What’s on in November.

With the festive season creeping in and club season in full swing, there’s lots happening in Manchester this month. We’ve picked out some alternative events and activities that you might be interested in.

Bonfire Night

Now the clocks have gone back the nights are getting longer, but this does mean bonfires, firework displays and toffee apples can be enjoyed. If you’re looking to attend bonfire night celebrations this weekend read this list of all the confirmed firework displays and events in Greater Manchester.

Club nights, gigs and concerts

From McFly at Victoria Warehouse to JLS at the AO Arena, November is no stranger to Manchester’s busy headline show schedule. But for those looking for something intimate or off-piste, we’ve compiled some alternative shows to keep in mind.

• BOUDICA: Shannen SP B2B Rainy Miller / Ill Japonia / Conor Thomas / Izambard / KD22LR / Gravy
• HOMOBLOC
• Kaidi Tatham + Emma Jean Thackray (DJ Set) + Werkha
• GOG x Warped presents GD4YA – Sully, SP:MC, El-B + more
• Shell Dung with She Will Provide, Brink, Shadev & Rauu
• Future Known As: Commissions and Collaboration
• Nite School All Nite Long at Eastern Bloc
• Red Laser November Diskoteque
• BOUNCE 1st Birthday – Jeremy Sylvester, Big Ang, Tom Shorterz, Oldboy
• Kultura Collective: Free Party

Theatre and Performance

Free Your Mind – Aviva Studios

Directed by the mastermind behind Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire, Danny Boyles theatrical adaptation of The Matrix is showing at Aviva Studios – the new home of Factory International. It features hip hop choreography by Kendrick ‘H2O’ Sandy, a powerful score by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante, staging from world renowned designer Es Devlin, scripted by acclaimed writer Sabrina Mahfouz and costume by iconic fashion designer Gareth Pugh. But be quick, as it’s limited run finished Sunday 5, November.

Beautiful Thing – HOME
A touching, urban love story set in South London. ‘A tender-hearted triumph’ – The Guardian.

Food and Drink

Greggs
A big day for bakery lovers, the festive bake (and the vegan festive bake) returns to Greggs alongside numerous other festive treats. The illusive bakery have not yet given an official release date but speculators are hoping for Friday 10, November…

Chit ‘n’ Chaat
The popular Indian street food restaurant is now opening in the city centre, in Deansgate. Try iconic dishes like Dahi Puri (Crispy-fried ball filled with a mixture of potato, chickpeas and onion topped with green onions and yogurt), Indian fried tava fish, Kothu Roti-Chicken flatbread and their selection of dosa, a savoury crepe stuffed with fillings like paneer, spiced potato or lamb keema. As well as Indian classics such as samosas, biriyani and various kebabs. View the full menu here.

Popeyes
Kim and Kanye’s favourite chicken shop has finally arrived in Manchester. With their world famous 12-hour marinated chicken sandwich, original Southern biscuits and gravy.

Mean-Eyed Cat
The Leeds staple is opening a Manchester bar, a deep south dive bar where diners roll the dice for the chance to win a round of free drinks and no-catch free pizza.

Culture and Arts

As always Manchester has lots going on in the culture and arts scenes this month. As well as ‘Free Your Mind’ opening show mentioned above, Aviva Studio’s has a whole programme of events to celebrate their opening, taking place from 11 – 19 November.

For those interested in independent cinema, IndieFlicks is returning to Ducie Street Warehouse on Sunday 5, November. IndieFlicks hosts a selection of festival quality short films from around the world, as well as live Q&A’s. If photography is your thing The Manchester Photography Exhibition is a visual journey celebrating over 200 faces who make Manchester what it is, open 11 – 19 November.

The UK’s largest animation film festival is also back for its ninth year, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with and indulge in some of the world’s best animated content. Taking place across the city, The Manchester Animation Festival 2023, will showcase over 100 events, in venues 12 – 17 November, online 18 – 30 November.

Events

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, and to be thrifty, the UK’s first multi-charity pre-loved fashion store, Charity Super.Mkt, is heading up North and will be opening in Quayside MediaCity this month. The concept store will officially open on Thursday 2, November (until Wednesday 13, December). It’s a great opportunity to show second hand from lots of different stores at once.

This month Spirit Studios are also teaming up with Projekts Skatepark (just down the road) for their Friday skate sessions. On Friday 3, November and Friday 17, November, Spirit students will be DJing during the open skate sessions 6pm – 9pm. All are welcome to come and hang out.

Early Christmas activities

Ok, so we may be getting a little ahead of ourselves, but if you’re a Christmas lover, (or just want to avoid the crowds), Christmas festivities in the city will being on 10 November, when Manchester Christmas Markets will open. If you fancy going a bit further a field there’s also the Dunham Massey light trail opening on 17 November, for something a little different and the chance to see deer.