Greater Manchester is packed with events this weekend (October 24-25), from a monster parade in the city centre to artisan markets and a spooky film festival. Here are five things to do as the October half term begins for many families.
Florence Peake Dance Activation at HOME
HOME is currently hosting a solo exhibition of sculptural and painting works from visual artist Florence Peake, exploring grief and absence (until January 31). This weekend, dancers will appear throughout the space, gesturing through paint and movement in a unique activation that cannot be replicated. Activations take place on October 24 at 1pm and 3pm, with no bookings required and free entry.
Artisan Markets at Victoria Baths
Victoria Baths will host the popular Tilly & Primrose Artisan Markets on Saturday (October 24), featuring independent makers and creative workshops ranging from beaded necklace making to embroidery. Free to attend, the event includes over 80 businesses selling jewellery, food, home fragrances, stationery, decor, clothing and more. It runs from 10am to 4pm.
Manchester Literature Festival Finale
The Manchester Literature Festival concludes on Sunday. Family events include a performance of The Enormous Turnip at Z-Arts (Sat & Sun, 11am) and a free little reads storytime session at Oldham Library on Saturday at 12.30pm, with a family-friendly activity trail from 10am to 2pm. On Sunday at HOME, DJ and broadcaster Dave Haslam will speak with actor John Simm, Joy Division and New Order drummer Stephen Morris, and LoneLady. Later, HOME hosts an evening with poet Jackie Kay.
STAB Film Festival at CULTPLEX
CULTPLEX's annual spooky film festival STAB runs until Halloween, offering family-friendly and horror classics. Highlights include a bottomless drinks screening of Scooby-Doo 2 (Saturday, 1pm, 18+) and a double-bill of Longlegs and Silence of the Lambs on Saturday evening. The cinema (M4 4HF) is a short walk from Victoria Station.
Halloween in the City Weekender
The Manchester Monsters are in town for the Halloween In The City weekender (Saturday and Sunday), featuring free family events across the city centre. Highlights include a Monsters Party Procession through the Arndale and Market Street (11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm), a Kid's Halloween hunt with party bags from the sweet shop on New Cathedral Street, and the Rave-Yard on St Ann's Square with DJs and party games (10am-6pm Saturday, 10am-4.30pm Sunday). All events are free to attend. With the October half term underway, more than 20 additional activities around Manchester are available over the next week, including cinema clubs and adventure golf.
