We’re just a matter of days away from Halloween and all the inevitable spooky season antics that come along with it so we thought we’d round up a handful of things to do in and around the city that’ll help you save your pennies until the special day.

From cracking Castlefield exhibitions to supper clubs at Factory International – here’s our rundown of the five best free things to do in Manchester this week…

Revel Launch | Contact Theatre | Tue 22 Oct | 6pm - 10pm

Swing by Oxford Road’s buzzing Contact Theatre this Tuesday to check out the exciting new launch of Revel – a dynamic collective of young creatives from the North of England inviting those aged between 16 to 30 to share their thoughts on the current state of the music industry.

More than ‘just a gathering’, Revel is an admirable movement that hands the mic to those who are the future of the industry.

Head over to meet like-minded individuals and chat about what really matters all while enjoying music and delicious free food.

Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA
40 Years of the Future: Jo McGonigal x Frank Bowling | Castlefield Gallery | Wed 23 Oct | 12pm - 5.30pm

Housed in Castlefield Gallery’s distinct architect-designed interior, this dynamic exhibition will bring together site-specific ‘spatial paintings’ by Jo McGonigal with paintings and sculptures by Sir Frank Bowling OBE RA.

All about exploring new ways of thinking about the relationship between painting, sculpture and architecture, this cracking exhibition will be on until early February so be sure to check it out when you can!

2 Hewitt St, Greater, Manchester M15 4GB, Tel: 0161 832 8034
SOUP | Factory International | Wed 23 Oct | 6pm - 9pm

SOUP, dubbed ‘part symposium and part supper club’, is coming to Factory International this week to celebrate Black History Month.

The lovely lot behind SOUP are inviting attendees to come together for a celebration of Black culture. Guests can cook a hearty soup featuring some favourite ingredients shared across West African cuisine, while DJ Devolicious soundtracks the festivities.

Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ, Tel: 0333 322 8679
Casa Latina | Freight Island | Thur 24 Oct | 6pm - 12am

Dive into the heart and soul of Latin culture this Thursday at Escape to Freight Island with music from local selectors to groove out to all the best Latin House, Samba, Reggaeton and more.

All about bringing people together and championing the shared joy of music, dance and food, Casa Latina is a great way to boost your spirits in this miserable slog of weather we’ve been having as of recent.

Depot Mayfield, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ
The Lost Worlds of Ray Harryhausen: Creatures, Martians and Myths | Waterside Arts | Sat 26 Oct | 10am - 5pm

Waterside Arts in Sale has just announced a free exhibition on the work of Ray Harryhausen – the mastermind behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic cinematic special effects.

Inspired by John Walsh’s book Harryhausen: The Lost Movies, this exhibition promises a rare opportunity for film buffs and fans to experience the worlds and work of this visionary animation pioneer who influenced some of the biggest Hollywood directors of our time.

1 Waterside, Sale M33 7ZF, Tel: 0161 912 5616
Mon 21 Oct - Sun 27 Oct
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 21 Oct 2024