October is one of my favorite times of year, and the October events Boston and the North Shore have to offer make it even better. I love the festive spirit, and of course, everything Halloween. This season is filled with fairs, farmers markets, trunk-or-treats, cooking classes, and spooky celebrations.
Screeemfest at Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH is one of my family’s favorite October events Boston and the North Shore visitors can enjoy. I’ve taken my kids many times, and the park really goes all out. They feature 5 (FIVE!) haunted houses, each with its own theme, plus costumed characters who love to jump out for a scare. If that’s not your thing, no worries—Canobie offers glowing necklaces you can wear to signal “no jump scares,” so everyone can enjoy the night at their own comfort level. Between the rides, entertainment, and spooky atmosphere, it’s an October must-do.
And no October is complete without Salem, Massachusetts—famous for its witchy history and Halloween spirit. Just be warned: it gets ridiculously crowded, so plan ahead if you’re heading into the madness!
Upcoming Events - October 2025
Oct 3: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 3: Food Truck Fridays – Salem, NH
Oct 3: Open Line Dancing Nights – Kingston, NH
Oct 3: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 4: Witchcraft History Tour – North Andover, MA
Oct 4: Octoberfest – Ipswich, MA
Oct 4: Chocolate Tour – Newburyport, MA
Oct 4: Barktoberfest – Salem, NH
Oct 4: Farmers Market – Haverhill, MA
Oct 4: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 4: Fall Fresh Floral Arrangement Class – North Andover, MA
Oct 4: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 5: Touch a Truck – Andover, MA
Oct 5: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 5: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 6: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 7: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 8: Kids Trunk or Treat – Haverhill, MA
Oct 8: Cooking Class (Scallop Risotto) – Salem, NH
Oct 8: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 9: A Murder Mystery Dinner – Newburyport, MA
Oct 9: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 10: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 10: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 11: Farmers Market – Haverhill, MA
Oct 11: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 11: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 12: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 12: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 13: Cooking Class (Butternut Squash Cappellacci) – Salem, NH
Oct 13: Topsfield Fair – Topsfield, MA
Oct 17: Witches Nite Out – Newburyport, MA
Oct 17: Open Line Dancing Nights – Kingston, NH
Oct 17: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 18: Witchcraft History Tour – North Andover, MA
Oct 18: Dueling Pianos – Haverhill, MA
Oct 18: Annual Harvest Fest – Windham, NH
Oct 18: Chili and Chowder Cookoff – Haverhill, MA
Oct 18: Farmers Market – Haverhill, MA
Oct 18: Cooking Class (Breakfast Pizza Mimosas) – Salem, NH
Oct 18: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 19: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 24: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 25: Spookley The Square Pumpkin: The Musical – Newburyport, MA
Oct 25: 1st Annual Truck & Craft Beverage Festival at Kimball Farm – Haverhill, MA
Oct 25: Farmers Market – Haverhill, MA
Oct 25: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 26: Nightmare Fest at Fun City (All ages) – Salem, NH
Oct 26: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
Oct 25 – Rockin’ Halloween Costume Ball (Adults only) – Salisbury, MA
Oct 25: Spookley The Square Pumpkin: The Musical – Newburyport, MA
Oct 31: Adults Halloween Party – Haverhill, MA
Oct 31: Screeemfest – Salem, NH
P.S. Did I miss anything?
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