What a spooktacular time to be alive! On tap for this weekend is a frightfully freaky selection of events serving up a haunting host of activities to prepare you for the upcoming Hallo-weekend. You’re sure to be primed for the pumpkin season if you choose to participate. So, what are you waiting for?! Check out our weekend round-up below. If you’re not too scared, that is…
Seeking some more artistic inspiration for your weekend plans? Check out our Weekly Entertainment report for live music and lively arts in and around Southern NH.
Multi-day event:
Oct. 17-18
7th annual Salem Night Faire, Salem Pioneer Village, Salem, MA – Presented by The Black Veil, we welcome you to the annual Salem Night Faire amongst Salem’s beautifully haunting pioneer village (also used in the opening scene of the cult classic film “Hocus Pocus.”) Join us and tread beyond the darkened pines for a glimpse beyond the veil, an enchanting weekend of out doors magick and wonder. Featuring over 50 + artist, clothing, jewelry and oddity vendors, live performances, fireside ghost stories, photo-ops, hot cider, food trucks, Biergarten & more. Extend a hand towards the mute fortune teller and have your fruitless fortune read. This event will take place Friday & Saturday, Oct. 17 & 18 from 5-10 pm. The time awaits, and magick fills the air this Salem October night. For all event info please & tickets please visit www.salemnightfaire.com.
Oct. 16
“Phantom of the Opera” with Live Piano, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH – Get ready to step back in time and experience a film like never before! Composer Jeff Rapsis provides a live piano accompaniment to this iconic 1925 silent film starring Lon Chaney in the title role of the mad, disfigured Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House. 1925 | 1h 33m. The movie showing will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16 starting at 6:30 pm. Click here for more info.
Oct. 17
Sensory Friendly Halloween Party, Community Leadership Center, Manchester, NH – Sensory Friendly Halloween Party – Costumes (if you want), music, crafts, movement, low ropes course in padded room, snacks, and fun for everyone! Come celebrate the season with us—fun, community, and inclusion all in one place! This event will take place on Friday, Oct. 17 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm. $10 for 1 child | $15 for 2 | $20 max per family. Pre-purchase at link below or pay at the door. Get tickets here.
Horror Book Talk, The Bookery, Manchester, NH – Join as we gather to discuss all things horror—books that haunt, stories that linger, and the shared thrill of the spooky season. Step into the archives — this free event will take place at the Bookery on Friday, Oct. 17 from 6 – 7 pm. Register here.
Live Freaky Market’s GIRL HALLOWEEN, 356 Lafayette Rd, Hampton, NH – Grab your coven, throw on a costume, and get ready for the ultimate girls’ night at Live Freely Market! Girl Halloween is a fun, festive evening where friends come together to eat, drink, shop, and celebrate Halloween in style—with goodies, music, cocktails, and plenty of surprises! Girl Dinner by The Brunch Club, Trick-or-Treat Tote filled with goodies (6 items with the $35 ticket, 12 items with $65 VIP), Live music to keep the vibes going, Cocktails & drinks from our Mobile Bar. Come in a costume for a chance to win a $300 raffle prize. This market will take place on Friday, Oct. 17 from 5 – 9 pm. Get tickets here.
Hocus Pocus Outdoor Family Movie Night, Arts Alley Courtyard, Downtown Concord, NH – Gather the family and fly on down to Arts Alley for a FREE Family Movie Night featuring the cult classic Hocus Pocus in partnership with Red River Theater. Hot dogs, popcorn, and adult beverages are all available for purchase because movie night isn’t just for the kids. Bring your blankets, bring your brooms, and get ready for a night of spells, snacks, and laughs under the stars. Special thanks to our sponsors, Binne Media, for helping make this magical night possible. This free movie showing will take place on Friday, Oct. 17 at 6 pm. More info here.
Spooktacular Male Cabaret Show, Ya Mas Greek Taverna & Bar, Salem, NH – Get ready for a night of spooky and sexy fun with our Spooktacular Male Cabaret Show – it’s going to be a wild ride! This show will take place on Friday, Oct. 17 from 9:30 – 11:30 pm. Get tickets here.
Movie in the Park Night at Derryfield Park – Join us for a spooktacular evening under the stars as we show Hotel Transylvania on the big outdoor screen! Friday October 17, 7 p.m. The city has partnered with McIntyre Ski Area to make the night even more magical — enjoy hayrides up to Weston Tower before the show! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends for a night of fall fun! Costumes welcome.
