The best ways to celebrate Halloween 2024 in Manchester

By Natalie Rees | Last updated 22 October 2024

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Spooky season is officially upon us and there’s plenty of ghoulish goings on to get stuck into around Manchester. From terrifying trails and horror screenings to silent discos and singalongs, there are loads of ways to celebrate for both big and little monsters.

Halloween Lakeside Trail at Partridge Lakes

Fri 4th – Thu 31st Oct, 2024
Partridge Lakes

The Halloween Lakeside Trail returns to Cheshire’s Partridge Lakes this October promising lots of new spooky twists. Taking place from Friday 4 to Thursday 31 October 2024, the family and dog friendly experience includes an enchanted, magical walk through the idyllic 70-acre site in the Cheshire countryside.

As dusk falls, embark on a quest through the mystical forest where you will wander through Skeletons’ Hollow, dance with friendly ghosts and journey through the woodland spider’s tunnel to the magical witches’ lair.

In addition to the trail, there is free welcome hub featuring live music and Hallouminations as well as food offerings from Pizza In The Box, Spoon Desserts and Partridge Café. There will also be a range of drinks and licensed bars open, offering some tasty spooky themed menus.

If you’re after something a bit spookier, the popular Lakeside Terror Trail will also return this year, where visitors are invited to face the horrors along the trail, where the murky waters hold a chilling secret. The terror trail welcomes guests aged 14 and over, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. And only guests 18 and over will be allowed to enter the trail after 7pm.


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Movie Month at The Fitzgerald

Thu 3rd – Wed 30th Oct, 2024
The Fitzgerald

Northern Quarter venue The Fitzgerald host a whole month of movie classics and to finish it off, they’re showing spooky specials Scream and Halloween just in time for Halloween. Tickets include a delicious meal and specially-crafted cocktail upon arrival.


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Manchester Scare Factory presents Time To Die at Diecast

Fri 11th Oct – Sat 2nd Nov, 2024
Diecast

Step into a brand-new immersive scare experience this Halloween. From the teams behind Diecast and the award-winning Newsham Scream Park in Liverpool, and curated by masters of horror Area 51, Time To Die is taking horror to a whole new level. Prepare to be petrified as two terrifying scare experiences – The Die Is Cast and The Toymaker – take over the city centre spot from Friday 11 October to Saturday 2 November.


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Ember’s Spooky Season Sizzler at Cultplex

Fri 11th Oct, 2024
Cultplex

Ember’s Spooky Season Sizzler takes place at indie cinema and theatre space Cultplex, and should get you right into the Halloween spirit this October. A spectacular spin on the Ember Travixens cabaret, expect incredible burlesque performances, circus acts, singers and spoken word poetry.


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The Halloween Trail at The Trafford Centre

Thu 17th Oct – Sun 3rd Nov, 2024
Wilderspool Woods

‘Tis the season to be spooky, and the creators of the the Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park are launching The Halloween Trail at Wilderspool Woods, a 4.5 acre woodland hidden just behind the Trafford Centre.

Taking place from 17 October to 3 November, the trail encompasses a Skeleton Village full of ghoulish creatures, supernatural surprises and a mesmerising light show, so you can expect ghostly goings on around every corner. The interactive experience will also feature laser-filled gardens of mist, a spooky soundtrack by DJ Rasp and glowing LED eyes watching you from the treetops.


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New Animals Horror Special at The DBA

Fri 18th Oct, 2024
The DBA

New Animals celebrate Halloween and all things horror with an evening of disturbed art and dark creativity. Joined by the best talent Manchester has to offer, expect to see some familiar faces as well as newcomers. The night’s programme will include art, horror-themed food, body painting, SFX make up, tarot readings, an art auction and loads more. Of course, expect the best hip hop, rap and bass music as the soundtrack.


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Pumpkin Picking at Tatton Park

Sat 19th – Thu 31st Oct, 2024
Tatton Park

One of the most popular ways to get into the Halloween spirit, go and pick your very own pumpkin at Tatton Park. Meet the farm’s furry residents before heading down to the field to pick your own pumpkin, set in the picturesque grounds of Tatton Park. Wear suitable footwear and prepare to get your hands dirty.


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Afflecks Halloween House of Horrors

Mon 21st – Sun 27th Oct, 2024
Afflecks

Manchester’s most iconic independent shopping destination Afflecks is bringing its annual spooky celebrations to the emporium, with a host of hair-raising activities, haunting experiences and special treats. From Monday 21 October, the 180-year-old building will be transformed into a Halloween House of Horrors, designed to showcase all things witchy and wonderful.

Visitors can get involved with Halloween stuff including spooky sketching hosted Avante Garms, spell casting, a ghoulish glam make-up masterclass, a witches broom workshop, live music and loads more.

