Halloween in the City

Halloween in the City is produced by CityCo on behalf of Manchester City Centre BID.

Now in its ninth year, this annual festival has become one of Manchester’s most anticipated family events – and in 2026, we’ll celebrate a decade of spooky fun!

The event brings the city centre to life, supporting local retailers, food and drink venues, and family attractions by attracting extra visitors and boosting footfall in the run-up to Christmas.

Families can join a mega monster hunt, searching for Manchester’s legendary #MCRMonsters across rooftops across the city. Expect unmissable performances, street entertainment and plenty of chances for everyone to dress up, Halloween style.

Each year, Halloween in the City is promoted through a fully integrated campaign spanning branding, digital, social, influencer marketing, print, outdoor advertising, transport advertising, and PR.

The festival and its promotional campaign are delivered in collaboration with a wide range of partners and suppliers, including Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, and Marketing Manchester.

2026 Halloween in the City

October 2026
To take part, email events@cityco.com

2025 Event Highlights

17 MCR Monsters, created annually by Designs in Air – more than ever at Manchester Arndale, Printworks, Corn Exchange, Selfridges, Exchange Square, Exchange Square, Harvey Nichols, New Cathedral Street, The The Royal Exchange, St Ann’s Square, Treehouse Hotel, AO Arena, New Century Hall, Kampus, Depot Mayfield, Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Halloween in the City Weekender – family festival featuring The Rave Yard, Monster Fashion Week, Walk the Plank’s Monster Party Procession and The Leech, The Monster Library with storytelling in Manchester Arndale and Monster Sticker Hunt
Manchester buildlings lighting-up green for the occasion
Thousands of pumpkins lanterns across the city’s trees.

2025 Success Stats

127 pieces of local and regional press coverage = £1.83 million AVE (advertising value equivalent)
Pieces in The Week Junior, Reuters, The Sun, BBC Radio Manchester, Manchester Evening News, The Manc, Manchester’s Finest, I Love MCR.

Event Flyer

2025 MCR Monster Map & Event Programme