How to celebrate Halloween in Manchester

Halloween experiences

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Halloween this year then one of these suggestions could be the way to go – whether you want to go with friends, your partner, or the whole family, these experiences will make for the perfect memory.

Candlelight Halloween: A haunted evening of classical compositions

If you want to skip the scares this year but still celebrate Halloween in a memorable way, Candlelight concerts will be performing at Manchester Cathedral this Halloween – think candlelit cathedral, talented musical performers, and 65 minutes of world-famous Halloween tracks. This one-of-a-kind event will be taking place on Monday 31^st October and tickets are on sale now so make sure to secure yours before it’s too late.

Scare City experience

What was once a fun-filled theme park has been overtaken by horror and a swarm of zombies, after reopening its doors to thrill-seekers looking to test their limits this Halloween. This experience will lead you through 2km and 12 zones of pure terror, complete with crumpling walls, creaky floors, and actors whose only job is to make sure you can’t sleep that night from the fear they induce in you. Do you think you can handle it? If you think you’re brave enough, the event runs every weekend this month and tickets are available to buy here.

Pumpkin picking

Carving pumpkins is the ultimate Halloween tradition, but have you ever considered pumpkin picking? Kenyon Hall Farm is just a 30-minute drive from Manchester and from the 8^th of October it’ll be transformed into a pumpkin paradise with over 15,000 unique pumpkins to choose from. You’ll be able to wander around the patch with a wheelbarrow and fill it with pumpkins of your choice, and once you get tired you can wind down at the farm shop and café before heading off home to carve your masterpiece.

Halloween at night

If you want to skip the daytime festivities and just enjoy a crazy good night out this Halloween, then we have found two of the biggest and best events happening in Manchester this year - good luck picking your winner!

R&B Superstars Halloween Block Party

After a string of sold-out R&B old school parties across the UK, Soul Nation are bringing Europe’s biggest indoor festival right here to Manchester this Halloween. Comprised of 8 iconic R&B artists including Ginuwine, Donell Jones, Next, and others, this event will be a one-of-a-kind experience for those who attend. Hosted on Saturday 29^th October at the O2 Victoria Warehouse, this event is likely to sell out so make sure you grab your tickets quick.

Baked A La Ska Halloween Special

On Sunday 30th October, Baked A La Ska will be taking over Manchester’s live music scene performing the spookiest classics for a 'Skalloween' special! The event will be held at The Yard and fancy dress is highly encouraged, so make sure you turn up in your best outfit! Baked A La Ska refer to themselves as a band of ‘assembled oddballs and pranksters’ so you can expect an unpredictable night of fun. Tickets are still available to buy so don’t miss out.

Home activities

If you’re more of a home bird, then we’ve got you covered too. You don’t have to leave your house to enjoy yourself, so here’s a few ideas that’ll make staying at home this Halloween a night to remember.

Halloween movie night

If you usually like spending your time watching films then why not keep this tradition going on Halloween, but with a scary twist? Turn your living room into a cosy nest with plenty of blankets and pillows and prepare for a long marathon of the best Halloween movies. Whether you like the thrill of a horror, such as the Michael Myers Halloween films, or prefer the less frightening Disney classics like Hocus Pocus or Halloweentown – whatever films you choose, a great movie night is guaranteed.

Halloween bakes

You may have grown out of trick or treating but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy sweet treats this Halloween. There are so many great recipes out there for seasonal bakes – from creepy spider biscuits to pumpkin cheesecakes, you can find a recipe for just about anything you’re craving, but our personal favourites are these gory and delicious eye cake pops, you have to give them a go!

Throw a costume party

If you miss the childhood excitement of dressing up into the scariest costume you could find, then why not throw a costume party? The perfect way to live out those childhood costume dreams and have all your friends join you in doing so – you could even go a step further and set up some party games for you and your guests to enjoy, such as bobbing for apples! A house party doesn’t have to be expensive either, just ask each guest to bring their favourite snacks and drinks with them, put on a feel-good playlist, and enjoy the night.

However you choose to spend your Halloween, we hope you enjoy it (safely!) and share your experience with us on socials – we love to see your snaps.