October Unwrapped: Science, Shopping and Spooky Surprises at Manchester Arndale
October is packed with exciting Manchester events in October, and there’s something for everyone! From larger-than-life art installations and early Christmas shopping to creepy Halloween monsters, we’ve got it all.
Elephant in the Room: 9th – 10th October
Join us on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th October for The Elephant in the Room, an engaging event hosted by Manchester Arndale in collaboration with Real Change MCR and local charity Coffee4Craig.
Coinciding with World Homeless Day 2024 and World Mental Health Day UK, the initiative offers free “open-talk” workshops that explore the crucial connection between homelessness and mental health.
Everyone is welcome to come along. Just look out for the giant blue elephant, our centerpiece and a symbol of the often unspoken challenges many people still face.
More information can be found here.
📍 Exchange Court
⏰ 12-6pm
The Christmas Pudding Payout: 12th – 13th October
Shop early, win big! Ready to sleigh your Christmas shopping? Join us for The Christmas Pudding Payout on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October and get a head start on your gift-giving PLUS be in with the chance of winning a £1,000 shopping spree!
It might only be October but we’re unwrapping the festive fun early for shoppers who want to beat the holiday rush. Simply spend £20 or more, show us your receipt at our giant Christmas pudding (near Next) and let our gourmet elves, Nigelfa & Heston Blumentelf, treat you to some holly jolly goodies! We’re talking candy canes, choc coins, mince pies and hot chocolate – YULE be delighted!
Feeling extra jolly? Spend £100 to be entered into the grand prize draw! Imagine decking the halls without decking your wallet.
Plus, keep an eye out for the Ministry of Cheer, who are on the lookout for early shoppers and spreading festive fun!
📍 Exchange Court
⏰ Saturday: 12-6pm, Sunday: 12-5pm
Manchester Science Festival: 19th – 20th October
This Manchester event in October bring you a larger-than-life visitor as Arachnobot crawls its way into Manchester Arndale just in time for Halloween!
Part of the packed programme for the 2024 Manchester Science Festival, this giant, mechanical spider will take over Manchester Arndale on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October. Created by Artistic Director Tim Davies, Arachnobot is a breathtaking (and slightly terrifying!) kinetic sculpture with eight legs, a giant inflatable body and a complex cable skeleton.
This unmissable spectacle, controlled by a single puppeteer, promises to mesmerize visitors of all ages. Don’t miss out – join us around the mall from 12 noon to experience Arachnobot up close!
📍 Upper Mall
⏰ Saturday: 12-6pm, Sunday: 12-5pm
Halloween in the City: 26th – 27th October
The Manchester Monsters are back, and they’re bigger and spookier than ever! Keep your eyes peeled for over 16 vibrant inflatable creatures taking over the city’s most iconic rooftops, including our very own Helvis Presley—the king of spooky rock ‘n’ roll—at Manchester Arndale.
Designed by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, this year’s monster invasion will transform Manchester into a giant, Halloween-themed playground as part of the annual Halloween in the City festival on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October.
Pick up a map to track down all 16 monsters around the city and don’t miss out on the Halloween in the City Weekender! With games, competitions, crafts, DJs and a Halloween parade featuring giant puppet monsters, stilt walkers and live music, there’s something for everyone.
Events will be happening across Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, and here at Manchester Arndale. Highlights include:
🎤 Monster Rock Music Festival
🧛 Team Trick vs. Team Treat Challenge
🎉 Monster Rock Party Procession
🛍️ Halloween Market Manchester
🐛 The Leech
👁️ Eyeball Hunt
💀 The Raveyard
Join the fun and immerse yourself in the spooky spirit at Manchester Arndale, the ultimate destination for celebrating Halloween in the city and your one stop shop for the best Manchester events in October.
