Wondering what’s on in Manchester this autumn and winter? From spectacular family shows and live music to theatre, comedy, exhibitions, food, and seasonal celebrations, Manchester offers plenty of events across the city and Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re planning a weekend in Manchester, looking for family days out during October half term, meeting friends for a night out or planning a festive trip, the city has a packed calendar of upcoming events.
And if you’re looking for spectacular family entertainment, Gandeys Circus is bringing two very different productions to the Trafford Centre this season: the brand-new Halloween Spooktacular and the spectacular Snowstorm 6: A Frozen Adventure.
What’s On in Manchester: Upcoming Events include Gandeys Circus
For families searching for what’s on in Manchester, the Trafford Centre is one of the places to have on your list this autumn and winter.
Gandeys Circus Manchester returns with its animal-free Big Top productions, featuring talented human performers, spectacular production numbers and shows designed to entertain audiences of all ages.
Halloween Spooktacular – 10 October to 1 November
Get ready for spooky family fun as the Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular arrives at the Trafford Centre.
Running from Saturday 10 October to Sunday 1 November, this brand-new production brings the excitement of the circus together with the thrills and chills of Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre.
Expect thrilling performances, jaw-dropping acts, grand production numbers and plenty of Halloween surprises beneath the Big Top. It’s designed to deliver a fun-filled experience for families, with enough excitement to keep older children and adults entertained too.
The show is also ideally placed for an October family trip, with the Trafford Centre offering shopping, food and entertainment all in one location.
Where: Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA
Dates: Saturday 10 October – Sunday 1 November
With performances throughout the autumn season and additional shows during half term, it’s a great option if you’re searching for things to do with the family in Manchester this October.
Snowstorm 6: A Frozen Adventure – 4 December to 3 January
As autumn comes to an end, Gandeys turns its attention to Christmas with the return of its spectacular ice show.
Snowstorm 6: A Frozen Adventure runs at the Trafford Centre from Friday 4 December to Sunday 3 January, bringing a magical frozen world to life.
Following five sensational years of sell-out performances, the Snow Storm Ice Show at the Trafford Centre returns with a brand-new adventure featuring world-class figure skaters, aerial artistry, circus acts, special effects and cinematic storytelling.
The story takes audiences into a frozen kingdom hidden among snow-covered mountains, where an enchanted princess is trapped inside an ice castle guarded by a powerful dragon. A daring rescue mission follows, filled with courage, friendship and spectacular surprises.
For families looking for a memorable Christmas event in Manchester, the Snow Storm Ice Show winter spectacle is a perfect festive choice.
Where: Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA
Dates: Friday 4 December – Sunday 3 January
Whether you’re continuing a Christmas tradition or seeing Snowstorm for the first time, it’s an opportunity to combine a trip to the Trafford Centre with a spectacular festive performance.
Theatre in Manchester
Manchester has a legendary theatre scene, with venues across the city staging major UK tour productions, musicals, drama, comedy, and family performances year-round.
Opera House Manchester
The Opera House Manchester on Quay Street is one of the city’s best-known theatre venues. Its programme regularly includes major touring productions, comedy, musicals and seasonal shows.
If you’re planning a trip to Manchester for a theatre performance, check what’s on at the Opera House alongside the city’s other major venues.
Palace Theatre
Located on Oxford Road, the Palace Theatre is another major venue for touring productions. From large-scale musicals to dance and theatre, its stage regularly welcomes productions travelling across the UK.
For theatre fans, checking both the Palace Theatre and Opera House is a good starting point when planning what’s on in Manchester.
Royal Exchange Theatre
For something different, the Royal Exchange Theatre is famous for its unique theatre-in-the-round setting. The venue stages new productions, classic stories and contemporary work, making it an important part of Manchester’s arts and culture scene.
Live Music, Gigs and Concerts
Manchester’s connection with music is legendary, and the city continues to attract some of the biggest artists in the UK and around the world.
From major concerts to intimate gigs, something is always happening across Manchester’s music venues.
