Looking for the best things to do this Halloween in Boston? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re looking for a laid-back ghost tour, a raving costume party, or a fun family-friendly day at the pumpkin patch, we’ve compiled a list of the best Halloween events happening in Boston for the spookiest time of the year.
1. Enjoy a spine-chillingly good Candlelight Concert of Halloween classics
If you’re not the type for haunted horrors and scary movies, we feel you. Enjoy a Halloween of just treats, no tricks, by treating yourself to a multi-sensory musical experience under the warm glow of thousands of candles.
A listeso string quartet will play 16 Halloween classics including Thriller by Michael Jackson and the Beetlejuice theme song by Danny Elfman. Tickets are selling out fast, so run, don’t walk, to get a seat to this once-a-year musical extravaganza taking place on October 25 and 26.
Venue: Temple Ohabei Shalom 1187 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446
2. Dare yourself to a nighttime Boston Ghost Tour
Speaking of haunted historic Boston, did you know you can go on a Boston Ghost tour? Discover the true history of Boston’s underbelly on this spook-tacular after-dark haunted ghost tour ongoing through the fall. If you dare, secure your tickets here, you might just find the ghost of William Schofield lurking around the Freedom Trail.
139 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02108
3. Catch a scary Halloween movie in theatres
Steal tickets to a scary film at a joyous discount. Whether you prefer classic thrillers or something more comedic, there’s a movie for everyone.
Special tickets valid at your local AMC Theatre
4. Treat yo’self to a Halloween high-tea
Pinkies up! The Inn at Hastings Park in historic Lexington, MA (aka: the birthplace of American liberty) is hosting its annual Dia de los Muertos high-tea. The tea is on October 26 and 27 with three seatings in the Town Hall Meeting room at 10 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM. The delicious menu is guaranteed to revive any sunken soul.
Find the inn at 2027 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington, MA 02421
5. Indulge in spooktacular treats from this local chocolatier
Petrova Chocolates debuted its limited-edition Halloween chocolate truffle collection. A former pastry chef at Uni in Back Bay, Petrova’s culinary skills are unmatched. Her fall flavored chocolates like Pear Anise and Tonka Bean guarantee your mouth is in for a flavor explosion.
Find Petrova Chocolates at 277 Border Street, East Boston and Snowport this winter
6. Have fun with the family at Marini Farm’s Hallow-Marini
On October 14, 16, and 27, Marini Farms (one of our favorite pumpkin patches) in Ipswich will be hosting their very own spooky celebration for kids. With a DJ, a dance party with characters, and a trick or treat hunt, families are sure to find some Halloween fun at the farm. Tickets are $18.99 for anyone 3+.
Find Marini Farms at 259 Linebrook Road in Ipswich, MA
7. Travel to Salem for their Haunted Happenings
Salem is easily the spookiest place to be for Halloween in the US, and this year, they’re bringing back Haunted Happenings for the entire month of October! Just 16 miles north of Boston, Salem is home to plenty of Halloween events right now, including street fairs and performers and special events happening at local businesses. You can check out the events for this season here and download their app for even more info on local happenings.
Various locations across Salem, MA
8. Play a round at Puttshack with a spooky themed menu
Puttshack in Boston Seaport will be offering a special and super festive Instaworthy menu! Stay tuned to learn what tricks they have rolled up the golf clubs this season. Last season they spooked things up with a filthy black cherry and lychee “eyeball” served in a small rocks glass that sits inside a nutmeg smoked wooden treasure chest. It’s made spooky nutmeg smoke.
9. Pick up some pumpkins to carve at a local farm
Fall is in full swing—and what better time to go pumpkin picking? Traveling to a pumpkin patch is the quintessential fall activity, and luckily there are plenty around Boston to choose from. Each place will provide you with great fall photos, outdoor fun, and of course pumpkins to take home and carve or display proudly! Our favorites include:
- Hanson’s Farm: Framingham, MA
- Connors Farm: Danvers, MA
- Dowse Orchards: Sherborn, MA
- Pickard Farm: Littleton, MA
- Tougas Family Farm: Northborough, MA
- Carver Hill Orchard: Stow, MA
- Nihtila Farm: Holbrook, MA
Find your neighborhood pumpkin patch here
10. Get properly spooked at a haunted house
There’s something quite cathartic about getting the crap scared out of you— it makes you feel a little more alive afterwards! And what better way to celebrate Spooky Season in Boston than to go to a haunted house and get scared by the pros? Our list of the top haunted houses in Massachusetts will certainly get you in the Halloween spirit… if you make it out alive!
