The Best Events Happening in October
This month brings a variety of events, from craft fairs to pumpkin carving contests to festivals and so much more
The Portsmouth Halloween Parade is back for another night of spooky fun on October 31. Photo by Kendal J. Bush
There is so much to do this October! Looking for more events to fill your calendar? For more things to do throughout the state, take a look at these great events:
Where To Find Oktoberfest Celebrations and Brewfest Events in NH
Fall and Foliage Festivals in NH
NH’s Fall, State and Agricultural Festivals
NH Fall Festivals that Celebrate All Things Pumpkin
Haunted Overload, Lee, Throughout the Season
(Want to read more about this year’s haunt? Check out Emily Reily’s interview with owner, Eric Lowther, here! )
This Granite State Halloween classic is back for another year of scares and haunts. Winner of “The Great Halloween Fright Fight of 2014” on ABC, this frightful walk is one of the most creative and unique attractions in the world. Experience one-of-a-kind props, set designs, a real headless horseman, hundreds of lighted pumpkins, and monsters looming over the crowd, some as tall as 42 feet. The attention to detail is apparent if you do the nighttime haunt, and even if you walk through during the day with no actors. Stop by and see what all the talk is about, and enter if you dare. hauntedoverload.com
Plainfield Pumpkin People, Plainfield, September 27 through October 31
Pumpkins are fun and present many opportunities to express your creativity, but what about making pumpkin people out of them? The town of Plainfield is celebrating their 12th anniversary of this unique event. Grab your camera and jump in the car to see what you can find. Facebook.com
41st Annual Return of the Pumpkin People, Jackson, October 1 through 31
For the past 41 years, pumpkin people have taken over the town of Jackson. For a full month, Pumpkin People make Jackson their home, and they can be found all over town. Visitors can pick up a map and take themselves on a self-guided tour of scenic Jackson, while spotting the Pumpkin People along the way. jacksonnh.com
Powder Keg Beer & Chili, Exeter, October 4
Beer, chili and a crisp fall Saturday — will that trio ever go out of style? At this 12-year-old festival, sample brews from over 50 breweries and cideries, and eat to your heart’s content from the dozen-plus chili competitors. Don’t forget to cast your vote — the winner at this contest is selected via the people’s choice. powderkegbeerfest.com New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event
41st Annual Apple Harvest Day, Dover, October 4
Pumpkins aren’t the only produce that get a little love this month. Dover’s fall festival focuses on the season’s sweeter favorite, with a 300-strong crafter fair, live entertainment and plenty of eats, apple-themed and otherwise. Join over 60,000 people expected to attend as you enjoy signature events, including an apple pie contest and a 5K. (603) 742-2218; dovernh.org
Pumpkins and Puppets, Canterbury, October 4-5 & 12-13
This family-friendly event features live puppetry in a wonderful variety of styles — hand puppets, shadow puppets, marionettes, and wind puppets (what’s a wind puppet? Come find out!). Pick your own pumpkin right here at the farm. Catch a flash mob of dancing witches, courtesy of the fun-loving Wicked Witches of the Lakes Region. Hungry? Satisfy your savory cravings at our seasonal farm-to-table food tent, serving a scrumptious menu of soups, sausages, and wholesome autumn fare. brookfordfarm.com
Graveyard History Walking Tour, Moultonborough, October 6-30
Calling all who enjoy the cozy, spooky feeling that comes with autumn in New England. Get in the Halloween spirit and join the crew at Castle in the Clouds on a walk around the property to view the remnants of cemeteries from long ago. You’ll also view the accompanying cellar holes, discussing the families that lived there and the funerary traditions for each appropriate time period. castleintheclouds.org
78th Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival, Warner, October 10- 12
If you’re a lover of fall in New England, this is the event for you. The best part? It is all free. Come and celebrate the rural life and vibrant foliage at this family-friendly community festival. Three days of events include a lineup of open-air concerts, a 5K road race, a kids’ fun run and dance party, street performers, food, amusement rides and so much more. wfff.org
Milford Pumpkin Festival, Milford, October 10-12
It’s decorative gourd season, and this 36-year-old fête is one of the state’s largest pumpkin festivals. Highlights include a giant pumpkin weigh-in contest, live music and performances, carnival rides and more. milfordpumpkinfestival.org
White Mountain Oktoberfest, Lincoln, October 11-13
With festivities including a pretzel maze, axe throwing and a stein-carry and keg-roll relay — plus, of course, plenty of beer and brats — this Granite State German fest may be the granddaddy of them all. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones during the weekend’s full lineup of activities and entertainment. loonmtn.com
Sandwich Fair, Sandwich, October 11-13
