As we count down the days to Halloween, there are lots of freakishly fun events to tide us over. Here are 10 highlights taking place over the weekend of Oct. 16-18, 2026.
New Hampshire Film Festival
The 24th annual New Hampshire Film Festival returns to The Music Hall and other venues in downtown Portsmouth for four days and nights of screenings, parties, talks, and special guests from Thursday through Sunday. Passes are available for individual films, full days, or the whole weekend. Learn more here.
Ghosts on the Banke at Strawbery Banke
Trick-or-treat with spirits from America’s founding over the next two weekends at Ghosts on the Banke, a family-friendly Halloween celebration at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. Tickets are $17. Learn more here.
“The Pajama Game” at Johnson Theatre
UNH Theater and Dance presents the Tony Award-winning musical comedy “The Pajama Game” at Johnson Theatre in Durham this weekend. Tickets are $12-$22. Learn more here.
“Carrie: The Musical” at Millspace
Forget the new TV series on Amazon Prime; see Stephen King’s horror classic come to life at the Millspace in Newmarket. “Carrie: The Musical” is on stage from Oct. 16-Nov. 1. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Live music on the Button Factory Stage
WSCA Radio hosts two multi-act shows on the Button Factory Stage in Portsmouth this weekend. Bellwire, Jonee Earthquake Band, Gaileish, and The Keeels perform on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$15). JAB, Ghostbird, and Sick Dude Hell Yeah follow on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
“Seussical” at the Rochester Opera House
Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters collide in the fantastical musical “Seussical,” on stage at the Rochester Opera House from Oct. 16-Nov. 8. Tickets are $32-$36. Learn more here.
“The Sound Inside” at N.H. Theatre Project
New Hampshire Theatre Project dives into its mainstage season with Adam Rapp’s acclaimed drama “The Sound Inside” from Oct. 16-Nov. 1. Tickets are $29-$33. Learn more here.
Live shows at The Press Room
Start your weekend early and stretch it through Monday at The Press Room in Portsmouth. Upcoming events include:
• Indie rocker Ian Sweet with Meg Elsier on Thursday at 8 p.m. ($17-$20)
• FITTER HAPPIER: A Radiohead Tribute on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($17-$20)
• D-Row Fridays with DJ D-Rowe on Friday at 10:30 p.m. ($10)
• Honky Tonk Mondays with Seldom Playrights on Monday at 7 p.m. ($12-$15)
Halloween Special at The Stone Church
Doctor Gasp and the Eeks bring their annual Halloween tour to The Stone Church in Newmarket with guest Undead Outlaws on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Halloween Parade benefit events
The weekend is loaded with events supporting the Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Here’s a roundup:
• Scary-oke at Daniel Street Tavern in Portsmouth on Friday at 8 p.m. ($5 suggested donation)
• Pumpkin SMASH at the Portsmouth Farmers Market on Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. ($5-$10 per pumpkin)
• Adult Bingo at Daniel Street Tavern in Portsmouth on Saturday from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Danse Macabre: A Goth Night with DJ Vers Queen at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($25)
• Dover’s 5th Annual Witches’ Market outside Dover City Hall from 11 a.m-4 p.m.
• Halloween Paint Night at Daniel Street Tavern in Portsmouth on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. ($25)
See more Halloween events here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
