AS the Manchester Food and Drink Festival heads towards its final weekend, there’s still plenty on offer.

For instance a step or two away from the continuing action in Albert Square there’s the annual Big Indie Wine Fest hosted on Friday and Saturday in the Town Hall. There’s also a brand new Liquor Market event on Saturday afternoon where visitors will be able to sample and purchase a massive range of boutique spirit brands.

Rounding off the Festival will be the MFDF Gala Dinner & Awards on Monday 7 October, where the highest profile awards in the region will be made to the best Manchester restaurants, bars and chefs.

Thurs 26 Sept – Sunday 6 Oct, Street Food and Markets, Festival Hub, Albert Square

Two sessions of street food and new traders arriving for the second half of the festival. Highlights include the Chaat Cart, Tampopo, Margo and Rita Mexican , Mumma Schnitzel, Alberts Chop House, and Susanna’s Churros.

Mon 30 Sept – Sun 6 Oct – Oktoberfest, Festival Hub, Albert Square

A popular feature of the festival with Germany’s finest beers available via Kaltenberg, Warsteiner and Konig Ludwig Weiss Beer. Plus live Bavarian music on Sat 5 October.

Mon 30 Sept – Sun 6 Oct - 100 Greatest Beer Bar  and Cider Fest – Drinking Den Marquee, Festival Hub, Albert Square

100 beers served across the week from the region's best brewers and micro brewers form Marble in Manchester to Bank Top in Bolton. Also in the Den will be the 2013 Cider Fest with the likes of Black Dragon, Happy Daze and Farmhouse Scrumpy.

Fri 4 Oct – Sun 6 Oct – The Big Indie Food Fair sponsored by Booths, Festival Hub, Albert Square

The Big Indie Food Fair returns to the Festival Hub celebrating the finest handcrafteds food and drink the nation has to offer. There will be plenty to sample and buy, as well as chef demonstrations from Booths Chef Rob Morris Lang featuring recipes form Booths’ Christmas Book. 

Saturday 5 Oct, 2pm  - The Liquor Market -  Rosylee Restaurant & Tearooms, Price: £7

Brand new for 2013, this is your chance to dive right into the world of boutique spirits. Your ticket price gets you a sampling glass and then you're free to roam the exhibitors, taste some of the liquors and learn about the products.

Confirmed exhibitors include Boutique Brands who'll be showcasing G'Vine gin, Excellia Tequila & Esprit de June Liqueur; Toorank, presenting Sloane's gin and Rebellion rum; Black Dog Wine Agency, sampling Shed Vodka; Ramsay Rum; Hi Spirit and LWC bringing you Old J Spiced Rum.

All in the cool but cosy confines of the function room at the Northern Quarter's latest addition - Rosy Lee Tea Rooms.  

3–6 Oct - Live music at The Hub

Live music will be happening at The Hub throughout the whole Festival.

With highlights including....

Fri 4 – Vermillion Cinnabar present Clique DJs

Sat 5 Oktoberfest with live Bavarian Music

Sun 6 – I Am Kloot’s Johnny Bramwell pays the Hub a visit to end the Festival in style. 

Friday 4 and Sat 5 Oct – The Big Indie Wine Fest, Manchester Town Hall

Get your tickets bought for the renowned Big Indie Wine Fest, this year hosted in the fabulous Great Hall in Manchester Town Hall. Celebrating its 5th year, there will be a fine selection of boutique wines from the Uk’s best independent merchants.

Metrolink Presents Food Adventures – Throughout the Festival

Follow celebrity chef Andrew Nutter’s guide to the best food across Greater Manchester and hop on the tram to find it.

Saturday 12 Oct - Bridgewater Hall and the Whisky Festival

The Manchester Whisky Festival returns for its 5th year with workshops, tastings and some of the best Whisky producers in the world.www.thewhiskylounge.com

Information about all events can be found here or by following @mfdf13

The picture at the top of the page shows food from Aiden Byrne's Manchester House.