition is back to delight ice skating enthusiasts and thrill-seekers of all ages.

Scare Skate promises an unforgettable ice-skating experience that blends the magic of the season with a dash of spine-tingling excitement. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Halloween Atmosphere: The ice rink will be immersed in Halloween-themed music, eerie lighting, and captivating themed props, all designed to “ignite the fright factor.” It’s a Halloween celebration like no other, set against the backdrop of a glistening ice surface.
• Frightfully Realistic Giant Spider: New for this year, a “frightfully realistic” giant spider will take centre stage, wrapped in a bright white LED light web that surrounds the sparkling Christmas tree centrepiece. It’s a unique and spooky addition that adds to the atmosphere of Scare Skate.
• Fancy Dress Fun: Fancy dress is encouraged, so come dressed in your spookiest or most creative Halloween costumes. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture those memorable, photo-worthy moments on the ice.

Scare Skate opens its doors from October 27 to 31, offering a limited-time opportunity to experience the perfect blend of Halloween and ice skating. Ticket prices start at £15.50 for adults and £12.50 for children. Additionally, discounted family tickets, group bookings, and season tickets are also available, making it a fantastic outing for families and friends.

Don’t miss out on this unique Halloween ice skating adventure in the heart of Manchester. For more information and to secure your tickets, visit the website. Scare Skate promises to be a chillingly good time, so lace up your skates, don your costume, and embrace the Halloween spirit on the ice.

You can book tickets by clicking here

Halloween on Castlefield Viaduct: A Spooky Adventure for All Ages

Wicked Wildlife Trail

When: October 21-29, 2023

Where: Castlefield Viaduct

Ages: 5-10

Cost: Free – Drop-in

Are you ready for a spine-tingling journey to meet some misunderstood creatures and make new friends this Halloween season? Join us on Castlefield Viaduct for the Wicked Wildlife Trail, a fantastic opportunity for families to embrace the spirit of Halloween and learn more about the important role of bats, spiders, and snakes in nature.

While these creatures might give you the creeps, they’re vital for our environment. When you visit, pick up one of our trails to find out why and then decide which one of them you’d like to help cast spells and contribute to our green spaces. It’s an engaging and educational experience that’s perfect for kids aged 5 to 10. Best of all, it’s free, and no prior booking is required. Just drop in and prepare for a spooky adventure!

For more details, visit the Wicked Wildlife Trail | National Trust.

Poisons, Potions, and Plants

When: October 25, 28, 29, and 31, 2023 – 2 pm

Where: Castlefield Viaduct

Ages: 12+

Cost: Free – Booking Essential

Join the National Trust for a bewitching journey through the world of flora with “Poisons, Potions, and Plants” tour.

This tour, available on October 25, 28, 29, and 31 at 2 pm, is perfect for those aged 12 and above. Discover the enchanting and sometimes eerie world of plants and flowers, as they hold secret ingredients that can both trick and treat.

Uncover the fascinating myths and folklore associated with these botanical wonders, some of which have been linked to witchcraft and the supernatural for centuries.

Their guide will take you on a journey through the biodiversity around us, offering a unique perspective on the natural world.

While this tour is free, booking is essential, so make sure to secure your spot on their website by visiting Poisons, Potions and Plants | National Trust.

Additionally, they are hosting family workshops in collaboration with Factory, including the Leeroy New: Balete Spacecraft Family Workshops. For more details on these workshops.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to celebrate Halloween on Castlefield Viaduct, where nature, magic, and learning come together to create a spooktacular experience for all ages!

Book your tickets by clicking here

Ghost Trains at the East Lancashire Railway: A Spooktacular Family Adventure

When: October 26-28, 2023

Where: East Lancashire Railway

If you’re searching for the ultimate Halloween adventure with your family, look no further!

The spine-tingling and much-anticipated Halloween Ghost Trains are back at the East Lancashire Railway, and they are bound to send shivers down your spine.

Put on your best fancy dress, gather your courage, and step onto the ghoulishly decorated Bury footbridge.

This footbridge has been transformed into an interactive thriller-ing experience, complete with animatronic creeps and kooks. But the real stars of the show are the ‘ghostess with the mostess,’ Bob the Zombie, and Count Brian the Vampire, who will be there to welcome visitors aboard the iconic ‘Scream Train.’

Your journey begins at Bury Bolton Street, where you and your family will enjoy over an hour of fang-tastic entertainment.

The train ride is crawling with music, mischief, and, most importantly, loads of Halloween fun.

Children will receive a goody bag filled with tricks and treats in return for their help in keeping order and vanquishing the ghoulies, thanks to the Monster Squad.

But the excitement doesn’t have to stop there. Head over to the Carn-Evil for even more fun, fear, and frights, hosted at the Bury Transport Museum, just across the road from Bolton Street Station. The Carn-Evil ticket price includes unlimited theme park rides, a disco, and a spooktacular show. There’s something for the entire family to enjoy.

Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, is thrilled to welcome families from near and far to this interactive and spooky experience. He says, “The event gets bigger and better every year – it’s not to be missed, and you can’t beat this spooky experience aboard our atmospheric steam trains.”

This year, they’ve even added a competition for the best fancy dress, so get creative with your costumes and join in the fun. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your face-painting skills and practice your loudest screams to blend in with all the creeps and critters!

The Ghost Train will run from October 26 to October 28, 2023, and it’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Ticket prices start at £15.50 for children ages 3-17, £22 for adults, and £22 for adults and children under the age of 3 attending together. When you make a booking, you also have the option to add on the thrilling Carn-Evil for a universal price of £9.50.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit their website and get ready for a spooktacular family adventure on the Ghost Trains at the East Lancashire Railway. It’s a Halloween experience that promises thrills, chills, and unforgettable memories!

Get your tickets here

Party at The Green Arches

Get ready for an electrifying Halloween night as @sindysppace and @grabymag return for “Round Ours Round 2” at The Arches.

The last time they graced performed at the Arches, it was an absolute belter, and this time, it’s going to be even better!

For the first time ever, The Arches have secured a late license, so the party doesn’t stop until they say so.

What can you expect from this spooktacular soirée?

Think art, music, beers, and vibes that’ll keep you grooving all night long. And of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without a fancy-dress competition, so make sure you come dressed to impress in your most fabulous and frightening attire.

Don’t miss out on this hair-raising Halloween night!

Tickets are selling fast.

Join us on Saturday, October 28th, starting at 5 PM and going late into the night. It’s the Halloween celebration you’ve been waiting for!

You can buy your tickets here