City Announces Trick-or-Treat Hours and Fall Events

October 2, 2026

PORTSMOUTH, NH — The City of Portsmouth Recreation Department and Portsmouth Public Library 
are offering events and activities to celebrate fall and Halloween. The City’s trick-or-treat hours are 5 
to 8 pm Friday, October 30, 2026. The Portsmouth Police Department reminds drivers to watch for 
trick-or-treaters and increased traffic that evening. Other City events and activities include:

  • Annual Children’s Costume Swap: The swap runs from October 4 to 29 at the Portsmouth 
    Public Library, located at 175 Parrott Avenue. Gently used costumes for babies to 10 years old 
    can be dropped off at youth services beginning September 29. Families can shop the used 
    costumes from October 4 through 29 in Youth Services.
  • Planner Society YOU-niversity Series: DIY Oracle Cards: Wednesday, October 14 at 6:30 pm 
    at the Portsmouth Public Library. Discover oracle cards, how they differ from tarot, and how to 
    make your own.
  • Film: Hocus Pocus (1993): Thursday, October 15 at 5:30 pm at the Portsmouth Public Library. 
    All are welcome, and light refreshments will be provided.
  • Welcome to Tarot: Thursday, October 22 at 5 pm at the Portsmouth Public Library. Learn 
    about the origins and practice of tarot card reading during a small-group introduction led by 
    Sage Clarke of Inner Knowing Wellness.
  • 6th Annual Fall Family Fun Fest: Saturday, October 24 from 11 am to 2 pm at Community 
    Campus, 100 Campus Drive. Costumes are encouraged. Participants will enjoy music, magic, 
    games, a petting zoo, touch-a-truck, and more fun for the whole family. This event is free, and
    no reservations are required.
  • Veterans Breakfast: Tuesday, November 10 at the Senior Activity Center, 125 Cottage Street.
    Breakfast is at 9 am, followed by Quilts of Valor presentation at 10 am. The event includes a 
    French toast breakfast and a ceremony to honor veterans. It is open to veterans and their 
    spouses. RSVP by calling 603-610-4433.
  • Craft Fair and Thanksgiving Luncheon: Thursday, November 19 at Community Campus. The 
    holiday craft fair runs from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm, and lunch will be served at 11:30 am.

For details on all these events, visit: portsmouthnh.gov.

The independently organized Portsmouth Halloween Parade begins at 7 pm on Saturday, October 31, 
2026. For parade details including parking restrictions and road closures, visit: 
PortsmouthHalloweenParade.org