Steinholding Competition, Hop Knot, Manchester, NH – Prove your strength in this seasonal🍺Steinholding Competition🍺 with Jack Abby craft lagers. Signups are from 7-8:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 8:30 p.m.! We’ll have specials on Copper Legend pours from 7-10 p.m. Hop Knot, 1000 Elm St.
Oct. 18
$1 Kids Clothing Pop Up Sale, Lil’ Iguana Warehouse, Nashua, NH – Giant Fall Pop Up Sale (3 Bud Way Unit #19 in Nashua). Kids clothing, shoes, toys, costumes, swings, cribs, pack n plays, bouncy seats, baby items, & more! Clothing sizes available: Boys & Girls Newborn through 14/16 Teen & Maternity – Children’s Clothing $1 per piece – Shoes $3 per pair – Specialty Clothing, Coats, Costumes $3-$5 each – Toys, baby items, equipment, furniture, etc. 50% off tags – Books $1 each or fill a bag for $5. This pop up sale will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 8 am – 2 pm.
No Kings National Day of Protest – Stand up for democracy and community! Join the “No Kings” protests happening across the U.S. on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Find your nearest local protest here: www.nokings.org
Mushroom Fest, Bow Market, Somerville, MA – Join us for a day dedicated to all things mushrooms! You won’t want to miss this full-on mushroom celebration featuring fungi, food & retail specials, vendors, and fun. This free event will take place at Bow Market on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 12 – 4 pm. Register to attend here.
1st Annual Budweiser Brewery Food Truck Festival, Budweiser Brewery Experience, Merrimack, NH – Join us on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 12 – 6 pm, at the Budweiser Brewery Experience in Merrimack, NH, for an unforgettable day filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and great vibes! Foodies Rejoice: Enjoy mouth-watering dishes from the best food trucks, featuring cuisines from around the globe! Artisan Shopping: Discover unique treasures and handcrafted goods. Cold Brews Await: Sip on refreshing Anheuser-Busch beverages to complete your experience. More info here.
Punktoberfest 2025, Thirsty First Tavern, Lowell, MA – Sat. Oct. 18, 2 pm – midnight. 12 Bands, 5 Breweries (TBA), music and beer tasting start at 2pm! $20/All Day or $30/All Day w included 2hr. Beer Tasting! Get tickets here.
Socialist Party of Southern NH People’s Pub Night, Boards & Brews, Manchester, NH – Our next People’s Pub Night will be at Boards & Brews in Manchester on Saturday, Oct. 18 starting at 8 pm. Come play some games and have some drinks with the Party!
Storytelling Through Street Signs & Fashion, Southborough, Mass. – Several models from Manchester’s New England Models Group will be featured in an exciting new art exhibit. This photo series project invites crucial conversations about respect, boundaries, and women’s empowerment in a fresh, engaging way. The striking photography uses everyday street signs to challenge societal expectations—perfect for sparking reader conversation and visual intrigue. Opening Reception: Saturday, October 18, 6-8 p.m. Apothecary Artists’ Studios and Gallery, 11 Main Street, Southborough, MA
Oct. 19
Drag King Makeup + Pro Tips Workshop with Alexander the Great, Manchester True Collaborative, Manchester, NH – Ready to master the art of drag king transformation? Join Manchester True Collaborative for a hands-on workshop led by Alexander the Great of King of Drag, where you’ll learn contouring, character creation, and pro-level stage-ready techniques. This event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 11 am – 1 pm at Manchester True Collaborative located at 72 Concord St. Tickets are $35 with sliding-scale options available. Perfect for beginners and experienced performers alike — bring your makeup kit and your creativity! Register here.
The Youth Complex Open House, Rhythm & Roots Studio, Manchester, NH – Join us for The Youth Complex Open House on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 6 – 8 pm at Rhythm and Roots Studio, at 36 Hanover St. Come out for an exciting evening filled with activities, info sessions, refreshments, live performances, and so much more. Meet the TYC team, register for programs, share your ideas for future programs, and experience what TYC is all about! Don’t miss this chance to get involved! Register here.
Planning Ahead?
October 24: Kids Halloween Dance Party, Nashua, NH
October 25: Main Street Monster Mash Howl-o-Ween, Downtown Nashua, NH
October 25: NH PoutineFest 2025, Merrimack NH
October 25: NH Pumpkin Festival, Laconia NH
October 25: Annual Shanghai Halloween Party, Nashua, NH
October 31: Nightmare on (the real) Elm Street, Manchester, NH