The AO Arena hosts major touring artists and large-scale concerts, while Co-op Live at the Etihad Campus has quickly become one of the UK’s biggest live music venues.
For classical music and orchestral performances, Bridgewater Hall remains one of the city’s leading venues.
If smaller venues are more your thing, head to the Northern Quarter, where independent venues, bars, and music spaces offer chances to see established artists and fresh new talent.
Comedy and Nights Out in the City Centre
Manchester’s entertainment scene doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. The city has a thriving comedy scene, with touring comedians performing at theatres alongside regular stand-up nights in smaller venues.
The Northern Quarter is also a popular choice for an evening out, with bars, restaurants, live music and independent venues packed into the streets around the city centre.
For visitors staying overnight, areas including the Northern Quarter, Ancoats, Spinningfields and the city centre offer plenty of options for food and entertainment.
Family Days Out in Greater Manchester
If you’re looking for family days out beyond the city centre, Greater Manchester has plenty to explore.
The Science and Industry Museum is a great option for families interested in Manchester’s industrial history, while Manchester Museum offers collections covering natural history and ancient cultures.
The Lowry at Salford Quays also provides a varied programme of theatre, family shows, exhibitions and arts events.
And, of course, the Trafford Centre provides an easy option for families wanting to combine shopping, food and entertainment. This autumn and winter, you can make your visit extra special by adding a Gandeys Big Top or ice show to your day.
What’s Happening in Manchester This Autumn?
October is always a busy week for events in Manchester, particularly around Halloween and half term.
Families can explore museums, catch a theatre performance, enjoy seasonal attractions or experience the Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular at the Trafford Centre.
As November arrives, the city’s focus begins to turn towards celebrating Christmas, with seasonal events, shopping, food and entertainment starting to appear across Manchester.
Then, from December onwards, the city comes alive with Christmas markets, festive theatre and family performances — including Snow Storm: Wish at the Trafford Centre and Snowstorm 6: A Frozen Adventure at the Trafford Centre.
Manchester Christmas Markets
The Manchester Christmas Markets are one of the city’s best-known seasonal attractions, bringing food, drink, gifts and festive atmosphere to locations across the city centre alongside Tinsel Town and Snow Storm Wish at the Trafford Centre.
They’re a great addition to a Christmas trip, particularly if you’re visiting Manchester for a show or performance.
Why not combine a wander around the city with an evening meal before heading to a festive production?
Plan Your Manchester Trip
With so many events, performances, exhibitions, gigs and family activities taking place across the city, it’s worth planning your trip in advance.
If you’re looking for what’s on in Manchester this weekend, start by checking the dates of the shows and venues you’re interested in, including the Snowstorm Wish Ice Show at the Trafford Centre. Popular performances, particularly around October half term and Christmas, can sell out quickly.
For Gandeys Circus, you can check the latest tour dates, show information and available tickets, including details for the SnowStorm Ice Show: Wish, before planning your visit.
Whether you’re interested in theatre, live music, comedy, sport, food, culture or family days out, Manchester has something happening throughout the autumn and winter.
What’s On in Manchester: Make Gandeys Part of Your Trip
From the excitement of Halloween to the magic of Christmas, Gandeys Circus has two spectacular reasons to visit the Trafford Centre this season.
Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular runs from 10 October to 1 November, bringing a brand-new family circus experience packed with thrills, entertainment and Halloween fun.
Then, from 4 December to 3 January, Snowstorm 6: A Frozen Adventure transforms the Trafford Centre into a spectacular world of ice, circus, skating and Christmas magic, continuing the festive tradition of Snowstorm Wish at the Trafford Centre and the dazzling Snow Storm Christmas ice show.
So whether you’re visiting Manchester for a day, planning a weekend trip or searching for something special to do with the family, make sure Gandeys is on your list.
Discover what’s on, choose your date and book your tickets for an unforgettable Manchester experience.
For the latest Gandeys tour dates and upcoming events, check the official tour website before you visit.
