Brightly coloured canal boats docked along the Manchester Ship canal in front of historic red-brick buildings in Manchester, with ducks swimming in the water.

What’s on in Manchester in October – City Events Guide

Simone Riches

What’s on in Manchester in October 2026? Here’s your quick, always-updated guide to the best events, things to do and half-term activities across the city.

From family days out and Halloween happenings to live music, student nights, theatre, exhibitions and more, we’ve pulled it all into one place – plus Manchester City and Manchester United fixtures to help you plan travel on match days.

Bookmark this page, sign up to the newsletter for monthly highlights and follow us on Facebook for live updates and reviews.

Disclosure: This post may contain adverts and affiliate links. Always check with venues for the latest info before you set off, especially dates, times, age guidance and if booking is required. Details can change.

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Events in Manchester during October 2026

1st October

  • Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George at the Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours 20 mins with interval). Tickets from £38.48.
  • Madonna On The Rocks at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £13. Over 14’s.
  • How Soon Is Now? at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
  • Place Party North of England at AO Arena. Event starts at 6:30pm. Tickets from £252. Ouch!
  • Jill Scott – To Whom This May Concern 2026 Tour at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
  • Fear Factory at O2 Ritz. Event from 6pm.
  • Oktoberfest at Freight Island (platform). Event from 4pm – 11pm. Free – general admission/ seated is £11.27.
  • Othello at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.

2nd October

  • Theatre Tour at the Palace Theatre Manchester. Event starts at 11am. Tickets are £15.
  • Chris Ramsey at Opera House. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £36.74. Over 14 years.
  • How Soon Is Now? at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
  • Mistero Buffo at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm.
  • Katherine Jenkins at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £47.25.
  • Simple Plan – Bigger Than You Think! Europe Tour 2026 at O2 Apollo. Event from 6pm.
  • Black Parade – 00’s Emo Anthems at O2 Ritz. Event from 11pm.
  • Oktoberfest at Freight Island (platform). Event from 4pm – 11am. Free – general admission/ seated is £11.27.
  • Othello at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.

3rd October

  • The Chicago Blues Brothers: Live at the Country Bunker at the Opera House. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £28.60.
  • How Soon Is Now? at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 8pm.
  • Be Like Blippi Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £29.75. FAMILY.
  • Amble at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
  • DJ Yoda – 90’s Mixtap live at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £23.60.
  • Oktoberfest at Freight Island (platform). Event from 4pm – 11pm. Free – general admission/ seated is £11.27.
  • Croatia vs England – UEFA Nations League showing at Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick off at 5pm. FREE.
  • Bingo Jamz at Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event from 7pm – 10pm. Tickets from £20.90.
  • Othello at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
  • The Ultimate Classic Rock Show at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £33.

4th October

  • Jay Rayner – Nights Out in the Kitchen at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 2pm.
  • Nish Kumar- Angry Humour From A Really Nice Guy at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 7:30pm.
  • 30 Years Bryning at The Lowry – Jason Bryne at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
  • Offenbach’s Barkouf at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £6.50.
  • Party101 at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
  • Oktoberfest at Freight Island (platform). Event from 12pm – 8pm. FREE – FAMILY DAY.
  • Soup Supper Immersive Dining Experience at Freight Island (Platform). Event from 3pm – 7pm. Tickets from £30.74.

5th October

  • Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £37.25.
  • Gavin DeGraw at O2 Ritz. Event starts at 7pm.

6th October

  • The Silence of the Lambs at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
  • Thanks For Being Here at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
  • What The World Needs Now: The Burt Bacharach Songbook at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £49.75.
  • Othello at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25. CAP performance.

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    7th October

    • The Lemonheads at Albert Hall. Event starts from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £35. Book here.
    • The Silence of the Lambs at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm.
    • Thanks For Being Here at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • World of Hans Zimmer at Co-op Live. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £73.20.
    • Matt Hansen at O2 Ritz. Event starts at 7pm.
    • We Love Wednesdays at O2 Ritz. Event starts at 11:30pm.
    • Othello at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.

