Halloween in the City 2019

Halloween in the City at Exchange Square, 26–27 October 2019, free entry - Find Out More

Looking for some ghoulish family fun this Halloween? Halloween in the City brings you a packed weekend of terrifyingly good events across Manchester city centre.

Seriously, this goes way beyond your average Halloween programme of pumpkin carving and wand making (not that we don’t love both those activities of course). Manchester is playing host to a genuinely haunting festival of family fun from some highly creative imaginations. We think it’s sure to raise a scream from even the bravest member of your family!

The programme is packed, with a huge variety of things taking place, including a giant rooftop Monster Invasion, a city-wide Trick or Treat Trail starting from Exchange Square, a spooktacular Skeleton Procession, and Room on the Broom storytelling.

We’re particularly excited about Grimm Rita’s Creepy Carnival, taking place along New Cathedral Street – a family-friendly freakshow bursting with street performers, sideshow stalls and a traditional helter-skelter. Don’t miss the Strolling Bones parade, led by Grimm Rita herself, as it heads to Dr. Mancenstein’s Castle…

Dr Mancenstein we hear you ask? Head to St Ann’s Square to meet Manchester’s mad-for-it scientist, Dr. Graphena Mancenstein (and her monster, Liam) in the ruins of their exploded castle.

Survived Dr. Mancenstein? Then take a walk through the grounds of her castle. It’s a real hedge maze that’s been taken over by creeping vines, enchanted statues and monstrous creatures – oh, and deadly, walking, talking bushes, too.

If you just want to let it all hang out and have a dance this Halloween don’t miss Manchester’s spookiest record spinner, DJ Ghostman. Like fellow DJs, Daft Punk and Deadmaus, he hides his identity, although he’s opted for a bedsheet. He’ll be joined by his partner in crime MC Pumpkinhead, to play all your favourite Halloween hits from a souped-up DJ Truck on Market Street. Get your Thriller arms at the ready.

Follow all the Halloween in the City action at @HalloweenMCR. Click here for our complete guide to Halloween in Manchester and the North.