Whether you’re looking to hunt down Manchester’s scariest secrets or to paint your own Scream, there’s loads to do this Halloween.
Halloween in Manchester is spellbinding. Resident monsters peek out over historic buildings, autumn leaves swirl through the air and fog drifts along cobbled streets. If you’re looking to embrace the season, this is the place to do it. From ghoulish ghost tours to creepy crafting, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around NOMA this Halloween.
Created by Designs in Air, the MCR Monsters have become a staple part of Manchester’s Halloween celebrations, and this year is no exception. Colourful inflatable creatures will be popping up all over the city, peeking out from behind landmarks including the Arndale, Selfridges and Kampus. And of course, you’ll find NOMA’s very own monster climbing on top of New Century.
When: From Saturday 25th to Friday 31st October 2025.
Where: City-wide.
If you like your Halloween activities more wholesome than horrifying, head to zeno for a seasonal sculpt, stretch and sip. You’ll kick things off with a 35-minute low impact strength class to build legs, glutes and core, followed by a 25-minute stretch to ground and reset. Afterwards, it’s time for pumpkin spice smoothies and pastries – you’ve earned it.
When: 10am on Sunday 26th October 2025.
Where: zeno Health Club, Angel Gardens, 6 Miller Street, Manchester, M4 4GL.
How much: Tickets cost £10 but they’re currently running a 2-4-1 deal.
Book it: eventbrite.com
Wholesome, hands on and spookily delicious, Altogether Otherwise are hosting a kids’ pickling workshop during the October half-term. Your own little monsters will be able to roll up their sleeves and learn how to turn veggies into tasty jars of pickled treats to take home. Expect mess, mayhem and plenty of laughter during the free session.
When: 10:30am on Tuesday 28th October 2025.
Where: Altogether Otherwise, 6-10 Hanover Street, Manchester, M4 4BB.
How much: Tickets are free.
Book it: noma-manchester.com
Fancy yourself as an amateur Agatha Christie? Put your detective skills to the test at Material Source Studio. The studio and co-working space is hosting an immersive murder mystery event, where everyone has a role to play. Get ready to gather clues, investigate suspects and piece together the puzzle as you attempt to unravel the mystery.
When: 5pm on Thursday 16th October 2025.
Where: Material Source Studio, Hanover, 1 Federation Street, Manchester, M4 4BF.
How much: Tickets are free.
Book it: eventbrite.co.uk
Whether you’re into architecture, history or you simply want to be a bit spooked, this tour of Manchester Cathedral is just the trick. Taking place on Halloween night itself, you’ll explore the haunted history of one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Get ready for thrills, spills and maybe even a ghostly encounter or two. It’s one not to be missed.
When: 7pm on Friday 31st October 2025.
Where: Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester, M3 1SX.
How much: Tickets are £16.
Book it: eventbrite.co.uk
Grab your paintbrush and prepare to get creative at this spooky Sip & Paint class at the Maldron Hotel. You’ll try your hand at expressionism, painting your own version of Edvard Munch’s iconic Scream. There’s no experience required – all it takes is passion and a paintbrush. There’ll be a seasonal playlist to set the mood and a licensed bar for drinks.
When: 7:30pm on Friday 31st October 2025.
Where: Maldron Hotel, 60 Charles Street, Manchester, M1 7DF.
How much: Tickets cost £36.99.
Book it: eventbrite.co.uk
You can eat your way through Halloween at Homage2Fromage’s spooky special at The Wayfarer. You’ll munch your way through eight cheeses, from ghostly whites to moody blues and spellbinding softies, with scorecards and tasting notes so you can rank your favourites. It’s an evening session, so get ready for a night of wild cheese dreams!
When: 7pm on Wednesday 22nd October 2025.
Where: The Wayfarer, 1-3 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JN.
How much: Tickets cost £26.27.
Book it: eventbrite.co.uk
There are more crafty goings-on down at The Yard. This beginner-friendly workshop will teach you the basics of whittling, and you’ll have a go at carving your very own witch out of wood. Everything you need will be supplied on the night, and you’ll get to take your witch home with you – the perfect homemade Halloween decor.
When: 6pm on Monday 20th October 2025.
Where: The Yard, 11 Bent Street, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 8NF.
How much: Tickets cost £33.22.
Book it: eventbrite.co.uk
One for fans of the macabre, Ed Glinert will be taking adventurous Mancunians on a deathly tour of the city. Expect tales of murder, assassination, hanging, homicide, regicide and more – it’s truly terrifying stuff. If you’re up for a fright and you’d like to learn more about Manchester’s horrible history, this one’s for you – and it’s free!
When: 6pm on Friday 31st October 2025.
Where: Meet at Victoria Station wallmap, Victoria Station Approach, City Centre, Manchester, M3 1WY.
How much: Tickets are free.
Book it: eventbrite.co.uk
Slumber Party Comedy’s Halloween special promises a lineup of sleepover games and frighteningly good comics at Fairfield Social Club. Host Charlotte Cropper will be leading proceedings, with four comedians delivering laughs and scares in equal measure. Inclusive and alternative, it’s a night for for girls, gays, theys and emotionally intelligent men.
When: 7:30pm on Friday 17th October 2025.
Where: Fairfield Social Club, Irk Street, Manchester, M4 4JT.
How much: Tickets cost £11.55 but they’re currently running a 2-4-1 offer.
Book it: eventbrite.co.uk
Manchester’s Museum of Transport is the setting for this paranormal adventure, which sees visitors explore the atmospheric museum armed with torches, spirit boxes and EMF meters. Wander past legends of Manchester’s past, from horse-drawn buses to Metrolink trams, while you learn more about the supernatural world – and how to contact the other side.
When: 9pm on Saturday 11th October 2025.
Where: Museum of Transport, Boyle Street, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 8UW.
How much: Tickets cost £25.63.
Book it: eventbrite.co.uk