    8th October

    • Aries Spears at Albert Hall. Event starts at 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £30. Grab tickets here.
    • The Silence of the Lambs at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Cirko – Yes Person – Based on Kimberley at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Hallé Orchestra – Prokofiev’s Symphony No.5 at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.50.
    • Karan Aujula – special guest Ikky at Coop Live. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £66.95.
    • The Hoosiers at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.
    • Oktoberfest at Freight Island (platform). Event from 5pm – 11pm. Free – general admission/ seated is £11.27.
    • Othello at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
    • The Music of Luther Vandross – The Candlelight Concert at Manchester Cathedral. Event from 7:30pm – 9:45pm. Tickets from £25.

    9th October

    • The Silence of the Lambs at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Phil Ellis – Bath Mat at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Natalie Reckert – Songs for an Unwritten Sky at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Public Building Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15am. Tickets start from £8 (concession), £10 (standard).
    • Hallé St Peter’s Chamber Concerts: Saint-Saëns’ Septet at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets are £17.50 – students are £6.50.
    • Hue & Gry + Roachford at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £39.75.
    • Professor Brian Cox – Emergence at Coop Live. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £46.75.
    • Amon Amarth – The AllFather Awakens UK 2026 at O2 Apollo. Event from 5:30pm.
    • The bEAT – Dance Crazed Too UK Tour at O2 Ritz. Event starts at 7pm.
    • Kpop Party with DJ Emkay Fire Tour. Event from 11:30pm.
    • Oktoberfest at Freight Island (platform). Event from 4pm – 12am. Free – general admission/ seated is £11.27.
    • Othello at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.

    10th October

    • Manchester United vs Spurs at Old Trafford. Kick off at 5:30pm. Premier League match.
    • The Silence of the Lambs at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm.
    • Natalie Reckert – Songs for an Unwritten Sky at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 2pm.
    • An Afternoon with Kate Atkinson at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 2pm.
    • BBC Philharmonic – Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
    • Manchester Storm vs Nottingham Panthers at the AO Arena. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £29.
    • The Pussycat Dolls – with Lil Kim and Deja Vu at Coop Live. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £100.
    • The HU – Warrior Chant Tour at O2 Apollo Manchester. Event from 7pm.
    • Oktoberfest at Freight Island (platform). Event from 4pm – 12am. Free – general admission/ seated is £11.27.
    • Manchester United vs Spurs showing at Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick off at 5:30pm. FREE.
    • Girls Night Out at Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event from 2pm – 10pm. Tickets from £16.50.
    • Othello at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.
    Opera House Manchester exterior under blue skies — featured in our “What’s on in Manchester in October” guide.

    11th October

    • Nice! Stories and Rhymes with Michael Rosen at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 2pm.
    • Lenny Henry – Still at Large at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Paul Foot – The Future at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Hallé Orchestra – Prokofiev’s Symphony No.5 at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets are £18.50.
    • Manchester Storm vs Sheffield Steelers at AO Arena. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £29.
    • Oktoberfest at Freight Island (platform). Event from 12pm – 8pm. FREE – FAMILY DAY.
    • Liverpool vs Manchester City showing at Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick off at 4:30pm. FREE.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.

    12th October

    • NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
    • Ricky Gervais – Legend at O2 Apollo. Event from 6:30pm.
    • KIN + Fushigi Anime, Film and Video Game Orchestra at O2 Ritz. Event from 7:30pm.
    • Rich Hall – Chin Music at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £20.20.

    13th October

    • The Choir of Man – Directed by Nic Doodson at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Woodhill at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm.
    • African Soul Rebels featuring Les Amazones d’Afrique, Gasper Nali and N’famady Kouyaté at The Bridgewater Hall. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £28.
    • Ricky Gervais – Legend at O2 Apollo. Event from 6:30pm.
    • Midnight Til Morning at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.

    14th October

    • Manchester City vs PSG at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 8pm. Champions League match.
    • The Choir of Man – Directed by Nic Doodson at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Woodhill at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Chris Williamson at O2 Apollo. Event from 6:30pm.
    • Heave 17 perform Penthouse and Pavement at O2 Ritz. Event starts at 7pm.
    • MLF presents Owen James at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets are £36.20.

