This week’s selection ranges from free art shows that’ll transform your lunch-hour, to big nights of country music at the Arena. We’ve also got a farewell gig from a Factory Records signing, and a free family day out in Stockport to kick off the half-term holidays.
Don’t miss this free, visually striking new exhibition from internationally acclaimed artist Florence Peake. Through sculpture, drawing and live performances she captures the shifting relationship between presence and absence, and considers the rhythms of loss, grief, renewal and transformation. Head there on Sat 24 Oct to catch live performances at 1pm and 3pm.
This long-running exhibition brings together more than 50 works from the Whitworth’s collection to explore representations of trees in art, from the sixteenth century to the present day. Featured artists include Paul Cézanne, Graham Sutherland and George Shaw. Spend some time soaking up the art then head to the glass-walled Whitworth Cafe to enjoy the beauty of the real-life Whitworth Park trees in their autumn colours.
Get started on your Halloween celebrations early with this Day of the Dead-themed festival in Stockport. Aimed at families, and with fancy dress strongly encouraged, it includes sugar skull tattoo makeovers, safe trick or treating, a spirit dance, and a Mexican-style parade. The perfect spooky start to the half-term holidays.
There are a handful of tickets still available on this almost sold-out concert from country music star Cody Johnson (CoJo to his fans). The Texas-born singer has built a massive following with his blend of traditional country, heartfelt storytelling and arena-ready anthems. He’s joined by fellow US country singers Parker McCollum and Alyssa Bonagura.
This seven-course supper club brings together Stockport’s Uma kitchen and Ōdiobā’s listening room for an evening of Japanese-inspired dining and carefully selected records. DJ Stan Chow will be on the decks, while the menu features dishes including venison tataki, charred shime saba, duck with cherry teriyaki, chestnut ochazuke and hojicha tart. £10 from every ticket goes to Eat Well Manchester, with each donation funding five meals for people in need.
- Words:
- Sarah Tierney
- Published on:
- Mon 19 Oct 2026
Pioneers of industrial and electronic music Cabaret Voltaire return to Manchester for a farewell, career-spanning show at Albert Hall. With close links to the Factory Records and Hacienda era, the group helped shape the sound of underground electronic music and have a special connection with the city. It’s almost 50 years since their first performance here, and they say this will be their last.