Things to do this October

Oxford Road is feeling busier than it has done in the past few years and there are loads of things happening here this October to keep the buzzing crowds busy.

October gets off to a flyer with Neighbourhood Festival returning to Oxford Road stages, bringing us indie titans The Snuts, local heroes Everything Everything and alternative quartet Sundara Karma alongside a quality line-up of eighty-plus other acts. Also on this first weekend is Emergency, Manchester’s twenty-second micro-marathon of the bizarre, the bold and the beautiful in the world of performance art.

Manchester Literature Festival takes place at spaces across Oxford Road this month, celebrating imagination, ideas, stories, and voices from around the world. It is part of Manchester’s rich literary tapestry and we’re delighted to have a preview introduction from the festival’s organisers.

October is Black History Month and it remains as important as ever. This is reflected in the programming of spaces across Oxford Road, both celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black people to the UK and around the world, and ensuring Black history is represented and celebrated.

A blockbuster arrives at Palace Theatre this month as The Lion King begins a two-month run in Manchester. On a slightly smaller stage, we’re very excited to see Keisha Thompson team up with Contact Young Company to bring us Halo, a new show inspired by the Halo Code, a campaign fighting for the protection and celebration of Black hair and hairstyles, Halo explores young people’s experiences in schools and workplaces in regards to their hair.

There are new exhibitions at Castlefield Gallery, the Whitworth and HOME as well as another superb month of gigs including Sampa The Great (now postponed), Manchester Folk Festival, GZA, Gilla Band and many many more.

There’s so much to do this October around Oxford Road, here are just a few of the best bits…

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External shot of The Lass O' Gowrie one of the many pubs and bars on Oxford Road
Bars and Pubs on Oxford Road

Oxford Road is packed with a great range of bars and pubs where you can get your fill of cocktails, spirits and any other liquor you can think of. 

People laughing on University Green one of the many parks and green spaces on Oxford Road
Green Spaces

Oxford Road Corridor has a number of historic parks and contemporary green spaces to enjoy.

Food and Drink on Oxford Road

The food and drink in Manchester is some of the best in the UK with many of the finest offerings found here on the Oxford Road Corridor.

More things to do in October

exhibition At Home with the Pankhurst Family
The Pankhurst Centre | 29 August 2021 – 31 August 2025

The transformation of the Pankhurst Centre exhibition space is incredible thanks to its new permanent exhibition, At Home with the Pankhurst Family.

See what’s on
View of Circle Square from the pavilion at Symphony Park
Circle Square

Circle Square is an exciting multi-million pound, mixed-use neighbourhood, created on the site of the former BBC building on Oxford Road.

Back of Engels statue at First Street Manchester
First Street

First Street is a vibrant neighbourhood between Oxford Road and Deansgate, it is home to a number of businesses and is a popular spot for food, drink and culture.

HATCH Manchester
Hatch

Hatch is Manchester’s pop-up retail, food and drink destination on Oxford Road with something for just about everyone. It is a place to shop, eat and drink, 7 days a week at over 30 independent traders.

Where to stay

The lobby of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester's Oxford Road Corridor
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offers an unforgettable stay on Oxford Road Corridor in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.

Midland Hotel Lobby Manchester Oxford Road Corridr
The Midland Hotel

The Midland Hotel is one of the most famous places to stay in Manchester, and one of Oxford Road Corridor’s most lavishly decorated hotels.

Image of the chandelier at Holiday Inn Express Oxford Road
Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road is a centrally located hotel that offers visitors great value for money.