    15th October

    • An Evening with Art Garfunkel at the Opera House. SOLD OUT.
    • The Choir of Man – Directed by Nic Doodson at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Woodhill at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 6pm.
    • An Evening with President Barack Obama at Coop Live. Event starts at 8pm. Tickets from £66.95.
    • We Love Wednesdays at O2 Ritz. Event from 11:30pm.
    • Team Viking at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £11.20.
    Red truss bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal with modern buildings and high-rise towers in the background at dusk.

    16th October

    • The Mountain Goats at Albert Hall. Event starts from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £35, buy tickets here.
    • Alice Cooper: Devil on My Shoulder Book Tour at Opera House. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours inc interval). Tickets from £60.84 and include the book.
    • The Choir of Man – Directed by Nic Doodson at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 4pm and 8pm.
    • Woodhill at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Ruby Turner at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Alison Moyet at O2 Apollo. Event starts at 7pm.
    • Mercury Rev – All is Dream 25th Anniversary Tour at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.
    • Big Mad Andy’s Peep Show Quiz at Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets are £11.
    • Team Viking at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £11.20.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.

    17th October

    • Manchester City vs Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 3pm. Premier League match.
    • The Choir of Man – Directed by Nic Doodson at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm.
    • Woodhill at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 2:30pm and 8pm.
    • Beyond the Barricade at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Hallé Orchestra – Classical Extravaganza at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £21.50.
    • Fat Freddy’s Drop – with DJ Nightmares on Wax at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
    • Neighbourhood Festival at O2 Ritz. Event from 12pm.
    • R&B Club Classics Bottomless Brunch at Freight Island. Event from 11:30am – 4pm. Tickets from £27.75.
    • Team Viking at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £11.20.
    • MLF presents Hugh Bonneville: Rory Sparkes and the Spy Who Loved Tea at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event from 2pm. Tickets are £11.20.
    • MLF presents a night with Hugh Bonneville at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £21.20.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.

    18th October

    • Phil Wang: UH OH at Opera House. Event starts at 7:30pm (1 hour 50 mins inc interval). Tickets from £31.
    • Between the Covers – Celebrating Agatha Christie at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 1pm.
    • Troy Hawke – Never Stop, Never Change! at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Harriet at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Joe Wells – Daddy Autism at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Public Building Tour with BSL at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11.15am. Tickets from £10.
    • Starsailor with string ensemble at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £32.25.
    • Manchester Storm vs Belfast Giants at AO Arena. Event starts at 4pm. Tickets from £29.
    • Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds Live at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
    • Skai Isyourgod at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.
    • Leeds United vs Manchester Utd showing at Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick off at 2pm. FREE.
    • RNCM Young Explorers – Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes Part 2 with music and screening at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Event starts at 2pm. Tickets from £10. FAMILY.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.

    19th October

    • Cabaret Voltaire – Manchester For The Last Time at Albert Hall. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £35. Buy tickets here.
    • Kyle MacLachlan – Fictional Selves at Opera House. Event from 7:30pm (1 hour 50 mins inc interval). Tickets from £36.74.
    • Sylvia at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • TYLA – The A* Pop World Tour at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
    • An Evening with Katherine Ryan – Firstborn Daughter at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £42.20.

    20th October

    • Manchester City vs AEK at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 8pm. Champions League match.
    • Chris D’Elia Go For It! the Tour at Albert Hall. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £55. Get your tickets here.
    • Sylvia at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Steve Hackett – Best of Genesis and Solo Gems at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £54.25.
    • Brandon Flowers at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
    • Transvision Vamp at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.
    Historic brick railway arches spanning the Manchester Ship Canal, with a canal boat and Beetham Tower visible in the background.

    21st October

    • English National Ballet – Romeo & Juliet at Palace Theatre. Event from 7pm (2 hours 55 mins inc interval). Tickets from £15.60.
    • Sylvia at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Paul Smith at AO Arena. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £43.
    • Melanie C at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.
    • We Love Wednesdays at O2 Ritz. Event from 11:30pm.
    • Daniel Foxx – How Lovely at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event from 7:30pm. Tickets are £22.20.

