Even though there’s been a ton of events leading up to it, Halloween is officially happening this Friday. It’s a time for wearing unique and inventive costumes, parents to take the kids out trick-or-treating, and to explore a haunted place in order to have a frightful experience. It’s also a time where a bunch of shows happen at various establishments, and this is especially the case in New Hampshire. There’s going to be a hip hop dance party, a hippy gathering, and a hard rock rager taking place in “The Granite State” among other types of festivities. For all the details, here’s a list of what’s going on.
The Shaskeen’s Annual Halloween Party
909 Elm Street Manchester
9pm 21+ Free
The best thing to do on Halloween night in “The Queen City” is to stop by the best Irish pub for what should be a wicked good time. DJ Myth, who is the resident DJ for The Shaskeen’s “Rap Night” and has shared the stage with the likes of Rakim, Apathy, Murs, The Pharcyde, Talib Kweli, R.A. The Rugged Man and both Masta Killa and Cappadonna from The Wu-Tang Clan, will be on the 1’s and 2’s. Shawn Caliber will be hosting the evening and there’s going to be a costume contest along with promos from both Guinness and Ice Pik Vodka.
Stone Dead @ The Stone Church Music Club
5 Granite Street Newmarket
9pm 21+ $25
There are thousands of Grateful Dead tribute bands out there, but Stone Dead sets themselves apart with the sextet of Adam Terrell, Tim Leavy, Drew Wyman, George Laliotis, Chris Sink, and David Rubin embracing a heavy influence of the Dead’s ‘80s catalog. This annual Halloween show has become somewhat of a tradition at The Stone Church, and people are recommended to purchase a ticket if they haven’t already. It’s also a two-night residency, so if you can’t make the first installment, then make sure to attend the second one.
Doctor Gasp and The Eeks @ The Press Room
77 Daniel Street Portsmouth
9pm 21+ Sold Out
Dan Blakeslee loves to write songs and make art, and the South Berwick, Maine native is pretty good at doing both. Another thing he loves is Halloween, it’s his favorite time of year and he channels this through morphing into the character known as Doctor Gasp. Expect to hear numerous songs to ring in the occasion if you attend, and it’s sold out, so if you have a way to get in then consider yourself fortunate.
David Brighton’s Space Oddity @ The Music Hall
28 Chestnut Street Portsmouth
9pm All Ages $38.50 – $63.50
Halloween is going to have a bunch of people dressing up as their favorite rock stars, and it’s also a prime time for tribute acts to perform in front of an audience. This upcoming show at The Music Hall is a prime example with David Brighton and his band performing classics by the legendary David Bowie. They’ve garnered a ton of acclaim over the years, so if you’re a Bowie fan, make sure to come through and see what’s in store.
Prospect Hill’s Halloween Party @ Wally’s
144 Ashworth Avenue Hampton Beach
8pm 21+ $25 – $35
For the past 15 years, Massachusetts hard rock act Prospect Hill have been celebrating Halloween in amplified fashion. The 16th edition plans on being no different, and anyone who attends should prepare for an array of loudness. This is definitely true with Chris Drake, Major Moment and Above Snakes rounding out the bill.