There will also be plenty of spooky treats to enjoy from the talented traders at Afflecks. Seasonal specials on offer will include a collection of milkshakes and desserts at Animaid Cafe, as well as delicious pumpkin spiced lattes, spiced pumpkin soup and ghoulish brownies from Third Floor Rising cafe.


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Room on the Broom at Z Arts

Tue 22nd – Thu 24th Oct, 2024
Z Arts

Tall Stories presents Room On The Broom, the Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic children’s book. Directed by Olivia Jacobs, audiences can expect enchanting puppetry, sing-a-long songs and fun for all the family. Taking to the stage at Z Arts, it’s the perfect introduction to theatre for children aged 3 and over.

‘The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears! Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?


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Nightmare on Nelson Street 2 at The Pankhurst Centre

Thu 24th Oct, 2024
The Pankhurst Centre

With a tongue-in-cheek nod to one of the greatest Halloween films, The Pankhurst Centre host Nightmare on Nelson Street 2, it’s suffragette inspired sequel Emmeline’s Revenge. Get into the Halloween spirit with a walking tour of the area around the museum, followed by spooky suffragette stories shared over hot drinks.

’62 Nelson Street is famously the former home of the Pankhurst family and where the suffragette movement was born, but the surrounding area has some darker mysteries and unexplained riddles that this evening will also uncover. There will be a glimpse into a bygone world and the history of some other local landmarks, including Manchester Royal Infirmary, St Mary’s Hospital and Manchester University.  There will also be tales of body snatching, disorderly houses and an unexpected link between suffragettes and werewolves to be revealed.’


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Bottomless Singalong Rocky Horror Picture Show at Fairfield Social Club

Fri 25th – Sat 26th Oct, 2024
Fairfield Social Club

In what has become a bit of a tradition over at GRUB, get ready for a big bottomless singalong screening this October. The city centre spot will host two nights of debauchery and drinks with a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October. Taking over the Fairfield Social Club space, expect a party atmosphere with bottomless fizz, mimosas, beer and cider or non-alcoholic equivalents. Fancy dress is more than encouraged.


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Halloween Family Rave at The Refuge

Sat 26th Oct, 2024
The Refuge

The Playhouse Project, a unique family-friendly rave experience, host a Halloween party at The Refuge this week. DJs, performers and artists will take over the city centre venue, alongside magical dance games and spooky arts and crafts.

Expect upbeat music from DJs Demented Disco, La Presidenta is Idania and Danny Ward (aka Moodymanc) who will provide the soundtrack. There will also be a fancy dress catwalk, circus workshops, spooky arts sessions and sensory messy play opportunities for little ones.


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Halloween In The City

Fri 25th – Thu 31st Oct, 2024
Various venues

The monsters are back! Halloween In The City prepares to once again take over Manchester’s shopping streets with a colourful monster rooftop invasion and frighteningly fun activities scattered all over town. From pumpkin lanterns in the trees to free, live performances and the huge parade, there’s something for everyone across the seven-day celebration.


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Freaky Family Fun Day at Grub

Fri 25th Oct, 2024
Grub

Join the gang at GRUB for a freaky family fun day for Halloween. Get into the spooky spirit with an afternoon of activities including themed crafts, a fancy dress disco, face painting, cookie decorating and a spooky film screening. Adults and children off all ages are welcome.


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Halloween Cinema Screenings at King Street Townhouse Hotel

Fri 25th – Thu 31st Oct, 2024
King Street Townhouse Hotel

King Street Townhouse Hotel celebrates spooky season with a schedule of Halloween cinema screenings this October. Step into their intimate 20-seat cinema room for a line-up of classic horror films and new-age thrillers alongside wicked cocktails. Films showing include the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family and loads more. Food and drink will be available to purchase on the night, or upgrade your tickets to include a cocktail and snacks or afternoon tea.


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Five Days of Halloween Skullduggery at Tattu

Fri 25th – Thu 31st Oct, 2024
Tattu

Tattu get into the spooky spirit with five days of skullduggery at the plush Spinningfields spot. The restaurant will be transformed with luminous green hues, new limited edition specials and a bottomless brunch.

Guests can indulge in dishes like pumpkin dumplings dressed with a spider web garnish and a touch of sweet chilli ‘blood’ as well as a ghostly Yuzu Drop dessert embalmed in passion fruit, shiso and almond.

There’s also spine-chilling drinks on offer including the Dragon’s Curse cocktail (in collaboration with Ojo De Dios Mezcal) Deadman’s Chest, a four-person sharing cocktail created exclusively for Halloween with Beluga Noble Vodka, tequila, Cointreau, raspberry, lychee and lime, and the classic Charlie Chaplin, which replaces brandy with ODD Mezcal, mixing it with apricot, sloe gin and lime.