    22nd October

    • Meera Syal: Vigilauntie! at Albert Hall. Event from 6:30pm – 10pm. Tickets from £27. Find tickets here.
    • English National Ballet – Romeo & Juliet at Palace Theatre. Event from 7pm (2 hours 55 mins inc interval). Tickets from £15.60.
    • Sylvia at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm.
    • Joanna Harries & Aleksandra Myslek (Manchester Midday Music) at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £15.25.
    • Hallé Orchestra – Rachmaninov’s Symphony No.3 at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.50.
    • Paul Smith at AO Arena. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £43.
    • Ogrepalooza with The Ogretones at O2 Ritz. Event starts at 7pm.
    • The Umbilical Brothers – The Distraction at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £31.20.

    23rd October

    • The Coral at Albert Hall. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £30. More info and tickets here.
    • English National Ballet – Romeo & Juliet at Palace Theatre. Event from 7pm (2 hours 55 mins inc interval). Tickets from £15.60.
    • The Brown Suite at the Opera House. Event from 7:30pm(1 hour 35 mins inc interval). Tickets from £15.
    • Sylvia at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Tom Cassani – Iterations at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 7pm.
    • Bert & Nasi – L’addition at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • The Shamrocks at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £24.75.
    • Westlife at Coop Live. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £78.20.
    • The Proclaimers at O2 Apollo. Tickets from 6:30pm.
    • GoldFord at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.
    • Swiftogeddon – 20 years of Taylor special at O2 Ritz. Event from 11pm.
    • MLF presents Lee Child – My Life in Books at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £21.20.
    • House of Comedy at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets are £18.
    • Aardman In Concert at Manchester Central (formerly GMex). Event from 7pm – 8:30pm. Tickets from £25 (adults) and £21 (children). FAMILY.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.

    24th October

    • Manchester Monsters are back in Manchester City Centre!
    • Lake Street Dive at Albert Hall. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £37.50. Find out more here.
    • English National Ballet – Romeo & Juliet at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2pm and 7pm (2 hours 55 mins inc interval). Tickets from £15.60.
    • An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight at the Opera House. Event starts at 7:30pm (1 hour 40 mins inc interval). Tickets from £29.12.
    • Sylvia at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm.
    • Bert & Nasi – L’addition at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Amazons at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 8pm.
    • BBC Philharmonic – Mahler Symphony No. 4 at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £12.
    • Cody Johnson – with Parker McCollum at AO Arena. Doors open at 6pm. Tickets from £89.50.
    • Westlife at Coop Live. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £78.20.
    • The Witcher in Concert at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
    • The Undertones – 50th Anniversary Show + The Men They Couldn’t Hang at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.
    • Aston Villa vs Manchester City at Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick off at 12:30pm. FREE.
    • Solistice presents UKG Halloween Day Party at Freight Island (Plant Room). Event from 3pm – 9pm. Tickets from £22.
    • MLF presents an Evening with Dave Haslam & Special Guests at HOME Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £36.20.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.

    25th October

    • Manchester United vs Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Kick off at 2pm. Premier League match.
    • Manchester Monsters are back in Manchester City Centre!
    • Foy Vance: The Wake World Tour at Albert Hall. Event from 6pm – 11pm. Tickets from £35. Buy tickets here.
    • English National Ballet – Romeo & Juliet at Palace Theatre. Event from 2pm (2 hours 55 mins inc interval). Tickets from £15.60.
    • Dexys Midnight Runners at Opera House Manchester. Event starts at 7pm (no interval). Tickets from £48.22.
    • Simon Amstell at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event from 7:45pm.
    • Jack Carroll – The Fall Guy at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event from 8pm.
    • D Block Europe – with French Montana as special guest at AO Arena. Doors open from 6pm. Tickets from £72.95.
    • Manchester United vs Bournemouth showing at Freight Island (Tap Room). Kick off at 12:30pm. FREE.
    • Raver Tots Halloween Party at Freight Island. Event from 10am. Tickets from £16.
    • MLF presents an Evening with Jackie Kay at HOME Manchester. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £30.20.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.
    The Ivy, Spinningfields with its lush green façade beside a glass office tower — featured in our “What’s on in Manchester in October” guide.

