Things to do for Halloween 2021 near me in Manchester: from pumpkin picking to scary cinema

From classic scary movies to more fun events for children like pumpkin picking and skating, there are lots of Halloween events to enjoy in Manchester this autumn - here are some of our favourites.
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Once upon a time, Halloween merely involved trick or treating in a witch costume in the hope of getting a few sweets from the neighbours. But nowadays, it’s a full-on festival of spooky fun which lasts most of the month of October.

We’ve rounded up five of the best events for scare fans both young and old to enjoy in the Manchester area.

Pumpkin picking at Dunham

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Why buy any old pumpkin from the supermarket when you can track down the perfect, handpicked version yourself for a perfect Jack o’Lantern?

Dunham Pumpkins at Dunham Masset Massey has over 20,000 to choose from this month of all shapes, sizes and varieties. It runs every weekend til Sunday 24 October, then every day til Halloween on the 31st.

Tickets priced from £5.62 can be booked via Dunham here. There is a sneak preview of what to expect on our video above.

Scare Skate, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester

Get your skates on fast for this one - a new ice rink is coming to the city centre, with monsters on ice!

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Join the residents ghouls on two blades for a fun skating session where fancy dress is welcome. There’ll be plenty of spooky music and fun for all the family, from 22 to 31 October. And there is a roof over the rink in case the weather gets too monstrous.

Tickets start from £11 at https://skatemanchester.com/

Scarecity, Fives Soccer Centre, Trafford

Indulge your love of classic horror movies on a massive screen as the popular drive-in cinema returns. There is also spine-chilling fun with live actors springing up in the drive-through tunnels and the themed areas, with plenty of photo opportunities.

While it’s adults only at night, during the day at weekends, there is also a selection of gently spooky movies for children at the Spooky City cinema. Tickets are £40 a car from Scare City here.

Scare CityScare City
Scare City

Spookfest, Trafford Centre

A fun fair, ghost train, haunted maze and escape rooms should keep all the family busy at the Trafford Centre. There will also be an array of Halloween food and drink from a variety of vendors. It runs from now til 31 October.

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Entry to the rises area costs £3 and they run on tokens - you can pay on the day or book in advance via the centre’s website here.

There is also a trick or treat trail across the centre’s shops on Thursday 28 October where youngsters can hunt for hidden sweets - info at the customer service desk.

Dr Mancenstein’s Castle & Gardens, St Ann’s Square, Manchester

The square gets a spooky street theatre makeover - look out for mad scientist Dr. Mancenstein, roaming dragons, man-eating plants and other quirky characters doing the rounds. It’s free as part of the Halloween in the City series and you can pop along 10am to 6pm on Saturday 30 October and Sunday 31 October to grab a photo or two with them.

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