Conspiracy theory sci-fi from John Carpenter that’s a firm fan favourite thanks to its mix of goofy B-movie stylings and subversive satire. Aliens move amongst us using subliminal imagery to control our minds. Luckily for humanity, wrestler-turned-actor ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper can literally see through their sinister plans with his x-ray specs and he takes the fight to them in a more physical fashion.
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
FilmFear is back as HOME team up with Film4 for another season of new and classic scary movies, premieres and events.
from £7.95
Manchester Animation Festival returns with a sprawling programme designed to appeal to animation professionals, enthusiasts and fans alike.
from £8
Set in the beating heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Off The Square is state-of-the-art music and events space that plays host to live gigs as well as club nights.
Round the Corner provides excellent drinks, local music and good vibes, with a rooftop bar and an event space in Liverpool’s Fabric District.
QUARRY is a grassroots music venue that works with and for the community, providing a platform for local musicians and other creatives.
SEESAW is a co-working space, events venue and café.
A Rat Pack-style restaurant with of live music and upscale Italian-American dining, and strictly no phones.
Leeds Minster is a building rich in history and heritage. Explore the space, light a votive candle or listen to the famous organ when you visit.
Charcoal grill yakitori supper club held in a beautiful Tokyo-style backstreet cafe in the North Quarter.
The library in The 1 in 12 Club, an anarchist social centre and members’ club in Bradford formed in 1981.
Have a wild adventure at the Knowsley Safari Park, and get up close to lions, rhinos, camels and more from the comfort of your car.
Long-standing restaurant on Albert Square in Manchester, now in its sparkly new street-level location.
Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre is perfectly placed to showcase the best of Liverpool, during a relaxing and comfortable stay.
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
Showroom’s Black History Month programming features a selection of films and events built around the theme ‘Intergenerational Fusion: Empowering Black Minds’.
from £5
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
Organist Darius Battiwalla and RNCM students perform a live improvised soundtrack to accompany two of silent cinema’s most iconic comedy films.
from £12.00
This Halloween, Pictureville presents Fatal Femmes – a series of spooky screenings paying tribute to women in horror.
from £6.00
Squelch, smash and splatter this October Half term with Hyde Park Picture House’s Halloween Foley Workshop.
from £5.00
We travel all around the North in this month’s top picks to bring you mood-boosting colour, a gallery playground and the experiences of artist mothers.
Our reading matter lately has included lots of festival programmes, with Manchester Literature Festival already underway and Litfest in Lancaster due to start very soon.
A host of Halloween horrors, London Film Festival in Manchester, plus silent movie masterpieces are amongst our highlights this month.
Take some autumnal eating-out tips from this month's guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
From DIY gigs to blockbuster multi-media events, we’ve covered the lot in our latest round-up of unmissable live music.
Don't let the cold weather get you down with this soul warming autumn selection of tours and activities.
Experimental performance, Halloween-themed cabaret and an eclectic selection of dance all take top spots in our new guide.
Autumn's packed with arts and cultural fun for families. Read our latest picks, from theatrical classics to interactive activities.
