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Top Free Halloween Events and Parades Near Boston

The Frog Pond Pumpkin Float at Boston Commons is always a favorite. Photo courtesy of Bostonfrogpond.com
The Frog Pond Pumpkin Float at Boston Commons is always a favorite. Photo courtesy of Bostonfrogpond.com
10/8/21 - By Lucie T

With decor, costumes, and candy on this month's shopping list, we're all in the market for some free (or low-cost) crafty, spooky, and fun Halloween events kids will love. From Halloween parades to costume parties and pumpkin festivals, the Boston area hosts plenty of free Halloween activities through October 31 that won't break the bank! 

Our Halloween Fun Guide has more ideas for things to do, while families who are a wee bit Halloween'd out can find plenty more seasonal activities in our list of free October activities. Or, curl up on the couch with the kids with some caramel popcorn, or a mug cake, and watch one of our picks for best Halloween movies for kids. 

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Learn how to make Halloween Oobleck online at the Northeastern STEMout Workshop.
Learn how to make Halloween Oobleck online at the Northeastern STEMout Workshop.

Free Halloween Events near Boston

Frog Pond Pumpkin Float

Friday, October 15 - Boston
The family-friendly event includes decoration of Halloween luminaries, refreshments, and more. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and bring an 8-inch or smaller carved pumpkin to be floated on the Frog Pond for a thrilling early evening display. READ MORE

Chamber "Great Pumpkin Hunt"

Saturday, October 16 - Newburyport
The entire family will have fun finding pumpkins at participating retailers and entering to win a raffle.  READ MORE

Pumpkin Decorating

Monday, October 18 - Boston
Decorate your pumpkin with glitter, paint, stickers, or whatever else librarians can find in the craft closet. All supplies will be provided. READ MORE

Pumpkin Paint Party

Tuesday, October 19 - Charlestown
Overlook ships in the harbor and enjoy beautiful Boston skyline views while decorating a pumpkin during this free, family-fun event. READ MORE

Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade

Saturday, October 23 - Sunday, October 24 - Jamaica Plain
Each year approximately 4,000 people arrive at Jamaica Pond at sunset with lanterns --many children arriving in full Halloween costume -- for a parade that proceeds around the pond, bringing a trail of bouncing lights into the darkness that can be seen from all directions. READ MORE

Grove Hall Branch's Annual Monster Mash

Thursday, October 28 - Dorchester
Join the annual Monster Mash. This year, it will be celebrated safely outdoors with music by DJ Kitzner, treats, crafts, and a costume contest. READ MORE

Halloween Puppet Show with Tom Knight

Thursday, October 21 - Dorchester
For this special Halloween show, Tom helps Freddy the Troll see that he doesn’t have to be scared of children. The vibrant and amusing visual elements appeal to children as young as 2, while fun lyrics engage children up to 12, and adults, too. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween with the family, and is designed to educate and inspire young minds. READ MORE

Pumpkins in the Park

Saturday, October 23 - Walpole
It’s a Halloween tradition that can’t be missed. Carvers and decorators of all ages are welcome to submit a pumpkin to the park’s annual pumpkin carving & decorating contest. Pumpkins are judged in four different categories — “Most Creative,” “Scariest,” “Most Traditional,” and “Funniest.” Winners are announced that evening and receive bragging rights. Bring your pumpkin to the event. READ MORE

Trick-or-Treat Marshfield Center

Friday, October 29 - Marshfield
Trick-or-Treat Marshfield Center is an free annual event to bring local businesses and the community together with a costume contest, parade, storytime, pumpkin carving, cupcake and cookie decorating, and more.  READ MORE

Autumn Songfest with Jeannie Mack

Wednesday, October 27 - Brighton
Sing, clap along, and act out autumn-themed stories with your hands and fingers. And if you promise not to be too scared, also included will be some spooky songs and rhymes about tickly spiders, jack-o-lanterns, silly witches, and trick-or-treating to usher in the 2021 Halloween season. READ MORE

Northeastern STEMout Workshop: Halloween Oobleck

Saturday, October 30 - Online
Students will learn about slime chemistry and create their own oobleck. This is one of the weekly Saturday workshops for kids, grades 4th-8th, thanks to Northeastern STEM Outreach Club. The program will take place on Zoom. READ MORE

Snow White's Halloween Party

Saturday, October 30 – Wenham
Put on your Halloween costume or your favorite dress-up clothes and head to the Wenham Museum for stories, songs, and a fun (not spooky) Halloween party for the youngest friends. READ MORE

Play Date: Spellbound Sights

Saturday, October 30 - Boston
It’s Halloween-eve!. Get inspired by bedazzled and costume-like artworks in the exhibitions The Worlds We Make: Selections from the ICA Collection, Raúl de Nieves: The Treasure House of Memory, and 2021 James and Audrey Foster Prize. Request free family admission tickets for a special activity in the galleries. Explore artworks, interact with Visitor Assistants, then collect a take home art kit. Halloween costumes are welcome, but make sure you are familiar with costume rules to ensure a safe and fun visit. READ MORE

LexFUN! Annual Halloween Parade

Sunday, October 31 - Lexington
Celebrate the end of the Story Walk with a small hike/costume parade starting at the beginning of the Story Walk and ending at Lincoln Playground. Little goody bags will be handed out to kids to take home, along with an opportunity for a photo with Elmo. READ MORE

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