Halloween Events and Fall Festivals in Boston
October is one of the best months to explore Boston, especially if you want to combine classic fall activities with Halloween events and a little bit of spooky history. From costumed celebrations in Boston Common to lantern parades in Somerville and Halloween parties downtown, the Boston area has plenty happening throughout October.
If you are planning a visit around Halloween, here are some of the best events to add to your itinerary in 2026.
Get Spooky at Fall-o-Ween in Boston Common
For a family-friendly Halloween celebration right in the heart of Boston, head to Boston Common for the annual Fall-o-Ween Children's Festival on Friday, October 16 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at the Frog Pond, this free event encourages both kids and adults to come in costume. Activities include a Monster Dash Obstacle Course, Alpine Slide, Jumpin' Pumpkin, Scarecrow Slide, arts and crafts, field games, music, magic, and Halloween treats.
Experience the HONK! Festival in Somerville
If you want a fall festival that is less traditional and more energetic, make your way to Somerville for HONK! Festival, taking place October 9 through 11.
The free, family-friendly festival brings activist street bands from around the country to the streets of Somerville and Cambridge. The weekend starts with lantern-making workshops and parades on Friday, October 9. On Saturday, October 10, bands take over Davis Square from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., with performances throughout the neighborhood.
The weekend wraps up on Sunday, October 11, with the HONK! Parade from Davis Square to Harvard Square from noon to 2:00 p.m. More than 15 bands and 30 community groups are expected to participate.
Watch the Head of the Charles Regatta
Halloween is not the only reason to visit Boston in October. The Head of the Charles Regatta returns October 16 through 18, bringing thousands of rowers and spectators to the Charles River.
The world's largest two-day rowing event stretches along the river between Boston and Cambridge, with some of the best viewing spots around the bridges, parks, and riverbanks. Even if you know very little about rowing, it is worth experiencing the atmosphere. The combination of packed riverbanks, competing crews, vendors, and fall scenery makes it one of Boston's signature October weekends.
Staying in Allston puts you close to the Charles River, so you can enjoy the regatta without having to make your way across the city from a downtown hotel.
Take the Kids to PruBoo
On Sunday, October 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Prudential Center hosts its 32nd annual PruBoo Halloween celebration.
The free event is designed for families and includes trick-or-treating at more than 30 participating stores and restaurants, face painting, Halloween crafts, magic shows, and live music. Magician Robert Clarke performs at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., while The Stacey Peasley Band performs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and again from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Bring Your Dog to the Doggone Halloween Pet Parade
Traveling with your four-legged friend? Downtown Crossing has its own Halloween tradition on Saturday, October 24.
The Doggone Halloween Pet Parade runs from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Summer Street Plaza and Washington Street. The event includes a POOCHAPALOOZA zone, photo booth, face painting, free treats, and costume contests with prizes for categories including Best Costume, Cutest Costume, Scariest Costume, Best Dog and Human Duo, and Best Dog and Child Duo.
Even if you are not bringing a dog, it is a fun stop for anyone who enjoys seeing Boston's pets get into the Halloween spirit.
Explore Boston's Haunted History
For a more grown-up Halloween experience, book a ghost tour. Boston's long history makes it an ideal city for exploring stories of haunted buildings, historic cemeteries, mysterious deaths, and some of the city's darker legends.
The Ghosts & Gravestones Tour operates throughout the Halloween season and combines sightseeing with stories about Boston's past. Another option is the official Freedom Trail Lantern Tour, which explores some of the city's more macabre historical stories after dark.
Spend Halloween at City Hall Plaza
If you are actually in Boston on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, head downtown for The BLAIR Project at City Hall Plaza.
The event is a Halloween concert and cultural marketplace celebrating women creatives, with live performances, installations, DJs, and women-owned pop-up businesses.
The official event calendar currently lists October 31 as the event date, but the detailed schedule is still being finalized, so check the event page before heading downtown.
For something a little more traditional, Boston Public Market is also hosting a Family Halloween Party and Pumpkin Stroll on October 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Families can follow a pumpkin-themed route along the Rose Kennedy Greenway before returning to the market for Halloween activities, crafts, face painting, and seasonal treats.
Catch a Fall Movie Under the Stars
Halloween season is also a good excuse to slow down with a classic movie. The Anchor in the Charlestown Navy Yard is hosting its Watch Wednesday outdoor movie series throughout the fall.
The October lineup includes Hocus Pocus on October 14, Halloweentown on October 21, and Ghostbusters on October 28. The movies are shown outdoors at the Charlestown Navy Yard, creating an easygoing alternative to the city's larger Halloween parties.
Bring a jacket and arrive early enough to find a good spot. October evenings in Boston can be chilly, especially after sunset.
Enjoy Fall Fest on the Charles River Esplanade
For something that feels more autumnal than spooky, the Esplanade Association's Fall Fest takes place Sunday, October 25.
The event combines the Fall Fest 5K and a 1.5-mile community walk along the Charles River with family activities, food, music, local organizations, and seasonal programming. A new Paws & Pumpkins Parade is also planned for 2026, giving dogs another chance to show off their Halloween costumes.
Make Studio Allston Your Fall Home Base
With Halloween events, fall festivals, historic attractions, and outdoor activities taking place throughout Boston and Cambridge, staying in the right neighborhood can make it much easier to experience more during your visit. Studio Allston overlooks the Charles River and puts you close to Harvard University, Cambridge, Allston's restaurants and music venues, and major Boston attractions.
You’ll also be near Fenway Park, Agganis Arena to catch a hockey game, and Roadrunner Boston for an upcoming fall show.
Please check individual event websites before attending, as schedules, admission requirements, and programming can change.
Right now, guests can take advantage of the hotel's Stay More, Save More offer, which rewards longer stays with bigger savings:
- 1 to 2 nights: Save 10%
- 3 nights: Save 15%
- 5 nights: Save 20%
- 7+ nights: Save 25%
Book your stay at Studio Allston and make it your home base for Halloween and the best of fall in Boston.