    26th October

    • Manchester Monsters are back in Manchester City Centre!
    • Arlo Parks: DESIRE TOUR at Albert Hall. Event from 7pm – 11pm. Tickets from £30. Get your tickets here.
    • Musical Theatre Masterclass (7 – 12s) at the Palace Theatre. Event from 10am (6 hours). Tickets from £40.
    • The Mousetrap at the Opera House. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours 5 mins including interval). Tickets from £15.60.
    • The Very Hungry Caterpillar at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event from 4pm. FAMILY.
    • Scott Brothers Duo (Manchester Midday Music) at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 1pm. Tickets from £15.25.
    • The Strokes at Coop Live. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £78.20.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.

    27th October

    • Manchester Monsters are back in Manchester City Centre!
    • The Mousetrap at the Opera House. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours 5 mins including interval). Tickets from £15.60.
    • The Haunting of Hill House at Palace Theatre. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £23.
    • The Very Hungry Caterpillar at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. FAMILY.
    • Waitress at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Rewrites – Jeezus! at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 7:30pm. Over 16’s.
    • Daniel Foxx – How Lovely at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Leslie Odom, Jr. at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £54.75.
    • Jack Savoretti at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
    • The Littlest Yak at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 12:30pm and 3:30pm. Tickets are £15.20. FAMILY.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.

    28th October

    • Manchester Monsters are back in Manchester City Centre!
    • The Mousetrap at the Opera House. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £26) and 7:30pm (tickets from £15.60). Runtime 2 hours 5 mins including interval).
    • The Haunting of Hill House at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £23.50) and 7:30pm (tickets from £34.50).
    • The Very Hungry Caterpillar at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. FAMILY.
    • Waitress at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm.
    • Rewrites – Jeezus! at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 7:30pm. Over 16’s.
    • Barry from Watford – Shooting from the New Hip at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • J. Cole – The Fall-Off Tour at Coop Live. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £89.75.
    • Jack Savoretti at O2 Apollo. Event from 7pm.
    • We Love Wednesdays at O2 Ritz. Event from 11pm.
    • The Littlest Yak at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 11am and 2pm. Tickets are £15.20. FAMILY.
    • Spotlight – By Candlelight – Ariettes and Romances at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Event from 6:30pm. FREE. First come, first served, no ticket required.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.

    29th October

    • Manchester Monsters are back in Manchester City Centre!
    • The Mousetrap at the Opera House. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours 5 mins including interval). Tickets from £15.60.
    • The Haunting of Hill House at Palace Theatre. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £32.50.
    • The Very Hungry Caterpillar at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. FAMILY.
    • Waitress at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm.
    • Rewrites – Jeezus! at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 7:30pm. Over 16’s.
    • Hallé Orchestra – Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5 at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £18.50.
    • J. Cole – The Fall-Off Tour at Coop Live. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £72.75.
    • Milburn at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.
    • The Music Circle – Luminescence headline with Cantarix, Fighting Monkey Pyramid, Living Strange and Always A Wolf at Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event from 5pm – 11pm. Tickets from £4.
    • The Littlest Yak at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event slots at 11am and 2pm. Tickets are £15.20. FAMILY.
    • Bright Places at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £10.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.
    • Halloween Ghost Train at East Lancashire Railway. FAMILY.

