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Halloween in Manchester and the North

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

Let’s face it, Halloween is the best holiday. It’s got everything: scary movies, fancy dress and plenty of sweets…but how to celebrate All Hallows Eve once you’re tired of trick or treating?

Fear not, we’ve got you covered. Whether you prefer to spend this October exploring the North’s creepiest corners on a Halloween tour, drinking blood red cocktails in your meticulously put together costume, spotting witches at the theatre with the family, or just holed up with some horror films — there’s plenty of spooky goings-on for the culturally curious to investigate.

Our top picks

Helen Anna Flanagan & Gavin Gayagoy at FACT

Helen Anna Flanagan & Gavin Gayagoy at FACT, Liverpool, Until 23 November 2025, Free entry - Visit now

FACT’s new two artist-show explores isolation through digital, immersive environments.

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Helen Anna Flanagan, Burnt Toast
Helen Anna Flanagan

Flecky Bennett’s Ghost Walks

Flecky Bennett’s Ghost Walks, online, Until 17 December 2026, From £15 - Book now

Meet, Flecky Bennet, your guide through the dark and demonic side of the city as he takes you on one of Manchester’s award winning ghost walks.

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Flecky Bennett’s HALLOWEEN 2018 Ghost Walk

Shiverpool: Ghost and History Tours

Shiverpool: Ghost and History Tours, Until 27 February 2027, From £13.50 - Book now

Expect chilling street theatre and immersive thrills as the award winning Shiverpool return to Liverpool’s streets.

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Seasonal Guides

New Year’s Eve in the North

We’ve rounded up some of the city’s best options for seeing out 2025 in style – from wallet-friendly parties to some truly lavish experiences.
Champagne flute swirling in front of a Christmas tree.
Christmas in the North

If you’re looking for alternative or interesting things to do over Christmas in Manchester and the North, look no further.
A smiling market trader shows a customer a painting in Victoria Baths
Christmas Shopping in the North

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.
Festive Happening Camerata
Christmas Theatre and Concerts

As the big day approaches, you can count on theatres and concert halls across the North to pull out all the festive stops.
Visit Blackpool.
Christmas Markets in the North

Makers, bakers and curators will be out in force this festive season as the North’s best Christmas Markets whirr into action.
Black History Month in Manchester and the North

Discover the North West’s best Black History Month events, including exhibitions, theatre and dance.
Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994
Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.

Destinations

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Music in the North

From New York’s experimental underground to the most exciting sounds coming from local scenes, we're lining up a noisy autumn of gigs.

Hofesh Shechter - Theatre of Dreams at Lowry
Theatre in the North

Picks this month include bold visual art, wondrous opera and cinematic dance - plus a touch of ghostly storytelling for the Halloween season.

Poet Helen Mort.
Literature Events in the North

One to add to your TBR pile, our latest round-up is a bumper edition and features some amazing events in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and beyond...

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

It's busy month across the cinemas of the north as Halloween programming leads into two of the region's biggest film festivals.

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

In galleries around the North this autumn, you'll find tactile sculptures, Treasures with a capital 'T' and plant magic.