Halloween Events
Celebrate Halloween in Portsmouth
Fall in Portsmouth and the Seacoast is a special time of year for us. Check out some spooky-fun events and things to do for all ages in October and the Halloween season.
Portsmouth Halloween Parade
Everyone is invited to dress up, gather at Pierce Island by Prescott Park, and march. No sign-up required. The Parade is NOT a city-sponsored event. It is entirely funded and put on by the community, which rallies a number of benefits to raise funds to cover expenses of insurance, permits and police escort. Hundreds march in costume, thousands cheer from the sidelines, it’s always a spectacle from either side of the curb. — Sunday, October 31 at 7 pm
Fri Oct 1 – Rock Show @ Press Room, 8pm
Thu Oct 21 – SCARY-oke @ Daniel Street Tavern (aka D Street), 9pm
Fri Oct 22 – Outdoor Movie Night @ Liar’s Bench, 8pm
Sat Oct 23 – Pumpkin SMASH @ Portsmouth Farmer’s Market*, 8am – 1pm
Sun Oct 24 – Halloween Costume Paddle Contest @ Pierce Island, 11am – 12pm
Wed Oct 27 – Flatbread Community Night @ Flatbread Portsmouth, 4pm – 9pm
Thu Oct 28 – Undead Beat Night @ Book and Bar, 7pm
Scarecrows of the Port
SCARECROWS OF THE PORT is a grass-roots event, and is the culmination of ideas brought forth by representatives of the following organizations: Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce; Downtown Business Association; West End Business Association; State Street Business Association; Deer Street Merchants Association; Tenants Association at Pease; and Seacoast Buy Local.
Through October 31, 2021
Pumpkin Smash
SMASH a pumpkin – it’s that easy. Pick a pumpkin from the pile, choose from an arsenal of mallets, two by fours, or the trusty ol’ Louisville Slugger and swing away. A Portsmouth tradition that has become the October catharsis of choice for young and old alike. $5/Pumpkin, SMASHing implements supplied!
Saturday, October 23, 8am – 1 pm.
Frankenstein - Player's Ring Theatre
Frankenstein Adapted and Directed by Bretton Reis Produced by Players’ Ring Theatre “It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils…” -Victor Frankenstein As the leaves fall and the days grow darker, join us for Mary Shelley’s masterpiece of horror. You may know the story of Frankenstein’s blind ambition and his grotesque creature, but you’ve never seen it told quite like this. The world premiere of a nightmarish adaptation from award-winning writer/director Bretton Reis, “Frankenstein” will chill you to the bone.
Free Costume-Building Night at the Makerspace
Halloween is truly a maker’s holiday, and we love it! To share the love every year, the makerspace offers Free Costume-Building Nights to encourage people to go above and beyond for the costume!
Saturday, October 9
Saturday, October 16
Saturday, October 23
Spirits Of The Past - American Independence Museum
Join the American Independence Museum for an evening around the fire on the lawn of the Folsom Tavern as we explore the spiritualist movement in the 19th century and its ties to America’s founding principles on freedom of religion, as well as to a former tenant of our Folsom Tavern, who was a spiritualist conducting ‘demonstrations’ from the building in the 19th century.
October 28, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Halloween Ocean Trivia - Seacoast Science Center | Loaded Question Brewing Co.
Seacoast Science Center is partnering with Loaded Question Brewery for a fun Halloween Ocean Trivia Night. Join us at your favorite craft brew pub to test your knowledge of the deep, enjoy great brews and bites, and maybe even win one of our prizes. Costumes encouraged – a prize will be given for best costume so get creative! This is one Halloween event you don’t want to miss. Our trivia games are kid-friendly, too! No reservations needed, just drop in. $5 donation; all proceeds benefit SSC Marine Mammal Rescue program
October 28, 6:00 pm
Check out their Pumpkin Carving templates: Creatures of the Deep Ocean
Halloween Party at The Wilder
DJ Lady Dre with Master of Ceremonies Bianca York
There will be a costume contest & Wilder raffle prizes!
October 30th, last call 9 pm
Ghosts on the Banke - Strawbery Banke Museum
Trick-or-treat safely outdoors from house to historic house with Jack-o’-lanterns lighting the way of Portsmouth’s oldest waterfront neighborhood. Meet long-dead sea captains, wayward pirates, and a mysterious fortune-teller.
Listen to ghostly tales, spooky plays, and interactive improvisation bringing history back to life. Additionally, enjoy frighteningly fun shopping at Pickwick’s At the Banke, the Museum store.on site.
Oct. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st
SOLD OUT