This classic fall New England fair features a farmers market, crafting, concessions, midway, exhibit halls, rides, antique car show, music, animal demonstrations, the woodsmen’s field day, 4-H exhibits and competitions, magicians and much more. thesandwichfair.com
Lakes Region Parade of Homes Tour, Locations vary, October 11- 12
This local home show and design tour is a beloved annual Lakes Region tradition. The self-guided tour features stunning, professionally designed new and renovated homes in Lakes Region communities. Attendees can also meet the talented builders while learning about the newest trends, products and techniques. lakesregionparadeofhomes.com
9th Annual Mt. Sunapee Duck Drop, Newbury, October 12
Northcape Design Build is proud to be back for the 9th annual Duck Drop at Mount Sunapee Resort on October 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with awards at 3 p.m. See you on the lift as we toss ducks, win prizes and raise money all for wonderful charities. All proceeds will be donated support the Boys & Girls Club of Central New Hampshire. nhduckdrop.com
Howl-o-ween 5K, October 18, Manchester
AWOOOO! This dog-friendly 5K road race along the Manchester River Walk is perfect Halloween fun for the whole family, including your four-legged friends. At the race, you’ll love the beautiful scenery and foliage along Merrimack River, along with incredible vendors, prizes post-race refreshments and more! Not only does this event raise funds for animals in need, but it’s also a great opportunity for pets and their owners to be active together. Celebrate Halloween early by dressing up in your favorite costume. Plus, you can purchase a timed bib for your dog! All proceeds will benefit the Animal Rescue League of NH- this is their largest fundraising event of the year. Registration costs vary, 10 a.m., Delta Dental Stadium, 1 Line Drive, Manchester; rescueleague.org
17th Annual New Hampshire Brewfest, October 18, Hampton
New Hampshire’s premier craft brewing event is back! Unlike in year’s prior, this year’s event will be held at the legendary Smuttynose Brewery in Hampton. Whether you’re a die-hard beer lover or a casual enjoyer, this festival has something for everyone. Who doesn’t love souvenir sampler cups, beer samples, live music and entertainment? It is also a special fundraiser for the Prescott Park Arts Festival in partnership with Master Brewers Association of America. Cheers! nhbrewfest.com
Goffstown Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Regatta, October 18-19, Goffstown
One third giant pumpkin weigh-off, one third fall festival and one third pumpkin regatta? The Goffstown Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and Regatta has it all! Start your weekend by seeing which local farmer grew the largest pumpkin of the festival. Then, watch as champions in hollowed out, decorated giant pumpkins compete in the fierce Pumpkin Regatta. There, they paddle up the portion of the Piscataquog River that runs through downtown Goffstown in a race that you won’t want to miss! The weekend’s festivities will include pie eating, art shows, artisan booths, a pet costume contest and more! goffstownmainstreet.org
20th Annual Taste of New Hampshire, October 21, Concord
This fantastic food event is back for another year of good food and good fun! Graze your way through generous entrees and desserts from dozens of local restaurants and specialty shops, and sample some of the newest beverages on the market. You’ll also enjoy a silent auction on unique items and live music! It’s all for a great cause — proceeds support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire. $40, 5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, 2 Institute Dr., Concord; tasteofnh.com
Spooktacular Halloween Party, Merrimack, October 25
Bring the whole family to Wasserman Park for this year’s free Halloween party that features a night of food, carnival games, face painting, pumpkin carving demonstrations, crafts, music, a costume contest and more! (603) 882-1046; merrimackparksandrec.org
Laconia Pumpkin Festival, Laconia, October 25
While the name of this beloved festival may have changed, the fall fun has not! Formerly known as the NH Pumpkin Festival, the rebranded Laconia Pumpkin Festival promises the perfect fall day. Enjoy the warm glow of thousands of carved pumpkins, while enjoying delicious local flavors and live entertainment in downtown Laconia. laconiapumpkinfestival.com
7th Annual Halloween Costume Paddle, Portsmouth, October 26
Seacoast Paddleboard Club has teamed up with the Portsmouth Halloween Parade & Seven Rivers Paddling to host the 7th Annual Halloween Costume Paddle Contest. The contest is open to all paddle craft, and will start at 12 p.m. While participating in this leisurely paddle parade, participants will have a chance to shock, spook and delight our costume judges for a chance to win some amazing prizes! SAFETY NOTE: All paddle participants are required to wear proper safety gear, including a PDF and a leash (for paddle boarders). portsmouthhalloweenparade.org
Portsmouth Halloween Parade, Portsmouth, October 31
Start practicing your monster mash. The Port City’s cult-favorite event turns 30 this year, and the costumes (and camaraderie) promise to be bigger and better than ever. Everyone is invited to dress up and meet at Peirce Island for this celebration of community and creativity. portsmouthnhhalloweenparade.org
