Looking for things to do in New Hampshire in October? From glowing pumpkins and spooky Halloween parties to food festivals and creative date nights, there’s plenty happening across the Granite State from Oct. 23–29.
If you’re planning a family outing, looking for a fun night with friends, or just wanting something differnet, this week’s lineup has a little bit of everything. You could celebrate fall at the Laconia Pumpkin Festival, meet nocturnal animals in Holderness, check out a psychic fair in Epping, or go to a roaring ’20s Halloween party in Portsmouth.
October is also a great time to explore New Hampshire’s local communities before the holiday season (and colder air) arrives. For those planning ahead, there are even more activities next week, like a Halloween-inspired art date night in Manchester.
If you’re searching for fun things to do in New Hampshire in October, here are 10 events worth adding to your calendar.
Family-friendly things to do in New Hampshire in October
If you’re searching for family-friendly things to do in New Hampshire in October, the Laconia Pumpkin Festival is a seasonal favorite, with pumpkins, lots of entertainment, and fall festivities to downtown Laconia.
🎃 Laconia Pumpkin Festival
Laconia, Oct. 23–24, 45 Beacon Street East
Celebrate fall in downtown Laconia with a weekend of pumpkin-themed festivities, crafts, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly fun. The festival features thousands of pumpkins, including its signature towering display of jack-o’-lanterns, along with costume parades, local vendors, and entertainment. Friday’s festivities run from 4 to 10 p.m., while Saturday’s main event runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free.
More information about the Laconia Pumpkin Festival
🐺 Howl-O-Ween
Holderness, Oct. 24, 23 Science Center Road
Among the more unusual things to do in New Hampshire in October, Howl-O-Ween combines Halloween fun with wildlife encounters at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Meet nocturnal animals during live presentations, enjoy hands-on Halloween crafts and face painting, and watch resident animals receive pumpkin-themed treats. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes and will receive a bag of Halloween goodies. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last trail admission at 3:30 p.m. Activities are included with regular trail admission.
More information about Howl-O-Ween
Spooky Halloween activities in New Hampshire
For anyone looking for spooky things to do in New Hampshire in October, this psychic fair in Epping offers an afternoon of mystical experiences and Halloween-inspired shopping.
🔮 Spooky or Spiritual Psychic Fair
Epping, Oct. 25, Epping American Legion
Explore the mystical side of Halloween at the Epping American Legion, where vendors will showcase witchy wares, metaphysical tools, and handmade products. Visitors can browse unique gifts, connect with local vendors, and book private readings featuring tarot cards, oracle cards, psychic mediumship, psychometry, and more. Whether you’re curious about the supernatural or simply looking for an unusual Halloween outing, the fair offers a different way to celebrate the season.
More information about the Spooky or Spiritual Psychic Fair
🕯️ Masque & Macabre: An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe
Concord, Oct. 23, 254 North State St. Unit H
Step into the haunting world of Edgar Allan Poe for an intimate evening of candlelight, live theater, and a five-course dinner inspired by his dark stories and poetry. Presented by Theatre KAPOW and Gnomie’s Woodland Fountain, the three-hour experience includes theatrical performances, a welcome mocktail, nonalcoholic wines, and a Victorian-inspired atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to dress in dark elegance, masks, or Victorian attire. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and the experience runs from 6 to approximately 9 p.m. Advance reservations are required.
More information about Masque & Macabre
💋 Rocky Horror Picture Show: Shadow Cast Screening & Dance Party
Keene, Oct. 23, 82 Main Street
Get ready to do the Time Warp at Madame Sherri’s with a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring a live shadow cast performance by Terrible Thrills. Come dressed as your favorite character, sing along, and join the audience participation that has made this cult classic a Halloween favorite. General admission includes props to use during the show, while VIP tickets offer reserved table seating and food and drink service. The pre-show begins at 7 p.m., followed by the movie at 7:30 p.m.
More information about the Rocky Horror Picture Show screening
🥂 Seacoast Social Club Roaring ’20s Halloween Party
Portsmouth, Oct. 24, The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street
Break out the fringe, pearls, and vintage suits for a Halloween celebration inspired by the roaring ’20s. Hosted by Seacoast Social Club at The Music Hall, this glamorous evening features dancing, small bites, a grazing table, photo booth opportunities, and plenty of Gatsby-inspired style. Guests are encouraged to dress up and bring a plus-one. A cashless bar will have drinks for purchase, including mocktails and soft drinks. Runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets cost $40 per person, with RSVPs requested by Oct. 21.
More information about the Roaring ’20s Halloween Party
Food festivals and social events to enjoy in October
Food lovers searching for things to do in New Hampshire in October have plenty of options. From a celebration of New England’s diverse food scene to an evening designed to help strangers become friends, these events bring people together over good food and conversation.
🍜 Foodies + New Friends
Nashua, Oct. 23, K’sone’s Thai Dining & Lounge
Meet new people over a meal at K’sone’s Thai Dining & Lounge. This social dining experience brings together small groups of four to six strangers for a relaxed night of conversation, connection, and good food. Organized by Ermantourage, the event is designed to help people make friends while supporting locally owned restaurants. Registration helps secure your spot and supports The Comeunity Project, but food and drinks are purchased separately. Runs from 7 to 10 p.m.
More information about Foodies + New Friends
🎉 New England BIPOC Fest
Portsmouth, Oct. 25, 14 Hancock Street
Not all things to do in New Hampshire in October revolve around Halloween. New England BIPOC Fest celebrates food, culture, music, and community in Portsmouth. Celebrate the food, culture, and creativity of New England’s BIPOC communities at this family-friendly festival. Sample food from local restaurants and chefs, shop from small businesses, and connect with nonprofits and community organizations. The festival also features cultural performances, live music, and local artists, bringing people together through food, art, and community. Whether you’re looking to discover a new favorite dish, support local entrepreneurs, or experience the region’s diverse cultures, this festival offers plenty to explore. Suggested donation is $10.
More information about New England BIPOC Fest
Shopping and creative things to do in New Hampshire in October
Shopping for secondhand treasures is another option for those looking for things to do in New Hampshire in October, especially at this seasonal pop-up in New Boston.
🛍️ Fall Thrift Pop-Up
New Boston, Oct. 24, Live Bee or Die Farm
Give secondhand treasures a new home at Live Bee or Die Farm’s fall thrift pop-up. Browse a curated selection of clothing and household goods while enjoying a little autumn shopping at the farm store. Whether you’re hunting for a vintage find, refreshing your wardrobe, or looking for affordable home essentials, this seasonal sale offers a chance to shop sustainably and discover something unexpected. Runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More information about the Fall Thrift Pop-Up
🎨 Til Death Do Us Art Date Night
Manchester, Oct. 29, Make It Pop Studios
For couples searching for creative things to do in New Hampshire in October, this Halloween-inspired date night in Manchester is an option. Head to Make It Pop Studios for an evening of spooky romance, art, and food. Couples will paint portraits of each other, decorate savory autumn tarts using colorful edible ingredients, and create pumpkin gingersnap desserts. The experience also includes a specialty fall mocktail, candlelight, dark florals, and moody music. It’s a chance to try something creative together while celebrating the Halloween season. Runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $170 per couple.
More information about Til Death Do Us Art Date Night
Discover more things to do in New Hampshire in October
Whether you’re into pumpkin festivals, spooky Halloween parties, good food, or getting a little creative, there’s no shortage of events.
If you’re always looking for more things to do in New Hampshire in October and beyond, we’ve got you covered. Subscribe to the Granite Post newsletter to get weekly events delivered to your inbox!
Related: Mark your calendar for these magical winter festivals in New Hampshire
