As winter approaches and the days get shorter, we’ve got you covered with some wholesome and cozy activities to fill your month.
Arts and Culture
Diwali Celebration – Manchester Museum (4 November)
Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with a day of colour, culture and community at Manchester Museum. Discover the traditions behind one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar and enjoy an opportunity to learn, connect and celebrate together. A great way to experience a different culture right on campus.
Manchester Animation Festival (8–12 November)
The Festival returns with screenings, premieres, talks and workshops celebrating the art of animation. From independent short films to major studio productions, there’s plenty to discover whether you’re studying a creative subject or simply love a good film. Some events are also available online later in the month.
Manchester Art Fair – Manchester Central (19–22 November)
Explore hundreds of artists and galleries at one of the UK’s major contemporary art fairs. Browse paintings, photography, sculpture and more, discover emerging creative talent, and take part in talks and workshops.
The Whitworth After Hours – The Whitworth (19 November)
Night at the Museum? The Whitworth’s After Hours event offers the chance to explore exhibitions outside regular daytime hours, including a preview of new work and an artist conversation. A relaxed way to experience art, meet friends and make the most of one of Manchester’s cultural spaces.
Live Events and Gigs
Fences – HOME Manchester (3–7 November)
August Wilson’s acclaimed play Fences comes to HOME in a new production directed by Daniel Bailey. Exploring family, ambition and the pressures of everyday life, this powerful drama offers a thought-provoking theatre night out. Perfect if you fancy swapping your usual evening plans for something on stage.
The Hallé Rush Hour: Scheherazade – Bridgewater Hall (5 November)
Take a break from your usual playlist and experience orchestral music live. The Hallé’s Rush Hour concert features Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, a dramatic musical journey inspired by storytelling and imagination. A great introduction to classical music, or a chance for regular concertgoers to enjoy a midweek performance.
Funny Weather – Factory International (from 11 November)
A live simulation and screen-based artwork on the Media Wall by artist Theo Triantafyllidis. This free installation confronts a new era of climate uncertainty in which the weather is a main character in our lives.
The Big Moon – O2 Ritz Manchester (25 November)
Indie-pop favourites The Big Moon head to Manchester with their new album Forever. Expect catchy hooks, big choruses and an energetic live show that’s perfect for a night out with friends. If you’re looking to discover your next favourite gig, add this one to your November playlist.
Getdown Services – Manchester Academy (28 November)
Round off the month with the sharp humour and dance-punk energy of Getdown Services. Known for their infectious sound and offbeat lyrics, the duo bring a lively alternative to the usual night out. An ideal pick for students who like their gigs loud, energetic and a little unconventional.
Sports and Community
Manchester’s Free Fireworks Displays (7 November)
Wrap up warm and head outdoors for Manchester’s free community fireworks celebrations at Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park or Wythenshawe Park. Expect family-friendly entertainment, food stalls, funfair attractions and lantern parades, alongside an early reduced-noise display at 5pm and the main fireworks show at 8pm. A brilliant way to enjoy Bonfire Night without spending money on tickets.
Manchester Christmas Markets (from 6 November)
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Manchester’s famous Christmas markets return across the city centre, bringing festive food, independent stalls and seasonal treats to locations including Albert Square, St Ann’s Square and Cathedral Gardens. Visiting earlier in the season can also mean fewer crowds than in December.
Manchester Strom vs Fife Flyers – AO Arena (11 November)
Go catch an Ice Hockey game at the AO Arena to get you in the festive spirit. Currently second in the standings table, the fixtures throughout November will be key in securing the teams success.
Christmas at Dunham Massey (from 20 November)
Fancy escaping the city for an evening? Christmas at Dunham Massey transforms the historic grounds into a festive illuminated trail, with colourful light installations and atmospheric displays along the route. It’s a lovely option for a winter evening with friends or a festive date, although advance booking is recommended and tickets are paid.
Parkrun – Platt Fields Park (every Saturday)
Need a break from studying? Start your Saturday with a free 5K at Platt Fields Park. Whether you run, jog, walk or volunteer, parkrun is a welcoming way to get moving, meet people and clear your head before a busy weekend. No need to be a seasoned runner — just register online before your first event and bring your barcode.
Looking for more? Explore the University’s 100 free things to do in Manchester, and keep discovering new ways to enjoy student life in the city.