Big hits: Ghosts, Films & Fall Flavors: Your Guide to Autumn Events on the Seacoast

October is when Portsmouth really starts showing off, and on the big screen too.

There are movies, ghosts, pumpkins, costumes, good food and enough going on that you could fill several weekends without trying particularly hard. The weather may or may not cooperate — this is New England, after all — but that’s what sweaters and coffee are for.

Here are a few dates worth putting on the calendar.

October 15–18: Get Your Film Fix at the New Hampshire Film Festival

If you like cinema— or just like the idea of spending a few days wandering around Portsmouth and occasionally ducking into a theater or gallery space — the New Hampshire Film Festival is a pretty good excuse.

The four-day festival, happening Oct. 15–18, 2026, brings independent films, filmmakers, workshops and other events to venues around downtown Portsmouth.

There are also festival passes, parties, panels and popcorn. (And no, that wasn’t AI!)

Pro tip: If “pro” means you’ve attended more than three of the festival’s 24 years so far, hit up the comedy panel. You’ll get some big names. And if you don’t know the speakers you’ll still get an insightful, funny panel.

You will definitely see things you’ve never seen before, you’ll most likely hear from the people who made it, or simply spend an October afternoon watching something great.

And when the credits roll, you’re already downtown. Dinner? Drinks? More drinks? Mocktails? Portsmouth makes that pretty easy.

October 16–17 & October 23–24: Get a Little Spooky at Ghosts on the Banke

October wouldn’t be October in Portsmouth without Ghosts on the Banke.

On Oct. 16–17 and Oct. 23–24, Strawbery Banke Museum turns into a Halloween playground, with trick-or-treating, costumed characters, ghost stories, music, crafts and plenty of pumpkins lighting up the historic neighborhood.

Designed for those 4 to 8, how old do you feel at heart?

It’s spooky without being too spooky, which makes it a good pick for families. And wandering among the old houses after dark while pumpkins glow along the paths?

Fun for the wee set.

October 30–31: Do Halloween Properly

Portsmouth doesn’t mess around when it comes to Halloween.

On Oct. 30, Portsmouth’s community trick-or-treating gets things rolling. Then on Oct. 31 – yes— it’s time for the Portsmouth Halloween Parade — on Halloween itself, as it should be.

The parade takes over the streets at night with costumes ranging from clever to elaborate to, well, extremely Portsmouth. It’s one of those events where you don’t necessarily need to know what’s going on. Just show up and enjoy the spectacle.

Nov. 5: Eat Your Way Through Restaurant Week

By November, it’s time to trade the pumpkin carving for a table and a good meal.

Restaurant Week Portsmouth & the Seacoast begins Nov. 5, 2026, giving locals and visitors a chance to try special menus and dining experiences at 30+ restaurants around the Seacoast.

It’s a good excuse to finally try that place you’ve been meaning to get to — or go back to the one you already love. Either way, this is not a bad time of year to let somebody else do the cooking.

Looking for even more spots to eat?

December 4–6: OK, Technically It’s Still Fall

By this point, you’re probably thinking, Fall? In December? We hear you.

But technically, fall doesn’t end until Dec. 21, so we’re counting this one.

Portsmouth’s holiday season gets rolling Dec. 4–6 with the Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, along with Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke. Add decorated storefronts, holiday shopping, twinkling lights and plenty of excuses to stop for a drink or a meal, and you’ve got a pretty solid weekend in Portsmouth.

So yes, the calendar says fall. The lights say otherwise. But you need to plan ahead!