Guests can also get into the Halloween fun with Tattu’s skullduggery brunch on Saturday 26 October. Tattu’s resident DJs will be playing the best in house music, creating the perfect party atmosphere. The Skullduggery Brunch includes an exclusive two-wave menu of unique Chinese-fusion dishes, such as pumpkin and pork bao and seven spice seared tuna as well as wok-fried angry bird chicken and balsamic teriyaki salmon, served alongside a free-flowing cocktail package. The food will be followed by late night drinks and dancing into the witching hours.


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Halloween Rise at Fenix

Fri 25th – Thu 31st Oct, 2024
Fenix

Greek-Mediterranean restaurant and bar Fenix celebrate Halloween with a vibrant day-to-night party, alongside a series of special cocktails and desserts, available from 25 to 31 October.

On Saturday 26 October, Fenix will mark spooky season with a one-off Halloween Rise brunch, bringing the sounds of resident DJ Christian, flowing drinks and Med flavours. There will be an exclusive set menu available, featuring plates like caramelised aubergine, chicken spetsofai gyoza and robata hake with hummus. These can be served alongside baby potatoes with gruyere cheese espuma and chargrilled broccolini with truffle-yuzu sauce.

Included with the menu is a special flight of three Ojo de Dios Mezcal cocktails, available from the 25 to 31 October at Fenix, alongside an elaborate dessert created for the occasion, the Tomb of Hades, a layered milk chocolate mousse with crispy almond nougatine.

The brunch will be followed by a party with international DJ Filippos, from Thessaloniki, who will take to the decks.


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Mini Monster Mash at Victoria Baths

Sat 26th Oct, 2024
Victoria Baths

Grab your dancing shoes and your best fancy dress for a frighteningly fun time at Victoria Baths. The Halloween party is perfect for both kids and adults, with a variety of activities and entertainment which promise a ghoulishly good time. With music, dancing, crafts and more, the party is an opportunity to explore the grand building and its magnificent history.


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Skellies and Wellies at Tatton Park

Sat 26th Oct – Sun 3rd Nov, 2024
Tatton Park

Head over to Tatton Park for a brand-new spooktacular Skellies and Wellies trail. Wander through the 50-acre gardens and keep your eyes peeled for bone-chilling skeleton displays. Perfect for all the family, children are invited to don their wellies and best fancy dress for the occasion.


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Howl’oween at Stamford Quarter

Sun 27th Oct, 2024
Stamford Square

Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter is celebrating Halloween with spooky pooches and their owners in a free Howl’oween fancy dress event. Designed especially for families and their furry friends, the party will take place on Sunday 27 October. Head down to Stamford Square from 12-4pm where dogs and their families are invited to enter the fancy dress competition, staged on a ‘dogwalk’. A panel of judges will then decide on the top dog and the winner will receive all the treats, with no tricks included.

There will also be whole host of bewitching activities including pup friendly food and drinks, hot dogs and drinks courtesy of Boozy Cocktail Bar and dog friendly stalls.


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Silence of the Baths: Back From The Dead at Victoria Baths

Sat 26th Oct, 2024
Victoria Baths

Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween as The Silence of the Baths: Back from the Dead takes over Victoria Baths this spooky season. Following last year’s successful debut, the historic venue will be transformed to host the resurrection of three of Manchester’s legendary night clubs – South, Jilly’s Rockworld and The Tiger Lounge.

Travel back in time to South with DJ Clint Boon, Mike Diablo from Jilly’s Rockworld and Max Oblivion from The Tiger Lounge. The whole pool complex is set to show its darker side as the pool halls, Turkish Baths and labyrinth of spaces that make up the Grade II-listed Victoria Baths are given an epic Halloween makeover. Guests can expect 100 spine-tingling skeletons, nine-foot high unearthly ghosts, a cauldron of 1,500 bats and 500 watchful eyes.


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Flecky Bennett And The Savoy Cinema presents 13 Ghosts

Mon 28th Oct, 2024
The Savoy Cinema

The legendary Flecky Bennett – supernatural tour guide and Manchester’s leading aficionado of the occult – returns to the historic Savoy Cinema in Heaton Moor for a very special screening of black and white horror film 13 Ghosts. Flecky will greet guests before the screening of the William Castle classic, which was first released in 1960. The event takes place on Monday 28 October 2024. Be afraid.


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Halloween at Sexy Fish

Sat 2nd Nov, 2024
Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish has announced a spellbinding Halloween takeover at its Manchester eatery. Scary Fish will see the venue transformed and filled with fire performers, mystical creatures, jellyfish dancers and more. Throughout the evening, guests can dine A La Carte, or on one of Sexy Fish’s omakase menus, highlighting a selection of chef’s choice Japanese-inspired dishes and starting at just £48. The Hiro Omakase (£48pp) and the Sekushi Omakase menu (£86pp), with wine pairings to accompany. Highlights include the Tuna Tataki, Glazed Pork Belly Skewers and Spicy Yellowtail Maki.


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Halloween