October in Manchester is always a month full of colour, culture, and celebrations. As the leaves turn golden and the nights grow darker, the city comes alive with everything from spooky Halloween events and live music to Oktoberfest steins, candlelit concerts, and crisp autumn walks. Whether you’re looking for family days out, nightlife, or immersive experiences, Manchester has something for everyone this October. Check out our top picks of the best events and activities to enjoy across the city this October.
Halloween in the City Weekender
Saturday 25th – Saturday 31st
📍 Across Manchester
Manchester’s largest Halloween celebration returns on Saturday 25th! Expect to see the famous MCR Monsters taking over rooftops across the city, with giant inflatable creatures created by Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas peering out from buildings. Alongside them, there will be live performances, spooky storytelling, DJs, and the spectacular Walk the Plank monster procession. Families can explore the installations all week long from 25th to 31st October, making this one of the city’s most exciting and family-friendly festivals.
Cockfields Farm Pumpkin Patch
From Saturday 4th
📍 Ashton-under-Lyne
Nothing says October like pumpkin picking, and Cockfields Farm Park in Ashton-under-Lyne has one of the best pumpkin festivals in the North West. Running from 4th October, visitors can grab a wheelbarrow and head out into the fields to pick the perfect pumpkin, before enjoying a host of other activities. With children’s rides, a Halloween treasure hunt, and toddler-friendly sessions, it’s an ideal family day out just half an hour’s drive from Manchester city centre.
Oktoberfest
Friday 17th – Saturday 18th
📍 Freight Island, Depot Mayfield
Freight Island is transforming into a Bavarian beer hall on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th October for Oktoberfest. Expect rows of long communal tables, traditional oompah bands, and plenty of German street food including bratwurst, schnitzel and pretzels. Of course, there will be steins of authentic German beer flowing all weekend, alongside DJs, sing-along sessions, and even themed cocktails. Lederhosen and dirndls are highly encouraged, and with its party atmosphere, this is one of the best ways to celebrate Oktoberfest in Manchester.
Laugh Therapy
Every Wednesday in October
📍 Creatures Comedy Club
Every Wednesday in October, Creatures Comedy Club is hosting Laugh Therapy, a unique comedy night where the audience becomes part of the show. Brave volunteers share their problems, and comedians act as “therapists”, offering hilarious advice and observations. Whether you’re up on stage or enjoying the laughs from your seat, it’s a night guaranteed to leave you feeling lighter and happier.
Warehouse Project
Throughout October
📍 The Depot
The iconic Warehouse Project events are jam packed throughout October, Check out Octobers events with everything from house, techno, electronic, dance and even rap:
• Fri 3 Oct: Sammy Virji, Armand Van Helden, Ben UFO, salute (B2B Malugi) and more
• Sat 4 Oct: &me, Desiree, Megatronic
• Fri 10 Oct: Dom Dolla
• Sat 11 Oct: Defected presents MK, Eats Everything, Sam Divine and more
• Fri 17 Oct: Jamie Jones B2B Joseph Capriati, Franky Rizardo, Enzo is Burning and more
• Sat 18 Oct: Overmono, Joy Orbison, Blawan (DJ Set), Helena Hauff, Skee Mask and more
• Fri 24 Oct: Confidence Man (LIVE), Romy (DJ Set), Antony Szmierek, Sofia Kourtesis, Hunee, Folamour and more
• Sat 25 Oct: Black Coffee
• Wed 29 Oct: Aitch
Oh Bey-have! – Beyoncé Orchestra
Sunday 19th
📍 Amber’s, Oxford Road
After the huge success of last year’s OBEY show at Diecast, the Elemental Orchestra is back with an orchestral celebration of Beyoncé’s 28-year career. Taking place at Amber’s on Sunday 19th October, this show will span from Destiny’s Child classics to the hits of Cowboy Carter, recreating iconic live performances from across the Beyoncé multiverse. Fans can expect a powerful evening of music that reimagines Queen Bey’s catalogue in a whole new way.
Autumnal Walks
📍Across Greater Manchester
For those who enjoy the outdoors, October is the perfect time to explore Manchester’s countryside and parks. Some of the best autumn walks include:
• Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens, Didsbury – 21 acres of tranquil gardens and unusual plants.
• Worsley Village Circular – a three-mile walk through canals, woodlands and heritage landmarks.
• Jumbles Country Park, Bolton – a scenic walk around the reservoir with café stops.
• Dunham Massey, Altrincham – 190 acres of deer park and gardens with autumn colour in full swing.
• Bramhall Park, Stockport – historic parkland and woodland trails with a family-friendly café.
• New Mills Walkway & Peel Tower Circular – for impressive views of Greater Manchester and beyond.
Each route offers something unique, from history and heritage to stunning autumn foliage.
Scare City
Throughout October
📍 Camelot Theme Park
The abandoned Camelot Theme Park once again opens its gates to horror fans for Scare City, which has become one of the UK’s most popular Halloween attractions. This year, the site is transformed into a post-apocalyptic nightmare with new themed zones including The Hollow, Puppet Master, and Abyss 2.0. With terrifying characters lurking in the shadows and heart-pounding experiences around every corner, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but for thrill-seekers, it’s unmissable.
Baked A La Ska – Halloween Special
Friday 31st
📍Band on the Wall
The annual Halloween special at Band on the wall with Baked A La Ska! Known for their playful performances and big band ska sound, they’ll be taking on spooky classics from their album Skalloween. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged, so dig out your best costume and get ready for a night of dancing and fun at one of the Northern Quarter’s most iconic venues.
Murder Mystery
Throughout October
📍 The East Lancashire Railway
For something immersive, step aboard the East Lancashire Railway for a night of detective drama. Their murder mystery evenings combine a delicious meal with live interactive theatre, as you and your fellow passengers try to solve a whodunnit while travelling through the dark Lancashire countryside. Expect red herrings, unexpected twists, and plenty of laughs as you interrogate suspects and search for clues. It’s a perfect evening for those who enjoy puzzles, performance, and a touch of theatrical suspense.
Candlelight Tributes
📍Halle St Peters
For an intimate evening, Manchester’s candlelight concerts provide atmospheric tributes to legendary bands. This month, you can enjoy orchestral renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s timeless hits or experience the greatest anthems of The Beatles and Queen, all performed by talented musicians in stunning candlelit venues. It’s the perfect way to experience classic music in a magical setting.