NEWBURYPORT – Do you like to dress up for Halloween, carve pumpkins, and indulge in sweet treats? Maybe you want to be scared a little bit – or a lot? From autumnal celebrations and family-friendly frights to terrifying tales, the Port City goes all out this Spooky Season, as members of the Newburyport Arts Collective have created a festival of Halloween and fall-inspired events for the whole family all month long.
“Over the last two years, the NAC has worked together to make Newburyport a Halloween destination for families,” says Deirdre Budzyna, principle at Acting Out children’s theater company and steering committee member for the nonprofit organization of area creatives. “There are so many opportunities to experience the magic of Newburyport through theater, art, music and dance. Not only are there many planned activities to take advantage of; Newburyport is also a city full of wonderful restaurants, parks and shops to visit.”
Indeed, the city’s historic downtown, along the banks of the Merrimac River, has plenty of parking and fewer crowds, and visitors can experience everything from a costume parade and live of The Jungle Book to a free original dance en plein air on the waterfront.
Come check it out – here are a few highlights. Check the NAC web site (https://www.newburyportartscollective.org/) for the complete updated list.
October 13
Witches Night Out
Downtown shops stay open late (6pm to 9pm) and restaurants offer exclusive promotions. Enjoy themed drinks and savor light bites. While costumes are not required, embracing the spirit of the night by donning your best witchy attire or other fantastical garb is highly encouraged! Free entry. Let the magic begin!
https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/witches-night-out-2023-123463
October 13-14
Newburyport Fall Fest 2023
Live local bands, food trucks, beer garden, artisans and crafters– all on the beautiful Newburyport waterfront.
https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/octoberfest-2023-10-15-2023-98133
October 14
Monster Month: The Wolf Man
The Screening Room
The second in the Screening Room’s classic monster film festival, this 1941 film features Lon Cheney as the man who unwittingly kills werewolf Bela Lugosi and is doomed to become a fearsome beast himself.
https://www.newburyportmovies.com/the-wolf-man
October 15, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
POE.
Theater in the Open
Your favorite fearful Poe poems and stories — including The Raven and The Fall of the House of Usher — come to life at this all-ages show, performed at the Ellen T. Brown Memorial Chapel in Oak Hill Cemetery. Using music, movement, and macabre pageantry, this show explores the emotional tension and otherworldly atmosphere that underscores the work of Edgar Allan Poe. Space is limited! Please reserve your tickets in advance.
https://theaterintheopen.ticketspice.com/poe-ellen-t-brown-memorial-chapel-newburyport
October 17
Things That Go Bump in the Night: the History and Impact of Horror Film (Interactive Zoom presentation)
Newburyport Public Library
If you dare, come see how onscreen horror began! In this virtual presentation, you will see how horror began and entertaining snippets of some brilliant films produced by American cinema shown on our big screen. This event is free and open to all.
https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/things-that-go-bump-in-the-night-the-history-and-impact-of-horror-film-virtual/
October 19
Monster Month: Frankenstein
The Screening Room
The final feature in their trio of classic monster films, Boris Karloff stars as the creature assembled from body parts of the deceased. This showing is a benefit Theater in the Open, with $5 from each ticket purchased going directly to their organization. In anticipation of their annual fundraiser, Maudslay is Haunted, the character “Dracu” will join us live at the theater. Come on out for a show, a laugh, and maybe a bit of a scare…
https://www.newburyportmovies.com/frankenstein
October 20
Date Night: Kids Drop Off with Halloween Theme!
Newburyport Youth Services
Come drop off your kids for a fun Halloween themed night of activities while you go out and enjoy yourself or just relax for a bit at home! Children will enjoy some pizza, snacks, drinks, do art projects, play games and watch a movie (open to all families, with children grades 1-5.
https://newburyportma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30015#145726
October 21-22
Maudslay is Haunted!
Theater in the Open
Theater in the Open’s notorious annual haunting of Maudslay is back! Join us for a walk in the park like no other—if you dare! Spooky, silly, and all-ages vignettes are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit for the HAUNTED TRAIL!
https://www.theaterintheopen.org/fundraising-events
October 21-22
Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Firehouse Center for the Arts
A theater presentation for the whole family, Spookley is a square pumpkin who lives in a round pumpkin patch world. Spookley helps early learners discover that the things that make us different are the things that make us special.
https://firehouse.org/
October 24, 5:35 p.m.
Peter Pan and the Magic Pumpkin
Joppa Dance Company
A fun Halloween dance production for the whole family right on Newburyport’s waterfront behind the Maritime Museum.
https://www.danceplacenbpt.com/joppa-dance-company
October 27
Halloween Family Fun!
Custom House Maritime Museum
Come in costume to watch “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’’ and “Casper the Friendly Ghost” in our museum gallery! Snacks and beverages will be served at intermission and a group photo will be taken to commemorate the night! A family ticket (3-5 people) is $10, Adults $5, children under 7 are $3. Drinks and food included in admission. Doors will open at 5 p.m.! Tickets can be purchased in advance at thechmm.org or at the door. 25 Water Street, Newburyport. 978-462-8681.
October 27-29
Short & Scary II, a theater event
Actors Studio of Newburyport
What scares you the most? That the inspiration for a new collection of contemporary short horror plays that have won awards and accolades across the country. From Psychics to Hauntings to Earthly Evil, these short plays will draw you in and make you jump. Mini Halloween treat bags will be given out if you dare to stay till the end…but expect the unexpected. Recommended audience age: 12 + years old. At our new Salisbury location.
https://www.newburyportacting.org/event/short-scarey-ii/
October 28
Among the Tombstones, a Halloween recital
Penny Lazarus Piano Studio
What could be more perfect for Halloween than performing at the graveyard Ellen T. Brown Memorial Chapel built in a Gothic style in 1900? We’ll also be incorporating storytelling about some of the more famous Newburyport families from the 19th century.
https://www.pennylazaruspianostudio.com/calendar/among-the-tombstones-a-halloween-recital
October 29
Halloween Pumpkin Decorating/Carving event
Tinkerhaus
Bring the whole family for a magical day of pumpkin carving (bigger kids) or decorating (younger kids)!
https://www.tinkerhaus.org/events
October 30
Tarot Talk Workshop
Newburyport Public Library
The workshop begins with a tarot-themed talk focused on the basics of a successful & safe reading, as well as holding space for any questions new readers might have. Then, any attendees who would like to, are invited to pull their own cards in a group reading. Bring your own deck or borrow one to explore. For teens and adults.
https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/tarot-talk-workshop-teens-adults-in-person/?