- Wicked Haunt Fest: Charlestown, MA
- Barrett’s Haunted Mansion: Abington, MA
- Nightmare New England/Spooky World: Litchfield, NH
- Factory of Terror: River Fall, MA
- Fear Town: Seekonk, MA
- Witch’s Woods: Westford, MA
11. Take a *historic* haunted Boston ghost tour…if you dare
Get a proper spooking on this haunted ghost and pub tour that unearths the seedy underbelly of the Bean! Take a 2.5 hour tour from a costumed guide of some of Boston’s haunted corners while simultaneously exploring historic neighboring social spots.
Tour begins at Carrie Nation Cocktail Club, 11 Beacon St, 02108
12. Tour the top haunted places in Boston
Boston’s history goes way back to the revolutionary days of the birth of our country. But with history comes mystery and strange happenings and so our beautiful city is said to be plagued with ghouls and ghosts of times past. Some evidently spooky, others not so much, check out our list of ten of the most haunted spots in Boston–a city which is said to be rife with paranormal activity. Check them out to get in the mood for this spooky holiday, if you dare!
- Hooper-Lee-Nichols House: Cambridge, MA
- George Parkman House: Cambridge, MA
- Kilachand Hall: Boston, MA
- Omni Parker House Hotel: Boston, MA
- Fort Warren: Boston, MA
13. Get yourself a killer costume at a local shop
Want to assemble a perfectly spooky Halloween fit? Look no further—thrifting is one of the best options to shop for Halloween costumes without breaking the bank, and Boston has no shortage of super-cool thrift shops where you can browse around. Our list of 9 thrift stores includes boutiques and chains of all price ranges and styles, but no matter where you go, you’ll be certain to leave with a Halloween costume that’s completely unique.
- Vivant Vintage: Allston
- The Garment District: Kendall Square
- Boomerangs: Multiple locations
- Great Eastern Trading Company: Multiple locations
- Raspberry Beret: Multiple locations
- 40 South Street: Jamaica Plain
14. Visit Boston’s first full blown Halloween festival
Wicked Haunt Fest debuts a first-of-its-kind event to the city. Get spooked at one of the three Hollywood-caliber scare houses. Alternatively, enjoy some light-hearted spooky season fun like pumpkin painting and food vendors at the 2-acre space.
15. Sport your best costume at a Beetlejuice-themed party
What better place to hold a Halloween party than a hotel that was once a prison? The Liberty Hotel hosts a Beetlejuice-themed Halloween Party with spine-tingling fun, food, and performances! General admission tickets start from $95 for the event on Saturday, October 26 at 9 PM.
16. Enjoy a spine-chilling dinner inspired by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
The patio at Harvest in Harvard Square transformed into the quintessential fall dining destination, complete with a roaring fireplace and abundant foliage—it’s practically the set of a Hallmark film! But on October 27 from 6-9 PM, things take a spooktacular turn with this Sleepy Hollow prix fixe meal. Tickets are $110 and nearly sold out!
17. Catch a scary movie watch party at Alamo Drafthouse
The movie theater “by movie lovers for movie lovers,” brings an electrifying experience to the big screen. Known for their themed watch parties, Alamo Drafthouse sparks awe and a bit of horror with a screening of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show. This one will have you leaping out of your heated seat.
18. Attend a FREE Dia de los Muertos fashion show
The Liberty Hotel’s Fashionably Late presents a stunning celebration of Dia de los Muertos with Mexican-born designer Araminta Romero, founder of i La Catrina! The San Antonio based designer is in Boston for one-night only, showcasing a unique fusion of fashion, art, and heritage! The free event requires advanced registration and takes place on Thursday, October 26 at 10 PM!
