Halloween in Boston: Free events and adult parties fill the city schedule

The Boston metropolitan area hosts a packed calendar of Halloween festivities from October 26 through November 1. The events range from free outdoor movie screenings in Chelsea to a high-end gala at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Residents and visitors have options for every age group and budget, with many major public events requiring no admission fee.

East Boston opens the week with its famous haunted house on Moore Street. The attraction returns for its fourth year, featuring giant spiders, singing pumpkins, and animatronics. The house is open from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. every night until November 1. On Halloween night itself, the venue adds live actors to create a walkthrough experience recommended for teenagers and adults. Entry is free.

Chelsea Square serves as a central hub for family activities. The city screens Minions & Monsters on Tuesday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m. on a large LED screen. The outdoor movie season concludes on Thursday, October 29, with a screening of Coco. On Friday, October 30, the square hosts a Trunk or Treat event from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is followed by a showing of Hocus Pocus at 6:15 p.m. All Chelsea Square events are free and ask attendees to bring blankets or chairs.

Boston City Hall hosts two distinct events on Thursday evening. The Mezzanine Gallery presents a self-mastery sound experience from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Artists Brandon Breaux and Marlene Boyette lead a relaxation session as part of a larger exhibition. Later that night, the BLAIR project takes over City Hall Plaza from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The event features live music and DJs, with a focus on showcasing local women creatives. Food trucks and a covered area are available for attendees.

Adults seeking a night out have several specific options. The Boston Children’s Museum hosts a 21-and-over event called A Nightmare at the Museum on Friday, October 30. Tickets start at $30 plus service charges. The venue offers trick-or-treating, craft activities, and special cocktail bars. On Halloween night, the ICA Boston holds its annual It’s Magic! party from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Members pay $125, while non-members pay $150. The price includes an open bar and a vegetarian buffet. The dress code is dark elegance.

Community groups organize several neighborhood events. West End House in Boston holds a family night on Thursday, offering a Trunk or Treat and a haunted house with a $5 entry fee. In Cambridge, the Central Square Branch Library screens the film Sinners on Thursday for adults, providing popcorn for attendees. On Saturday, the Halloween Block Party and Pet Spooktacular takes place at Chuckie Harris Park in Somerville. The event runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is free for families and their pets.

Boston’s public markets and parks host large family gatherings on Saturday. The Pumpkin Stroll begins at the Boston Public Market from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The celebration includes live entertainment, face painting, and giant pumpkins. Participants can then walk along The Greenway for additional activities. Costumed children can ride the Greenway Carousel for free. The week concludes on Sunday, November 1, with a Day of the Dead celebration at Bow Market in Somerville.

The Bow Market event runs from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Organizers Amantolli and Taquisimo invite the public to contribute photos or objects for a community ofrenda. The afternoon features traditional Mexican food, beverages, and local artisan vendors. All events listed in this schedule are verified for their respective dates and locations in the Boston area.