Halloween isn't just about trick-or-treating! The Seacoast has some fun traditions of its own, from zombies taking over downtown Dover to costumed crowds filling the streets of Portsmouth. If your family loves a good parade, enjoys seeing everyone's creative costumes, or just wants another excuse to wear those Halloween outfits, here are a few events to add to your calendar!
š§ 20th Annual Dover Zombie Walk
Saturday, October 24 | 3–5 PM
Ready to join the undead? Dover's annual Zombie Walk celebrates its 20th year! Meet at the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce before the group shuffles down to Henry Law Park. And don't rush home afterward—downtown Dover has even more Halloween fun planned that evening!
š Downtown Dover, NH
š Make an Afternoon of It in Dover
Saturday, October 24 | 5–8 PM
Since you're already downtown for the Zombie Walk, stick around for Dover's inaugural Pumpkin Stroll! Take a self-guided walk through Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens to see community-carved jack-o'-lanterns, seasonal displays, and glowing pumpkins along the river. You can also visit the free Woodman Museum Trunk or Treat from 5–7 PM.
š Downtown Dover, NH
Pumpkin Stroll details | Trunk or Treat details
š» Newmarket Halloween Haunt & Downtown Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, October 24 | 2–6 PM
Newmarket's Halloween Haunt features games, themed activities, a costume contest, and spooky fun for a range of ages. After the recreation-center festivities, families can head downtown to trick-or-treat at participating businesses from 4–6 PM. It's a great option for kids who want to show off their costumes before Halloween night!
š Newmarket, NH
š¦ Exeter Halloween Parade & Downtown Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, October 31 | 10:30 AM–1:30 PM
Costume contest, parade, and candy? Sounds like a pretty great Halloween morning! Head to Swasey Parkway for costume judging at 10:30 AM, followed by the parade at 11 AM. Then, visit participating downtown businesses for trick-or-treating from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM. Exeter's town-wide trick-or-treating is scheduled for 4–7 PM, too.
š Swasey Parkway and downtown Exeter, NH
š Portsmouth Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 31 | 7 PM
A Portsmouth Halloween tradition, this parade is known for its creativity and wonderfully unconventional costumes. Come watch the costumed crowds march, dance, and make their way through downtown—or check the official website if you'd like to participate yourself!
š Starts at Peirce Island, Portsmouth, NH
Whether your crew prefers a silly zombie shuffle or an over-the-top costume parade, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the season. Check the event links before heading out for any last-minute updates, and have fun out there!
This article got a little help from AI, with the final touches and local love added by Macaroni KID Seacoast.
