Things to do this Autumn in Manchester

From cultural outings to autumn walks topped off by a Sunday roast, plus big community and family events like Halloween and Bonfire Night, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester this autumn...

By James Stokes | Updated Oct 20 2024

With the days getting shorter and colder, how can we have more fun indoors? What does the autumn season look like in Manchester’s theatres, museums and galleries? With the leaves turning red and yellow, where are the best places in and around Manchester for an autumn walk? Where are the best and cosiest pubs in Manchester, and which does the best Sunday roast? These are the questions everyone’s asking, and so Culture Calling set out to find some answers - here they all are, in our list of the best things to do in Manchester this autumn…

A vibrant image of a lush green park features a large, solitary tree at the center, illuminated by the setting sun. Sunlight beams radiate through the tree's branches, casting long shadows on the grassy field. The sky is clear with scattered clouds. — Zhaoli JIN

Perhaps the best thing about autumn is going for a long walk and wading through the leaves that fall from the trees in their yellows, reds and browns - it really is a sight to behold, and London has plenty of brilliant parks where you can revel in the changing of the season…

A dish featuring slices of roasted meat, crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, carrots, and green vegetables. Gravy is being poured over the meal from a white jug above the plate. The meal is arranged on a white plate against a dark background. — Image © The Refuge via Facebook

The end of barbecue season spells the return of that age-old British tradition; the Sunday roast. Maybe you make a mean roast dinner, or maybe it’s someone you know and love who does it best (or maybe not!), but if you fancy a slap-up Sunday roast from some of the best in the business - all without the hassle of cooking and washing up - check out our favourites…

The exterior facade of Manchester museum. The entrance to the museum cafe is shown and the sky is blue with a few white clouds — By DrPhoenix

Manchester is packed with a diverse array of museums great for stimulating times indoors as the weather gets colder. Celebrates all that the city is and was - from its industrial heritage to football, fashion, music, transport, and art – there’s certainly has something for all curious minds, young and old alike.

A Scrabble game board displays various words in a different language, with tiles forming words across and down. The word SCRABBLE is printed on the side of the board. A rack of tiles and a part of a score sheet are also visible.

Board games can afford you hours of fun (and just maybe a little frustration - seriously, we still can’t talk about Christmas ’08), so what if we said you can play a wide range of retro games with your best friends and a pint in your hand? Manchester is full of fun places to play

Theres loads going on for kids, adults, and kids with adults this Halloween in Manchester

A vibrant display of fireworks illuminates the night sky. Various bursts of red and gold fireworks explode in an array of shapes and sizes, creating a stunning spectacle of color and light. The dark background enhances the vividness of the fireworks.

We know where to go for a spectacular Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes Night, if you prefer) in Manchester, so wrap up warm and grab your sprinklers!

Things to do this Autumn in Manchester

Take an autumnal walk through one of Manchester’s many parks and gardens

Dig into a delicious roast dinner

Check out what Manchester’s museums have to offer

Try out a session at a board game café

Have a hauntingly horrid time this Halloween

The Best Bonfire Nights and Fireworks Displays in Greater Manchester