The Portsmouth Halloween Parade is back for another night of spooky fun on October 31. Photo by Kendal J. Bush
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, Locations vary, Throughout October
Though pumpkins and foliage may get the lion’s share of attention in New Hampshire this time of year, the fruits of fall aren’t the only thing October is known for. Celebrate this month’s status as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the American Cancer Society’s popular fundraising walks. This year’s six New Hampshire walks will take place in cities from Concord to Exeter — check the website for the one nearest you. secure.acsevents.org
Plainfield Pumpkin People, Plainfield, September 24 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 11th anniversary of this unique event. Grab your camera and jump in the car to see what you can find. pumpkinpeople.org/
Apple Harvest Day, Dover, October 7
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 400-strong crafter fair, live entertainment and plenty of eats, apple-themed and otherwise. Join over 50,000 people expected to attend as you enjoy signature events, including an apple pie contest and a 5K. (603) 742-2218; dovernh.org
Powder Keg Beer & Chili, Exeter, October 7
Fest Beer, chili and a crisp fall Saturday — will that trio ever go out of style? At this 11-year-old festival, sample brews from more than 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. From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. powderkegbeerfest.com New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event
Haunted Overload, Lee, October 6-31
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
Milford Pumpkin Festival, Milford, October 6-8
It’s decorative gourd season, and this 34-year-old fête is one of the state’s largest pumpkin festivals. Highlights include a giant pumpkin weigh-in contest, a scarecrow-making tent, carnival rides and more. (603) 249-0676; milfordpumpkinfestival.org
New Hampshire Brewfest, Portsmouth, October 14
Held at the Cisco Brewers in Portsmouth, this festival includes 5-ounce 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 and WHEB’s The Morning Buzz. prescottpark.org
Warner Fall Foliage Festival, Warner, October 6-8
Fall lovers unite because this one’s for you. The best part? It is all free. Come and celebrate the rural life and vibrant foliage at this family-friendly community festival. Two 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
White Mountain Oktoberfest, Lincoln, October 7-9
With festivities including pumpkin-painting, water-balloon-launching 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. (800) 229-5666; loonmtn.com
Sandwich Fair, Sandwich, October 7-9
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
Mount Sunapee Duck Drop, Newbury, October 8
This new event is a part of the weekend fall festival and pig roast. Rubber ducks will be dropped from the chairlift, aimed at targets on Mount Sunapee. The afternoon is full of fun and prizes. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with awards presented at 3 p.m. nhduckdrop.com
Taste of New Hampshire, Concord, October 3
Formerly of the Taste of Concord, this fantastic food event is back for another year of good food and good fun. Taste fare from more than 35 local restaurants, enjoy live music, take in a cooking demo, participate in the silent auction and cheer for your favorite chef in the Top Chef competition. Plus, it’s all for a great cause — proceeds support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire. (603) 225-3710; tasteofnewhampshire.com
Howl-O-Ween 5K, Manchester, October 21
This is a dog-friendly 5K road race at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Not only does the event raise funds for animals in need, but it’s also a great opportunity for pets and their owners to be active together. You are encouraged to celebrate Halloween early by dressing up in your favorite costume. All proceeds will benefit the Animal Rescue League of NH. rescueleague.org
Graveyard Tour, Moultonborough, October 2-30
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
Spooktacular Halloween Party, Merrimack, October 28
Bring the whole family to Wasserman Park for this year’s Spooktacular event that features a night of food, carnival games, face painting, pumpkin carving demonstrations, crafts, music and a costume contest. There will also be a performance from a local magician. (603) 882-1046; merrimackparksandrec.org
Portsmouth Halloween Parade, Portsmouth, October 31
Start practicing your monster mash. The Port City’s cult-favorite event turns 29 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