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
Month-Long
Return of the Pumpkin People > This premier event is celebrating its 41st year with a month-long celebration including “All Things Pumpkin Tours,” open houses highlighting pumpkin displays, “Where’s Jackson?” scavenger hunts and so much more! Enjoy over 60 participating properties hosting Pumpkin People displays delighting all ages. You will not want to miss this very exciting year for the 41st Birthday Bash of the Return of the Pumpkin People. Jackson; jacksonnh.com
Weekends in October
Haunted Overload > Twisted creatures wait around every turn in the most frightening patch of forest in New England. Our haunted trail is a one-of-a-kind, fully immersive Halloween experience that features our stunning sets, handmade props, and spectacular costumes in their most terrifying element. Choose from three unique experiences that are perfect for everyone, from the faint of heart to thrill enthusiasts. Dates, times and ticket prices vary. DeMeritt Hill Farm, 20 Orchard Way, Lee; hauntedoverload.com
October 3-4
27th Annual Autumn Craft Festival on the Lake > More than 85 juried craftsmen and artisans from all over New England will display their American-made works in scenic Meredith. Free. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mill Falls Marketplace, Route 3, Meredith. castleberryfairs.com
October 4
14th Annual Powderkeg Beer & Chili Festival > Beer, chili and a crisp fall Saturday — will that trio ever go out of style? At this beloved 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. Prices vary. Noon to 4 p.m. Swasey Parkway, downtown Exeter. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event. powderkegbeerfest.com
October 3
42nd Annual Apple Harvest Day > You haven’t experienced fall in New Hampshire if you haven’t been to Dover’s storied Apple Harvest Day. This daylong celebration of all things autumnal features amazing food, entertainment for the whole family, 300+ vendors and so much more. It’s no wonder that this event draws nearly 60,000 visitors annually. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Dover; dovernh.org
October 9-11
79th Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival > 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. Free. All day, downtown Warner. wfff.org
October 10-12
Monadnock Art Tour > The Monadnock Art Tour is the oldest and largest artist studio tour in New Hampshire. The Open Studio Art Tour is a self-guided, beautiful country drive through glorious fall color and picturesque villages in the Monadnock region, leading you to 65 working studios! You’ll enjoy an intimate setting to chat with the artists on their home turf and view so much inspiring, interesting, creative artwork. Enjoy the journey, the conversation, the inspiring art… and make purchases that enrich your own homes and support the artists! This is a great chance to visit studios in Dublin, Hancock, Harrisville, Jaffrey, Marlborough, Peterborough and Sharon. monadnockart.org
October 10-11
Lakes Region Parade of Homes Tour > 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. For ticket information and times, visit lakesregionparadeofhomes.com
October 11
Hay Day Fall Festival > A fun-filled day for all ages with old-fashioned games, music, children’s art projects, face painting, and more. Explore nature trails, create a fairy house in the Fairy Village, and discover the estate’s exhibits and art installations. Step back in time and take a historic tour of the Main House and gardens or simply imagine a simpler bygone life while relaxing on the veranda. Food available for purchase on-site. $5-$20. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., John Hay Estate at The Fells, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. thefells.org
October 11
10th Annual Mt. Sunapee Duck Drop > Northcape Design Build is proud to be back for the 10th annual Duck Drop at Mount Sunapee Resort on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with awards at 3. See you on the lift as we toss ducks, win prizes and raise money, all for wonderful charities. All proceeds will be donated to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire. Prices vary. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mount Sunapee Resort, Newbury. 603.763.2477; nhduckdrop.com.
October 11
Art of Craft Exhibit and Sale > Step inside The Livery for a colorful autumn afternoon celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of talented regional artisans. Browse beautifully handcrafted pieces, meet the artists who created them, learn about their inspiration, and enjoy the opportunity to purchase unique works you’ll treasure for years to come. Whether you’re searching for a meaningful gift, decorating your home, or simply looking for an inspiring way to spend a Sunday in Sunapee Harbor, Art of Craft offers something for every visitor. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Livery, 58 Main St., Sunapee Harbor; thelivery.org
October 16-17 & 23-24
Ghosts on the Banke > Trick-or-treat with spirits from America’s founding as the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood comes alive after dark. Meet wayward pirates, visit a mysterious fortune-teller, hear ghostly tales, make giant spider webs, dance to haunting music and play games for prizes. Dance beneath the lights, visit the witch’s door and enjoy surprises around every corner. Designed especially for children ages 4-8, Ghosts on the Banke offers plenty of Halloween atmosphere without being frightening. Costumes are encouraged and guests of every age are welcome. Ticket prices vary. Entry at 5 or 6 p.m., Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth; strawberybanke.org
October 17
Howl-o-ween 5K > AWOOOO! This dog-friendly 5K road race 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
October 17-18
Goffstown Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Regatta > 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! Times vary. Main Street, Goffstown; goffstownmainstreet.org
October 23-24
Laconia Pumpkin Festival > Enjoy the warm glow of thousands of carved pumpkins, while enjoying delicious local flavors and live entertainment in downtown Laconia. Downtown Laconia; laconiapumpkinfestival.com
October 31
Portsmouth Halloween Parade > 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. Portsmouth, 7 p.m.; portsmouthnhhalloweenparade.org
