Halloween is so exciting in Manchester with so much going on. There is something for everyone whether its a rave you crave, bottomless drinks and bingo brunch, or something new in the world of country music. This list shares everything from convenient spots along Oxford Road, to my favourite venues deeper into the city. Halloweekend (if you decide to do both Friday and Saturday) is intense, but with the right people and a touch of adventure you can have a fantastic time. Everyone dresses up and gets involved regardless of how much you drink or how late you stay out. I have provided here some more variety for events going on this month in terms of music genres, timings, activities for groups (big or small) and locations across the city to explore.
1. Halloween Project @ Depot Mayfield
If you have been to Warehouse Project before, you know it is one of the biggest rave venues in Manchester. I have had my fair share of Warehouse Project nights so I would be remiss not to include this in the list here. If you’re one for electronic music, crazy costumes and a variety of stages within the venue, this is the hotspot for seasoned and new ravers alike. Although this years Warehouse halloween is run by Riff Raff Events, the genres on the lineup do not falter with Bassline, Dancehall and House. The Depot Mayfield is big…like really big, so I’d say go with a group you can trust, keep your phone charged and if anything, dress up as a glow stick to stand out in the crowd! The link for tickets can be found here.
2. 90’s Baby @ Manchester Cathedral
Whether you are dressed as Chucky or Cher, a 90’s party will bring you back with a night of club classics. Manchester Cathedral blends historical settings with its spooky halls this Halloween. The lineup of Basshunter, Dj Sammy Baby D, and more bring music to make us party like its 1999. Even though some of you might not have even been born yet during the 90’s it doesn’t take away form our nostalgia with the beloved romcoms and sitcoms of this era springing to life as night falls. This event is accessible with step free access and accessibility specific tickets are also available via Skiddle.
3. Pangaea @ The Loft
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This Halloween The Loft MCR presents an electrifying lineup with Pangaea b2b Amaliah, IceMorph & Zuri. From 11 pm until 5 am (last entry 1 am), this event showcases new niches in bass, dubstep, techno, glitch and post-vaporwave sounds. People will be dressed up in their craziest outfits yet as they blend into The Loft’s gritty, high-energy club space. This event is headed by the iconic collective Hessle Audio, going b2b with the genre-defying Amaliah (known for UK funky-house-techno cuts), this is prime Halloween territory for true ravers. Energy is essential for this event as a top beginning to your Halloweekend. Tickets and info cna be found via their Instagram.
4.The Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Fairfield Social Club
For my non-ravers and theatre enthusiasts, halloween doesn’t just have to be about clubbing, Why not spend the night with a full screening and singalong. Everyone will be dressed as their favourite characters and its a great option for group costumes. Even if you’re not a huge drinker or party person, The Fairfield Social Club offers something a bit more interactive for Halloween this year. Its important to pace yourself with bottomless drinking deals involved but starting off Halloweekend strong with a festive activity if you’re new to the city and in need some spooky blood-bonding.
5. Reggaeton Halloween Party @ The Deaf Institute
Now we have made it through the 31st, but Halloweekend is not over. For my International students or Reggaeton lovers, the Deaf institute are hosting an event for those than need to shake off the memories and hang-xiety of the Friday night before. if you love Latin music, have Latin friends or simply want to hear a new genre with a new crowd, this event is for you. The Deaf Institute is conveniently located off Oxford Road and a well known venue among Manchester Students so why not give your regular a go this halloween, except this time we get to dress up! More information cna be found here.
6. HIT & RUN presents 1985 MUSIC @ Hidden
I can’t write an article about events in Manchester without including Hidden. It is one of my favourite venues since first year and, now that its had a bit of a makeover on the inside, the events have definitely upgraded. If you missed your chance at a rave on the Friday, or simply want to keep going for a second round of electronic beats, Hidden always has you covered. Presented by Alix Perez, expect Drum and Bass, Jungle and 140bpm to end your Halloweekend on a high note. More info for tickets and the calendar of what’s to come for Hidden after its revamp can also be fond here via their instagram.
7.Old Skool Bingo @ Kable Club
Located just in front of Oxford Road Station, Kable Club has managed to to combine Bingo, RnB and Halloween festivity all into one evening. The venue is located nearby to other pubs and bars so this would be the perfect beginning to a pub crawl along New Wakefield Street and back up to Oxford Road or into town. Begin the night with some spooky games, RnB classics and of course the excuse to dress up for a second night in a row. Getting a bit competitive is a fun way to bond with new friends, spark conversation and keep the energy going to enjoy the rest of Halloween as the night rolls in. Info and tickets can be found here via Skiddle.
8. A Nashville Country Music Experience @ Freight Island
I love a last minute cowgirl costume, or sometimes just going as the cow, so why not indulge in a whole Country music experience. Although it’s a bit out of the usual student agenda, this event highlights the real joy of Halloween…being something we are not! Doing things for the plot like slapping on a pair of boots, having a drink and going square dancing is just the type of Halloweekend experience that university is all about. Located in the heart of Piccadilly, a spot of live music breaks up the synthetic sounds of the club for something a bit different but equally as fun. Check their website page here for tickets and more information.
If you’re still undecided, or haven’t even picked a costume yet, this article might help you put together some ideas so you can be the best dressed at whichever event sparks your fancy this Halloween.
I’m Mia, a student at Manchester University studying History and Sociology. I love writing all things advice, tips and tricks to maximise your experience here in the big city. When my friends can’t reach me, I’m probably taking pictures at some random rave and dabbling in the world of photojournalism or curled up in bed with my kindle and phone on DND.
