What's On & Where To Stay in Manchester This October

Manchester has always been a city with plenty going on. This autumn, there's even more reason to get out and explore.

From big-name musicals and live music to comedy nights, sporting events, food festivals, and cultural experiences, October is packed with things to see and do across the city.

Planning a weekend away? Extending your business trip? Or just looking for an excuse to spend a few more days in Manchester? We don't blame you! There's plenty to add to the diary.

Here's some of our highlights of what's coming up across the city this autumn.

Take Your Seat for Theatre & Musicals

If live theatre's your thing, Manchester's October calendar is stacked with shows to get excited about.

First up is Dirty Dancing, coming to Manchester Palace Theatre at the tail end of September and running through to 3^rd October. Then, get ready for an out-of-this-world experience at Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds, landing at O2 Apollo Manchester on 18^th October.

Later in the month, there's even more on the stage.

The English National Ballet's Romeo & Juliet takes over Manchester Palace Theatre from 21^st to 25^th October, and for the whodunnit fans, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap makes a stop on its 75^th anniversary tour at Manchester Opera House from 26^th to 31^st October.

Turn Up The Volume with Live Music

Manchester may be famous for a certain band of boisterous brothers, but this city and live music go way back. And October's no exception. Whether you're after a night of iconic songs, a show-stopping live performance, or an excuse to sing along at the top of your lungs, there's loads to choose from.

Classical music fans can sit back and enjoy The World of Hans Zimmer live concert at Co-op Live on 7^th October, or for a dance-filled night of pop, The Pussycat Dolls strut their stuff at the same venue just three days later on 10^th October.

Then on 23^rd October, you've got a choice to make – do you watch The Proclaimers walk 500 steps onto the stage at O2 Apollo Manchester? Or do you witness Westlife bring their Anniversary World Tour to Co-op Live that same night?

Have a Laugh with Manchester's Comedy Nights

There's no better antidote to a crazy week in the office than a good laugh.

Luckily, Manchester has plenty of opportunities on offer this October. With stand-up comedy nights happening all throughout the month, there's no shortage of ways to swap up your usual evening routine for something a little more entertaining.

Chris Ramsey kicks things off at Manchester Opera House on 2^nd October, followed by Susan Calman at Aviva Studios on 4^th October.

Mo Gilligan heads to AO Arena for his The Mo You Know world tour on 17^th October, while Phil Wang brings his kooky comedy fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe to Manchester Opera House on 18^th October.

Rounding off the month is Maisie Adam at HOME Manchester on 31^st October – no tricks, only treats from this line-up.

Explore Manchester's Arts & Culture

Want to stray from the beaten path of theatre, music, and comedy? Get involved in Manchester's buzzing arts and cultural scene.

Stop by the free Mythic Reinvention exhibit at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Running all the way through October until 15^th November, it's an exhibition celebrating 50 years of costume and crafting from the theatre's iconic past productions.

Over at the Science and Industry Museum, there's another free exhibit for you to enjoy – Experiment. This family-friendly interactive gallery is a great way to spend a rainy day, designed to test your senses, skills, and wits in different scientific challenges. (Technically, this exhibit runs throughout the entire year, but we couldn't give you a rundown of October's events without including it!)

And speaking of science, Manchester's Co-op Live will be graced by the presence of Professor Brian Cox on 9^th October, performing his brand new world tour, Emergence. Whether you're there for the stellar performance, or the hidden disco and afterparties, prepare to have your mind blown.

Get Your Sporting Fix

You don't need to be a die-hard sports fan to experience some of Manchester's sporting heritage.

Why not take a tour of Manchester City's stadium, or head over to Old Trafford, the home ground of Manchester United? Red or blue, you're guaranteed to have a great time exploring the historic grounds.

If that inspires you enough for a kickabout, don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind Yard Ball experience at the National Football Museum. With the exhibition closing on 1^st November, you only have this month to take on the tactic challenges and unleash your inner Beckham (or Haaland).

Rather sit back and watch the sporting action unfold live? Head to the AO Arena for a live ice hockey match, as Manchester Storm take on Sheffield Steelers on 11^th October.

Eat, Drink, Shop

Manchester is heaving with excellent eating and retail therapy spots to choose from this October.

The Manchester Food Fest takes place in the city from 23^rd to 25^th October – even more reason to spend a weekend exploring the city, as you sample all the local delights along with some more exotic finds.

For something closer to home, Embankment Kitchen at CitySuites is the perfect spot to enjoy Italian classics with a British twist. Whether you’re joining us for breakfast, a leisurely dinner or drinks, it’s a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Fashion more your thing? Europe's biggest thrift festival is coming to Manchester's Victoria Baths on Sunday 25^th October. (Bring an extra bag, you just might need it.)

And for something with a distinctly German flavour, Oktoberfest is taking Manchester by storm across multiple venues, including Albert Schloss, Freight Island, and The Lawn Club in Spinningfields.

Make a Weekend of It at CitySuites

With so much happening across Manchester this autumn, it's impossible to squeeze everything into a single day. And with CitySuites, you won't need to.

Choose a show, book a comedy night, explore the city's sporting heritage, or plan your visit around one of October's foodie and cultural events.

If you're staying in Manchester, give yourself a little more time to enjoy it with CitySuites.

Book your October stay today and use the BONUS20 promo code for an extra 20% off when you book direct.