City Announces Halloween Trick or Treat Hours Recreation Department Hosts Free Fall Family Fun Fest

The City of Portsmouth Recreation Department has several family events and activities scheduled to celebrate fall and Halloween, culminating with the City’s Halloween trick-or-treat hours of 5 to 8 pm on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. The Portsmouth Police Department reminds everyone to watch out for trick-or-treaters and the increased traffic on the roads that evening. Other City events and activities include: 

• Kids Night Out Halloween Party: On Friday, October 18 from 5 to 8 pm at Community Campus for grades K-5. Kids can come dressed in their Halloween attire or costumes, dance, and play fall and Halloween themed games and activities. $20 for residents; $25 for nonresidents, pre-registration is required. 

• Haunted Trail – Two Nights: At the Community Campus trail on Tuesday, October 22 from 4 to 6 pm is the Family Friendly Spooky Walk with no haunts. On Wednesday, October 23 from 6:30 to 8 pm is the Haunted Trail with extra spookiness. Parking is available at the Campus Drive Athletic Field. This event is free, no reservation required. A flashlight is recommended for Wednesday night. 

• Halloween Themed Harvest Lunch at Senior Activity Center: On Thursday, October 24. Seating starts at 11 am, serving starts at 11:30 am. Come dressed in costume or festive Halloween attire. Entertainment provided by Rockin’ Randy Hawkes who will be playing fun tunes. Lunch includes roast pork, rice, carrots, and a dessert. Rockingham Nutrition will be providing the lunch for a $3.00 suggested donation. RSVP to 603-610-4433. 

• 4th Annual Fall Family Fun Fest: On Saturday, October 26 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Campus Drive Athletic Fields. Free and open to the public, with costumes encouraged. Participants will enjoy live music, games, a s’mores fire pit, food trucks, touch-a-truck, and more fun for the whole family. No reservation required. 

• Early Release Explorers: On Wednesday, October 30 from 12 pm to 5 pm at Community Campus for grades K-5. Portsmouth elementary schools have early-release and the Recreation Department has planned an afternoon full of Halloween fun. Kids should bring their costumes, and staff will assist the children in getting ready for parent pick-up and Trick or Treating. $50 Residents; $60 Nonresidents includes transportation from Portsmouth elementary schools to the campus. Pre-registration is required. 

For details on all the events, visit: portsnh.co/recreation.

The independently organized Portsmouth Halloween Parade takes place on Thursday, October 31, 2024. For details including parking restrictions and road closures go to their website: PortsmouthHalloweenParade.org