    30th October

    • Manchester Monsters are back in Manchester City Centre!
    • The Mousetrap at the Opera House. Event starts at 7:30pm (2 hours 5 mins including interval). Tickets from £15.60.
    • The Haunting of Hill House at Palace Theatre. Event from 7:30pm. Tickets from £35.
    • The Very Hungry Caterpillar at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 11am and 1:30pm. FAMILY.
    • Waitress at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event starts at 7:30pm.
    • Rewrites – Jeezus! at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event starts at 7:30pm. Over 16’s.
    • Stevie Martin – Clout at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Public Building Tour at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 11:15am. Tickets from £10.
    • The Amy Winehouse Band at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £34.25.
    • Manchester Storm vs Coventry Blaze at AO Arena. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £29.
    • The Reyton – with Cruz Beckham & The Breakers + Alex Spencer at The Coop Live. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £44.20.
    • The Bluetones at O2 Ritz. Event from 7pm.
    • Fright Island Halloween Party at Freight Island. Event from 9pm – 2am. Tickets from £10.
    • Bright Places at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £10.
    • An Audience with Philippa Gregory at HOME Manchester (Theatre 1). Event starts at 7pm. Tickets from £20.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.
    • Halloween Ghost Train at East Lancashire Railway. FAMILY.

    31st October

    • Manchester City vs Brighton at the Etihad Stadium. Kick off at 3pm. Premier League match.
    • Manchester Monsters are back in Manchester City Centre!
    • Don’t F**k With Disco at Albert Hall. Event from 11pm – 3am. Tickets from £25 – ages 21 years upwards. Grab your tickets here.
    • The Mousetrap at the Opera House. Event slots at 2:30pm (tickets from £48.88) and 7:30pm (tickets from £15.60). Runtime 2 hours 5 mins including interval).
    • The Haunting of Hill House at Palace Theatre. Event slots at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from £25.
    • The Very Hungry Caterpillar at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event slots at 10am and 12:30pm. FAMILY.
    • Waitress at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). Event slots at 2pm and 7:30pm.
    • “A Warning to the Curious” & “Oh Whistle…” Ghost Stories by M R James at The Lowry (Aldridge Studio). Event slots at 4pm and 8pm. Ages 12 and over.
    • Let The Light Pour In at The Lowry (Quays Theatre). Event starts at 8pm.
    • Ebi Live in Manchester at The Bridgewater Hall. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £83.75.
    • Korn at AO Arena. Doors open at 6pm. Tickets from £94.17.
    • Manic Street Preachers & Suede at The Coop Live. Event from 7pm. Tickets from £52.20.
    • Chelsea vs Manchester United showing at Freight Island. Kick off at 12:30pm. FREE.
    • Bez’s Halloween Day Party at Freight Island (Platform). Event from 12pm – 12am. Tickets from £13:20.
    • MCR Rocks Indie Night at Freight Island (Mezz Bar). Event from 8pm – 12am. FREE.
    • Bingo Jamz Halloween at Freight Island (Mazz Bar). Event from 7pm – 10pm. Tickets from £22.
    • Bright Places at HOME Manchester (Theatre 2). Event starts at 7:45pm. Tickets from £10.
    • Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre – Car Park P7 – FAMILY.
    • Halloween Ghost Train at East Lancashire Railway. FAMILY.

    Wrapping Up What’s Happening In Manchester In October

    Don’t miss our guide to the best firework displays in Manchester (times, locations, prices – currently being updated) and head to North West Family Adventures for trusted picks on pumpkin picking in the North West throughout October.

    Bookmark this page, share it with your group chat and check back – we’ll keep adding fresh Manchester events as they’re announced.

    Want to make sure you don’t miss a single event? Sign up for our monthly ‘What’s On Guide’ and get the latest event updates sent straight to your inbox. Manchester’s got plenty in store, so get ready to dive in and enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer!

    Sign up for our ‘What’s on in Manchester?’ monthly guide

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      Simone

      Simone, an established blogger, is the passionate creator of ManchesterMummy.com. As a dedicated Manchester local, she shares her deep knowledge of the city through detailed guides and resources. Her expertise covers Manchester's top dining experiences, hidden attractions and family-friendly activities. Simone's Manchester City Guide serves as a comprehensive resource for both residents and visitors eager to explore what Manchester has to offer. Besides city insights, she offers practical lifestyle tips to enhance urban living and family life. When not scouting the city or writing, Simone enjoys family time, writing, photography and exploring local flavours. Follow her journey as she reveals Manchester's unique charm, one post at a time.

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