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Top Free Halloween Events Near Boston for 2025

Get out and about to see some great Halloween events for free in 2025! Frankenstein on Essex Street in Salem, photo by Kate Fox.
Get out and about to see some great Halloween events for free in 2025! Frankenstein on Essex Street in Salem, photo by Kate Fox.
9/26/25 - By Lucie T

October is all about the boos—and Boston has plenty of free Halloween 2025 fun to go around! Between stocking up on candy, costumes, and decorations, it’s nice to know there are plenty of free Halloween events to keep kids smiling (and parents’ wallets happy). From parades to pumpkin parties, the Boston area is bursting with free Halloween activities all month long in October 2025.

Our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Boston Kids has things to do for Halloween 2025. Families can find plenty more seasonal activities in our list of Boston Fall Day Trips Guide. Or, curl up on the couch with the kids and watch one of our picks for best Halloween movies for kids. 

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From Boston to the White Mountains, there is plenty of free Halloween 2025 fun! Return of the Pumpkin People at the Inn at Jackson photo courtesy of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce
From Boston to the White Mountains, there is plenty of free Halloween 2025 fun! Return of the Pumpkin People at the Inn at Jackson photo courtesy of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce

Free Halloween 2025 Events near Boston

Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

Salem–October 2, 2025
This time honored kick off to the Halloween season is full of color, pageantry, music and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college and local business owners. READ MORE

Return of the Pumpkin People

Jackson, NH–FREE
October 1 - October 31, 2025
It's the 41st annual Return of the Pumpkin People! Take a self-guided tour of a variety of Pumpkin People at more than 50 different displays. See Pumpkin People doing all kinds of things from flying across yards to deep-sea diving.  READ MORE

Pumpkin People in the Park

Chatham–FREE
October 10 - October 31, 2025
This annual tradition down the Cape brings together local businesses that craft clever, funny, or awe-inspiring displays of people and activities out of pumpkins. READ MORE

Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival

Boston–FREE
October 17, 2025
The fourth annual Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival returns to the Boston Common Frog Pond. READ MORE

Bierman Autism Centers Annual Trunk-or-Treat

Bedford–FREE
October 18, 2025
Join Bierman Autism Centers for a magical morning of fun and excitement at the Annual Trunk-or-Treat event. This sensory-friendly celebration is designed for everyone to enjoy, featuring whimsical trunks full of treats and surprises, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for all. READ MORE

Revere Beach Pumpkin Dash & Pumpkin Patch

Revere–FREE
October 18, 2025
The Revere Beach Pumpkin Dash brings together runners of all ages for a scenic 5K along Revere Beach. The event features a family-friendly atmosphere, with activities like a free Kids Fun Run, pumpkin picking, cookie decorating, and live giant pumpkin carving.  READ MORE

SomerStreets: Monster Mash

Somerville–FREE
October 19, 2025
The last SomerStreets festival of the season, Monster Mashed Up is a Halloween block party for all ages. The street is closed to traffic and is loaded with kids' activities, food vendors, and live music. READ MORE

New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival

Laconia, NH–FREE
October 25, 2025
An annual tradition in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, this free, family-oriented festival is known for its pumpkin tower, built with donated pumpkins carved at home or on site, as well as rides, activities, music, and food.  READ MORE

Hocus Pocus Recreation at Historic Ropes Mansion

Salem–FREE
October 23- November 3, 2025
Salem's historic Ropes Mansion will be decorated in the style of the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. The grounds will be open for self-guided tours. READ MORE

Sensory-Friendly Halloween

Acton– FREE with pre-registration
October 25, 2025
The Discovery Museum is hosting a special Halloween event for children and adults with disabilities or sensory sensitivities, including those who are deaf, blind, or autistic. READ MORE

Tricks and Treats at the Waterworks

Chestnut Hill–FREE
October 25, 2025
Calling all werewolves, zombies, and mad scientists! Join us at the Waterworks Museum for a ghoulishly good time at this Tricks and Treats event. Decorate a treat bag and then collect candy while exploring some spooky science and trying special crafts and activities.  READ MORE

Trick-or-Treat At Hammond Castle

Gloucester–FREE for kids
October 30, 2025
Experience Halloween magic at Hammond Castle Museum’s beloved Trick-or-Treat, now in its 7th season. This enchanting adventure leads young ghosts and goblins across a real drawbridge, through winding corridors, and into the majestic Great Hall. With multiple stations, spooky music, and crafts, it’s the perfect way to spark a child’s imagination. READ MORE

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