The times are a’changin’ and something is blowing in the Baltimore wind. Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad aerosols her hair, rehearses the hippest dance steps and dreams of appearing on the “Corny Collins TV Show” while her huge mother Edna (played by Divine – his last performance) irons endlessly. With Hairspray, John Waters leapt flamboyantly from the underground and found a wider audience, but this is still a camp cult classic.
The ever-brilliant Breach Theatre bring a new scorching protest musical that traces the infamous Section 28 anti-gay legislation.
from £15.00
Mikhail Karikis explores communal sound-making as a way to draw attention to the most pressing issue of our time: climate change.
free entry
Interactive and provocative, The Paper Birds’ new show looks at empathy and connection, and actively encourages the audience to use their mobile phone throughout.
from £20.00
The BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express is brimming with the world’s best new films, series and immersive storytelling – and everyone is invited.
from £7.95
FilmFear is back as HOME team up with Film4 for another season of new and classic scary movies, premieres and events.
from £7.95
HOME’s in-house restaurant has a nicely varied, with a large pizza section and an impressive but not unexpected array of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Contemporary architecture, avant-garde British style and a dash of Spanish warmth and friendliness combine at INNSiDE by Meliã.
Junkyard Golf Club Manchester features three funkily decorated nine-hole golf courses, along with a bar and food stand.
Indian Tiffin Room is a restaurant specialising in Indian street food, with branches in Cheadle and Manchester. This is the information for the Manchester venue.
Late-night dive bar in Manchester’s fast-growing First Street neighbourhood.
The Ritz was originally a dance hall, built in 1928, has hosted The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and The Smiths and is still going strong as a gig venue now.
Homeground is HOME’s brand new outdoor venue, providing an open-air space for theatre, food, film, music, comedy and more.
Small but perfectly-formed café – which also serves as the in-house bookstore, stocking all manner of Burgess-related works, along with recordings of his music. It’s a welcoming space, with huge glass windows making for a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
The International Anthony Burgess Foundation in Manchester was established in 2003 by the A Clockwork Orange writer’s wife, Lianne Burgess.
This huge three-floor pub, formerly a Victorian warehouse, then an umbrella factory (hence the name), has one of the city centre’s largest beer gardens. The two-tier terrace overlooks the Rochdale canal and what used to be the back of the Hacienda, providing an unusual, historic view of the city.
Standing on the corner of a junction opposite The Bridgewater Hall, The Briton’s Protection is Manchester’s oldest pub. It has occupied the same spot since 1795, going under the equally patriotic name The Ancient Britain.
The influential Castlefield Gallery sits at the edge of Manchester’s exciting Castlefield district, an ideal home for thought-provoking contemporary art.
Meet new people, explore contemporary cultural works and learn about Jewish culture with Jewish Culture Club at Manchester Jewish Museum.
free entry
This October CULTPLEX is dedicating the entire month to scaring you silly.
from £6.5
Grimmfest, Manchester’s annual festival of horror, cult and fantastic film returns to Odeon Great Northern this October.
from £7.50
Showroom’s Black History Month programming features a selection of films and events built around the theme ‘Intergenerational Fusion: Empowering Black Minds’.
from £5
Natural history and live music combine as Manchester Camerata help bring Netflix’s Life on Our Planet to life at The Bridgewater Hall.
from £23
The BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express is brimming with the world’s best new films, series and immersive storytelling – and everyone is invited.
from £7.95
FilmFear is back as HOME team up with Film4 for another season of new and classic scary movies, premieres and events.
from £7.95
Sheffield’s horror film festival returns with cult horror and brand new premieres.
from £12
School may have started, but the arts and cultural fun hasn't stopped! From spooky theatre to arty parties, families are spoilt for choice.
Autumn may just be the best season for new exhibitions - this month's guide has it all, from Turner Prize nominees to joyful ceramics.
A host of Halloween horrors, London Film Festival in Manchester, plus silent movie masterpieces are amongst our highlights this month.
Experimental performance, Halloween-themed cabaret and an eclectic selection of dance all take top spots in our new guide.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
From DIY gigs to blockbuster multi-media events, we’ve covered the lot in our latest round-up of unmissable live music.
Seek out beauty in the mundane, or seek it out in the selections of the UK's best rising visual artists in this month's Tours and Activities guide.
Take some eating-out tips from this month's guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.