Halloween is just around the corner, and spooky shenanigans are in full swing! 

The Lakes Region is brewing up a cauldron of tricks and treats this October — and we’re not just talking about the autumn leaves changing and apple cider donuts baking. We’ve rounded up the best of the best of ghostly fun and hair-raising frights, from haunted lake cruises to mouth-watering treats and family-friendly activities. Check out these Lakes Region events and seasonal shenanigans!

1. BOOOOSFest

When: Nov. 1, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Newfound Lake Inn, Bridgewater
What: Halloween BOOOOSFest

It’s all tricks, no treats at this spooktacular Halloween event at Newfound Lake Inn. This year’s theme is “Hollywood Horror!” Find delectable bites at SAL’s Birch Bar, sip on spooky spirits, participate in a costume contest, and dance to music from DJ Jeff Lines.

2. Halloween Masquerade Ball

When: Oct. 26, 6-9 p.m.
Where: 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, Laconia
What: Halloween Masquerade Ball on the M/S Mount Washington

Mount Washington Cruises’ 21+ Halloween Masquerade Ball is the final cruise of the season. This three-hour-long cruise features a buffet-style dinner, live music, seasonal snacks and drinks, and one of the most impressive Halloween costume contests in the Lakes Region!

3. BEans and greens haunted attractions 

When: Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 26, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Beans & Greens Farm, Gilford
What: Haunted Night Maze and Fear Farm

Come for a thrilling night filled with eerie encounters at Beans & Greens Farm. Wander through the corn maze, or visit the “Fear Farm” with spooky effects and scare actors, on weekend evenings through Oct. 26. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Purchase tickets online and save 10% when you buy 20 or more tickets.

4. new hampshire pumpkin festival

When: Oct. 25, 3:30 p.m. and Oct. 26, 9 a.m.
Where: Downtown Laconia and Weirs Beach
What: New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival

The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival is a two-day festival in the heart of Laconia, offering seasonal entertainment for all ages. Admire the pumpkin displays, partake in a donut-eating contest at Laconia Village Bakery, browse the Great New England Craft and Artisan Show, nibble on goodies from local food vendors, and more! Get the complete list of events here.

5. ghost encounters at canterbury shaker village

When: Oct. 24-26, Tours held at 5, 6, and 7 p.m.
Where: Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury
What: Ghost Encounters

While we may think of ghost stories are entertainment, the Shakers saw the spiritual realm as a vital part of their communal life. This idea serves as the backdrop for Canterbury Shaker Village’s educational Ghost Encounters series — 45-minute-long tours held at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. from Oct. 24 through Oct. 26. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under when purchased online; day-of tickets are $25.

6. Haunted Winnipesaukee

When: Thursday-Saturday evenings through Oct. 26
Where: 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, Laconia
What: Haunted Winnipesaukee Cruise

Sample sweet treats while listening to haunting tales of cursed lands, mysterious fires, haunted hotels, and unsolved disappearances on a 90-minute Lake Winnipesaukee cruise. Tickets are available to purchase online for $60 per person.

7. Woodstock inn brewery halloween party

When: Oct. 31, 8:30-11:30 p.m.
Where: Woodstock Inn Brewery, North Woodstock
What: Halloween Party

Celebrate Halloween with all your boos at Woodstock Inn Brewery’s Halloween bash, complete with costume contests, prizes, and a DJ. To keep the spooky fun going, book a room at the Inn on Halloween night, Oct. 31, and get 50% off your room rate (excludes houses).

8. Pumpkin Walk at Castle in the Clouds

When: Oct. 18, 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough
What: Pumpkin Walk

Costumes are encouraged for this family-friendly, Halloween-themed stroll through the woods at Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough! The area near Shannon Pond will be well-lit with jack-o’-lanterns and full of not-so-scary Halloween surprises along the way. The event is free; donations are welcome, and pre-registration is encouraged.

9. Ghouls and Gasoline Car Meet

When: Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Laconia Harley-Davidson
What: Ghouls and Gasoline Car Meet

Open to all years, makes, and models, this event will bring together car, truck, and motorcycle enthusiasts to show off their most monstrous machines. All attendees are encouraged to bring a cauldron of candy to share with trick-or-treaters.

10. Graveyard History Walking Tour

When: Mondays and Saturdays from Oct. 7-28, 3-5 p.m.
Where: Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough
What: Graveyard History Walking Tour

View the remnants of cemeteries from long ago during this two-mile walk at Castle in the Clouds. Tour guides will discuss the families that lived there and the funerary traditions from each time period. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased here.

11. hayride at brookford farm

When: Every weekend until Oct. 27
Where: Brookford Farm, Canterbury
What: Brookford Farm Hayrides

Kick off the fall season at this local farm! Take a hayride out to the corn maze and pick-your-own pumpkin patch on weekends through Oct. 27. The viewing platform boasts picturesque, sweeping views of the corn maze, and grab-and-go fall treats will be available to purchase.

Looking for more seasonal activities in the Lakes Region? Check out our events page and start filling up your calendar!