Fall Fun & Halloween in Dover, NH and the Seacoast

teresadailey2

Oct 9

6 min read

Your 2026 guide to trick-or-treating, pumpkin festivals, fall events, haunted happenings and family fun around the Seacoast.

There’s something about October on the Seacoast that makes you want to get out and enjoy where we live.

The leaves are changing, pumpkins are showing up on front steps, downtowns are decorated for the season, and our calendars start filling up with all those fall traditions we look forward to every year.

And around Dover, there is plenty happening.

From Apple Harvest Day and the new Dover Pumpkin Stroll to trick-or-treating, haunted woods and the Portsmouth Halloween Parade, I pulled together some of the local events happening around Dover and the Seacoast this October.

So grab your calendar, pick a few favorites, and enjoy fall in New Hampshire. 🍂

🍎 Fall and Halloween Events in Dover

We have to start close to home because October is going to be a fun month here in Dover.

Apple Harvest Day

Saturday, October 3 | 9 AM–4 PM | Downtown Dover

If you've spent a fall in Dover, you probably already know this one.

Apple Harvest Day takes over downtown with nearly 350 vendors, food, live entertainment, arts and crafts, children's activities and plenty happening throughout the day.

The event has been a Dover tradition since 1985 and now draws tens of thousands of people downtown each year.

It’s one of those days when you can head downtown in the morning and somehow still be wandering around hours later.

Heirloom Hallowe’en at the Woodman Museum

Woodman Museum | Dover

For a little local history with your Halloween, the Woodman Museum is exploring Halloween traditions through its Heirloom Hallowe’en programming.

A special curator lecture is scheduled for Thursday, October 22 from 5:30–7:30 PM, offering a look at the history behind Halloween traditions and objects.

It's a nice change of pace if you're interested in the history behind the holiday, not just the candy and costumes.

Dover Zombie Walk

Saturday, October 24 | 3–4 PM | Downtown Dover

October 24 is shaping up to be quite the Halloween day in Dover.

The 20th Annual Dover Zombie Walk begins at the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce at 3 PM and makes its way toward Henry Law Park.

Costumes and zombie faces are definitely encouraged. 🧟

And don't head home afterward because there are two more events happening downtown that evening.

Woodman Museum Trunk-or-Treat

Saturday, October 24 | Orchard Street Parking Lot

Families can continue the Halloween fun at the Woodman Museum's free Trunk-or-Treat.

Local businesses and organizations will be part of the trick-or-treat trail, making this an easy option for families looking for a community Halloween activity right downtown.

Dover Pumpkin Stroll

Saturday, October 24 | 5–8 PM | Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Garden

This one is brand new for 2026, and I think it's going to be a fun addition to fall in Dover.

Hundreds of carved pumpkins will light up the Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Garden for Dover's inaugural Pumpkin Stroll.

Even better, the pumpkins are coming from the community.

Want yours to be part of the display? Bring a carved pumpkin to the Orchard Street Parking Lot between noon and 3 PM, then come back after dark to see the garden glowing.

The stroll is free, and the rain date is October 31.

Between the Zombie Walk, Trunk-or-Treat and Pumpkin Stroll, you could easily make an entire Halloween afternoon and evening out of downtown Dover on October 24. 🎃

🍬 Rochester

Downtown Trick-or-Treat

Saturday, October 24 | 12–3 PM | Downtown Rochester

Costumes on, candy bags ready!

Downtown Rochester businesses will be welcoming costumed trick-or-treaters from noon to 3 PM.

Start at Central Square, where families can pick up a trick-or-treat bag and a list of participating businesses, then make your way along Main Street.

The event is free and family-friendly.

🎃 Somersworth

Somersworth Pumpkin Festival

Saturday, October 10

The Somersworth Pumpkin Festival is another local fall tradition and a good daytime option for families.

Expect plenty of seasonal fun and a chance to enjoy an October day outside before Halloween gets into full swing later in the month.

Check with the event organizer before heading out for the latest schedule and activity information.

🦇 Durham

Downtown Durham Trick-or-Treat

Saturday, October 24 | 2–4 PM | Downtown Durham

Another one for the kids!

Downtown Durham's Halloween celebration includes more than 50 trick-or-treat stops along with games, activities and music.

Costumes are encouraged, and the event is free.

👻 Hampton

If your family has different definitions of "scary," Hampton has options for both.

Legends of the Haunted Woods

October 2, 3, 9 & 10 | The James House

Looking for something a little spooky?

