The Spookiest Halloween Parties and Events in Boston This Year
Costume parties, horror movie marathons, and trips to a witchy suburb.
It’s that time of year again. The air is becoming crisp, the leaves are turning vibrant, and the nights feel extra spooky. Boston is the place to be during the changing seasons, and one of the best cities for bone-chilling celebrations.
With Salem only a commuter rail ride away, and fall festivities happening across a number of neighborhoods—from puppy parades to pumpkin carving events—our historic city is the place to be during this haunted month. So whether you’re looking for weekend plans or want to celebrate all month long, here are all the creepiest and coolest things to do to celebrate Halloween in Boston this year.
All month long
Downtown
Maybe you haven’t witnessed them as often as the infamous duck boats, but you’ve definitely had this trolley tour pass you in the streets. Boston Ghost Tours chauffeurs guests around the city’s most historic and haunted spots, taking you “from Beantown to Screamtown.” Guided by ghoulish characters, you’ll learn about the paranormal side of Omni Parker House, visit King's Chapel Cemetery, and more.
Cost: Tickets start at $44
Thursday, October 20
Seaport
Harpoon Brewery is hosting a Halloween party you won’t want to miss. A ticket will get you a pumpkin for carving, stencils, and carving tools so you can whip up a creepy creations. Plus, entrance include a drink ticket and snacks to munch on while you work.
Cost: Tickets start at $35
All month long
South End
For the month of October, Shore Leave has transformed itself into Scare Leave, decked out in ghoulish decor and serving up a new cocktail menu to match the spooky space. Plus, upcoming events include karaoke on October 18 and 31 from 9:30 pm until midnight, a live performance by surf-inspired The Electric Heaters on October 27, and Halloween Drag Night on October 30.
Cost: Varies
Now through Friday, October 28
Everett
Every Friday in October, Aeronaut Brewing Company in Everett invites you to navigate around a haunted setup of The Cannery. The spooky tours depart the taproom every 15 minutes from 7:30pm to 11:30pm so you’ll definitely get some scares in. But that’s not all, the next day, the brewery will host its annual Halloween party from 6pm to 11:30pm. Tickets are $25 per person and include your final chance to go on the haunted brewery tour with live music blasting throughout the night.
Cost: Tickets start at $13
Saturday, October 29
Downtown Crossing
Kicking off around noon, head to Downtown Crossing to witness some of the cutest costumes you’ll see all Halloweekend long—we’re talking about the Doggone Halloween Dog Parade, of course. Come out to see all the breeds Boston has to offer as they compete for the title of the Scariest, Cutest, Best Dog and Human Duo, as well as the Best in Show title. If you’re interested in registering your own pup, sign up online.
Cost: Free
Saturday, October 29
Coolidge Corner
Your favorite theater is bringing back its Halloween Horror Marathon, showing 13 hours (you heard us right) of scary classics from London After Midnight to Dracula to Fright Night. There’s no pressure to stay the whole time but following the first film, the theater will be hosting a costume contest so make sure you come in your Halloween best. While you’re there, you can also check out a whole bunch of other festive flicks playing that weekend and Monday including John Carpenter's Vampires, Trick ‘r’ Treat, and the ultimate spooky movie, Halloween.
Cost: Tickets start at $45
All month long
Westford
A haunted house is always a good idea. Nashoba Valley Ski Area’s most haunted and unsettling hayride, Witch’s Woods, promises to fulfill all your ghoulish dreams. With six attractions open for the 2022 season, choose from the classic haunted hayride, Vampire Passage, Castle Morbid, 3D Keeper’s Crypt, Horrorwood Chamber of Chills, and Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree. While you’re in the area, stop by the nearby Nashoba Valley Winery for some liquid courage.
Cost: Tickets start at $44
Dine at local restaurants for Halloween tricks and treats
All month long
Various locations
There are a number of restaurants around the city celebrating the holiday with menu specialties, creative cocktails, events, and a whole lot more. To name a few, Cambridge’s Urban Hearth has Hitchcock-themed cocktails all month-long; Newton’s Baramor is hosting its second annual Barktoberfest event featuring a costume contest for the pups; Assembly Row’s Salt + Stone will have a pumpkin carving event; Back Bay’s The Beehive is hosting a Halloween burlesque show; its sister restaurant, Cósmica, will host its Halloween fiesta all Halloweekend long featuring food and drink specials and prizes for those who show up in costume; and finally, East Boston’s Cunard Tavern is hosting its Halloween Barbie Brunch featuring a Barbie-core-themed menu and costume party.
Cost: Varies
All month long
Salem
It’s the plan of all plans. Massachusetts—if not the country’s—very own Halloweentown. Salem has exactly what you’re looking with plenty of worthwhile activities to add to your itinerary including haunted trolley rides, annual Halloween bashes like at The Hotel Salem and Hawthorne Hotel, walking tours including Bewitched After Dark or Black Cat, a visit to the Salem Witch Museum, psychic readings at Witch City Mall, and much, much more. For even more inspiration on Salem happenings, check out our roundup of the best things to do around the town.
Cost: Varies
Saturday, October 29
Theater District
The W Boston will host its annual Haunted Hotel Halloween Party yet again this year, which includes costumes, cocktails, and lots of dancing. Not to mention, a $1,000 cash prize will be given to the night’s best costume.
Cost: Tickets start at $30
Grab your hot apple cider and head to Beacon Hill
Monday, October 31
Beacon Hill
Grab your cozy beverage of choice and head to Beacon Hill for the city’s most frightful (but friendly) sights, featuring stoops lined with gourds and ghouls, decorations peeping from windows of brownstones, and streets lit up for a haunting ambiance. However, if you are inclined to planned activities, join Boston By Foot for its annual Beacon Hill with a BOO! tour on Monday, October 31, highlighting the Hill's dark legacy.
Cost: Exploring on your own is free, tickets for the tour are $20