Autumn is officially upon us, which means we’ll no longer be content just sitting in the park reading a book. Gets a bit chilly. So here are some free things to do this weekend that might prove a better shout.

Rugby World Cup 2015 Fanzone at Albert Square
England may no longer be in the running (though if we stopped watching sport on that basis, we’d be screwed), but this weekend Albert Square becomes a hub for all things Rugby World Cup, with big screens showing all eight international matches. Pair this with a variety of activities like a kicking simulator, precision pass and speed pass challenges, rugby bungee, ‘bucking ball’, an inflatable rugby pitch, live entertainment, globetrotting street food and three bars, and it won’t take anyone long to forget our loss.
Fri 9 – Sun 11 Oct, Albert Square, M2 4JW, FREE, Screenings at various times, www.tfgm.com

Autumn Food and Craft Market at Lowry Outlet
Lap up a taste of autumn with artisan producers from across the UK, as they unite this weekend for Lowry Outlet’s Waterside Food and Craft Market. With over 30 stalls taking over the open air plaza, expect everything from foraged goodies to handmade crafts with over 40 varieties of free range sausages from Bobby’s Bangers, locally foraged preserves from Blueberry Hill Preserves, handmade soaps and bath bombs from Flicker & Fizz Ltd, traditional cheeses from Just The Cheese, art, candles, blankets and driftwood mirrors from Boola Boo Designs and much, much more.
Sat 10 – Sun 11 Oct, Lowry Outlet, The Quays, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AH, Sat: 10am – 6pm, Sun: 11am – 5pm, FREE, www.lowryoutlet.co.uk

Meet Nick Frost at Waterstones Deansgate (pictured)
Nick Frost is an actor, comedian and screenwriter known most for his work with Shaun Pegg – and his ability to nail the West Country slur – in the likes of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Spaced and Paul. But this weekend he’s paying us a visit in his own right, making his way to Manchester to sign copies of his new memoir Truths, Half Truths and Little White Lies. Completely free, no tickets required, but if you’ve got some sense you’ll rock up early.
Sun 11 Oct, Waterstones, 91 Deansgate, M3 2BW, 2pm, FREE, www.waterstones.com

Know of any good freebies coming up? Email jess at manchesterwire dot co dot uk with the deets.

Fri 9 Oct - Sun 11 Oct
Words:
Jess Hardiman
Published on:
Thu 8 Oct 2015