Evening walks take visitors through illuminated trails around the historic James House property.

The nighttime experience runs approximately 6:30–9 PM.

Trick-or-Treat the Haunted Woods

October 3 & 10 | 1–4 PM

Same Halloween atmosphere, considerably fewer scares.

The daytime version gives younger children a chance to walk the trails and collect treats without the scarier nighttime experience.

Hampton Trunk-or-Treat

Sunday, October 18 | 2–4 PM

Friends of Relevé Dance Academy are hosting a free Trunk-or-Treat at WHYM Craft Pub & Brewery on Lafayette Road.

Decorated cars, costumes and candy. Sometimes that's all you need for a good October afternoon. 🎃

🧙 Halloween in Portsmouth

Portsmouth really knows how to do Halloween.

Fall Family Fun Fest

Saturday, October 24 | 11 AM–2 PM | Community Campus

This free family event includes music, games, a petting zoo, touch-a-truck, s'mores and more.

Costumes are encouraged, so this is another opportunity for the kids to get some mileage out of those costumes before Halloween.

Portsmouth Trick-or-Treat

Friday, October 30 | 5–8 PM | Citywide

Portsmouth's official 2026 trick-or-treat night is Friday, October 30 from 5–8 PM.

If you're heading into the city that evening, remember there will be plenty of little ghosts, witches and superheroes out and about, so give yourself extra time and keep an eye out while driving.

Portsmouth Halloween Parade

Saturday, October 31 | 7 PM | Starts at Peirce Island

Then comes one of the Seacoast's biggest Halloween traditions.

The Portsmouth Halloween Parade steps off at 7 PM on Halloween night, beginning at Peirce Island.

If you've never been, this might be the year to add it to your October plans.

👻 A Few More Fall Favorites Worth the Drive

Want to venture a little farther from Dover? There are plenty of fall traditions around New Hampshire worth adding to your list.

DeMeritt Hill Farm | Lee

Pumpkins, an orchard and plenty of classic New England fall scenery make DeMeritt Hill Farm an easy seasonal outing.

And when the sun goes down, things get considerably scarier.

Haunted Overload | Lee

Also located at DeMeritt Hill Farm, Haunted Overload is for the people who like their Halloween genuinely scary.

This elaborate outdoor haunted attraction has become a destination of its own, so this is probably one to save for the older kids and adults in the family.

Monster Mash Bash | Exeter

Wednesday, October 28 | 10 AM–2:30 PM | Exeter Community Center

Exeter Recreation is getting into the Halloween spirit with crafts, music, snacks, Halloween trivia and a movie.

Costumes are welcome but aren't required, and the event is free. Registration is required and space is limited.

📅 Your October 2026 Seacoast Fall Calendar

There is a LOT happening, so here's the quick version:

October 2, 3, 9 & 10Legends of the Haunted Woods | Hampton

October 3Apple Harvest Day | DoverTrick-or-Treat the Haunted Woods | Hampton

October 10Somersworth Pumpkin Festival | SomersworthTrick-or-Treat the Haunted Woods | Hampton

October 18Trunk-or-Treat | Hampton

October 22Heirloom Hallowe’en Curator Lecture | Dover

October 28Monster Mash Bash | Exeter

October 30Portsmouth Trick-or-Treat | Portsmouth

October 31Portsmouth Halloween Parade | PortsmouthDover Pumpkin Stroll Rain Date | Dover

🎃 What About Trick-or-Treat Night in Your Town?

One important thing to know before making Halloween-night plans: not every community has announced its official 2026 trick-or-treat schedule yet.

Portsmouth has confirmed Friday, October 30 from 5–8 PM, but some surrounding communities may announce their hours closer to Halloween.

I'll always recommend checking directly with your town or Recreation Department before heading out. Plans and weather can change, especially this time of year.

🧡 This Is What I Love About Fall on the Seacoast

One of my favorite things about living in this area is how much there is to enjoy without having to travel very far.

One weekend you're walking through downtown Dover for Apple Harvest Day. Another you're taking the kids trick-or-treating, wandering through a pumpkin-lit garden or heading into Portsmouth for the Halloween Parade.

These events might seem like little things, but they're part of what makes our communities feel like home.

So whether you're here for the pumpkins, the foliage, the candy, the local traditions or all of the above, I hope you find something on this list that gets you out and enjoying the Seacoast this October.

Happy fall! 🍂🎃

Please note: Event dates, times, locations and activities may change due to weather or organizer updates. Check directly with the event organizer or town before heading out.