19. Sport your best at this costume contest for a cause
“Haunted Harbor” Halloween at Joe’s Waterfront merges finger foods, spooktacular fun, and charity into one night of scary good and impactful fun! A portion of ticket sales and all raffle ticket proceeds go to MassGeneral for Children. The event takes place Saturday, October 19 from 6-9 PM and tickets are $49 per person.
20. Attend Boston’s FREE family Halloween bash
The 30th annual PruBoo returns to the Prudential Center on October 27 from 11 AM-1 PM! If you notice ghosts, pumpkins, and princesses running around Prudential Center—you’re in the right spot! The family-friendly event welcomes all with fun activations like trick-or-treating at 40+ shops, two magic shows from Robert Clarke, a concert by Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys, and much more! Learn more about PruBoo and the schedule of events.
21. Celebrate Halloweek at The Street
The Street at Chestnut Hill features a collection of over 40 amazing business and community members, all ready to enter the spooky season with you! The 6th annual Halloweek includes family-friendly live music, a Halloween themed running event with lululemon, a pumpkin painting art class, trick-or-treating, and Howl-O-Ween pet portraits at Polkadog Bakery from October 19-26!
22. Dress up your pup for a canine costume parade
Several Boston neighborhoods are celebrating Halloween with their canines. Check out some of this year’s pet costumes parades:
- Saturday, October 26 at 12 PM: 20th Annual Jamaica Plain Canine Costume Parade & Red Carpet; $10 entry fee per canine with proceeds benefitting the Boston Animal Shelter. Find it at 633 Centre St! The parade is free to watch, registration for canines begins at noon and the show begins at 1 PM!
- Saturday, October 26 from 12-3 PM: 10th annual Downtown Boston dog costume Halloween parade, Doggone Halloween, returns with a runway for pups and their owners in costume! Prize packages include Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Cutest Costume, Best Human & Dog Duo, and Best Child & Dog Duo.
23. Travel back to the future with an ‘80s themed Halloween Party at the ICA
Join the ICA on October 26 for Something Strange: An ’80s Halloween, featuring an artistic takeover with DJs spinning classic hits, breakdancing performances, and a vibrant immersive installation by artist Jaina Cipriano. Attendees can enjoy a neon-themed party atmosphere, complete with disco beats and surprise dance acts, all while celebrating the iconic culture of the 1980s! Tickets are $10 for ICA members or $40 for general admission.
24. Leap from your seat at The Coolidge’s William Castle experience
Experience the thrilling legacy of William Castle, a master of horror gimmicks, in a cinematic journey that showcases his innovative marketing techniques and iconic films from the 1950s and 1960s. The series features classics like Macabre, The Tingler, and House on Haunted Hill, along with a look at Castle’s influence on legendary films such as Psycho and Rosemary’s Baby. Find showtimes for the events presented with the theatrical flair that made Castle a cult favorite all October!
25. Enjoy some sophisticated spooky sweets
If you’re like us and you love Halloween for the treats then a box of specialty Halloween chocolates will do the trick. Petrova Chocolates has some bewitching flavors in its Halloween collection including Fluffernutter, Hazelnut Rocher, and a refined take on Twix and Snickers. You can shop online or in-person at the East Boston shop.
In Needham and Wellesley, Choc Allure also offers a tantalizing Halloween collection inspired by seasonal treats. The candy corn “eye” may be one of the best chocolates we’ve ever had!
26. Attend a Halloween bash at Boston’s new 5-star hotel
Raffles Boston is celebrating Halloween with a festive bash at its spooktacular speakeasy, Blind Duck. This iconic 5-star hotel will host an evening filled with stunning city views, lively DJs, delectable bites, and more! Tickets are $150 per person inclusive of bottomless culinary delights like Autumn squash soup with concord grape and black truffle or Chicken liver mousse on a brioche with red onion jam! Learn more and reserve your spot!
27. Get Haunted at the Taylor Swift-themed neighborhood celebration
Calling all Swifties! A Watertown resident is throwing the most Taylor Swift Halloween in town, and everyone is invited! here will be bracelet making, candy, and of course Tay’s latest album on repeat.
Happy Halloween, Boston!