37 Halloween Experiences for Grown-Ups in Boston

Halloween as a kid is awesome. Your goal is to dress up in the craziest outfit possible, hang out with all your friends, and collect free candy all night. But Halloween as an adult has its own perks, including these super spooky <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-18-best-haunted-houses-near-boston-boston-394679">haunted houses</a>. We’ve rounded up the best spooktacular events for grown-ups to celebrate this holiday. The sugar just might come from cocktails instead of Reese’s.&nbsp;Events are listed chronologically.&nbsp; by Celina Colby PARTIES&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/moon-over-bow-somerville-1005722">Moon Over Bow</a> When: Wednesday 10/16 Where: Union Square Cost: Free Info: Head to Bow Market for a witchy night market with tarot readings, aura photography, DIY jewelry workshops, and the release of Remnant Brewing’s Halloween pumpkin beer. You can also get astrological and psychic readings for even more spooky fun. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/20-s-30-s-free-halloween-party-scorpion-bar-boston-1005505">20's &amp; 30's FREE Halloween Party</a> When: Saturday 10/19 Where: Seaport Cost: Free Info: Put together by the Make Friends After College group, this Halloween party at Scorpion Bar is a great way to meet new people. Entry is free, costumes are encouraged, and two live DJs will supply the perfect playlist for dancing. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/walter-sickert-and-the-army-of-broken-toys-halloween-happening-boston-1005421">Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys Halloween Happening</a> When: Thursday 10/24 Where: West End Cost: $20-25 Info: Join the band Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys at the Museum of Science for a concert and Halloween Happening featuring live music, a cash bar, a costume contest, and an apocalyptic space theme.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/something-strange-an-80s-halloween-boston-1006198">Something Strange: An ’80s Halloween</a> When: Saturday 10/26 Where: Seaport Cost: $40 Info: Tap into your ‘80s alter ego at this Halloween party at the ICA. Try out your breakdancing skills while a live DJ spins retro beats, watch pop-up performances and live artmaking, sip themed cocktails, and more.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/liberty-hotel-s-beetlejuice-halloween-party-boston-1005317">Liberty Hotel's Beetlejuice Halloween Party</a> When: Saturday 10/26 Where: Beacon Hill Cost: $95 Info: Dig those stripes out of your closet and head to the Liberty Hotel’s Beetlejuice Halloween Party, a festive romp with themed cocktails, Beetlejuice decor, and live sets from DJ Joshua Carl and DJ Skoolyahd. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/hawthorne-hotel-s-2024-halloween-ball-hawthorne-s-lot-salem-1006275">Hawthorne Hotel's 2024 Halloween Ball: "Hawthorne's Lot"</a> When: Saturday 10/26 Where: Salem, MA Cost: $200 Info: Hawthorne's Lot: Misery Loves Company is one of the most lavish Halloween parties of the season, hosted in the haunted Hawthorne Hotel in Salem. Across three floors you can enjoy live music, immersive experiences, and quirky costumes, plus snack on stationed hors d'oeuvres and order drinks from a cash bar. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/bewitched-halloween-bash-boston-1006278">Bewitched Halloween Bash</a> When: Saturday 10/26 Where: Fenway Cost: Free Info: Time Out Market will be serving up witchy brews, aka themed cocktails, and hosting a live DJ, a tarot card reader, an airbrush tattoo artist, drag queen Big Atlas.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-legends-of-hollywood-costume-party-boston-1004348">The Legends of Hollywood Costume Party</a> When: Saturday 10/26 Where: South End Cost: $40 Info: This party calls for a little glamor. Come dressed as your favorite Hollywood star from any era (there is a costume contest), dance to live jazz music, watch group performances, have your fortune told, and sip themed cocktails. PERFORMANCES &amp; MOVIES <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/?search=Watch+Wednesday-+The+Anchor+Movie+Series">Halloween Watch Wednesdays at The Anchor</a> When: Wednesdays 10/2-10/30 Where: Charlestown Cost: Free Info: Every Wednesday in the month of October catch a spooky flick at The Anchor in Charlestown. From lighthearted films like ‘Ghostbusters’ to horror classics like ‘Halloween,’ there’s something for every taste. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/dragula-watch-party-aeronaut-somerville-somerville-1006279">Dragula Watch Party @ Aeronaut Somerville</a> When: Wednesdays 10/2-12/4 Where: Somerville Cost: $5 Info: Gather at Aeronaut Brewery in Somerville every Wednesday for screenings of ‘Dragula’ hosted by local drag king Dykelangelo and featuring a guest rotation of local Dragula icons. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/friday-night-at-the-movies-addams-family-values-jamaica-plain-1000302">Friday Night at the Movies: Addams Family Values</a> When: Friday 10/4 Where: Jamaica Plain Cost: $7 Info: Summer camp has never looked so spooky, and so fun, as in ‘Addams Family Values’ screening at The Loring Greenough House in Jamaica Plain. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/saturday-screening-hocus-pocus-boston-1006282">Saturday Screening: Hocus Pocus</a> When: Saturday 10/5 Where: Brighton Cost: Free Info: Watch this ‘90s classic for free at the Brighton Branch of the Boston Public Library and practice your best Sanderson Sisters cackle. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/sunday-scaries-boston-1005571">Sunday Scaries at Sam Adams Brewery</a> When: Sundays from 10/6 to 10/27 Where: Jamaica Plain Cost: $15 Info: Every Sunday in October you can catch a different Halloween movie at the Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain. Watch classic favorites while sipping fall brews and enjoying popcorn and treats. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/friday-night-at-the-movies-whatever-happened-to-baby-jane-jamaica-plain-1000303">Friday Night at the Movies: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?</a> When: Friday 10/11 Where: Jamaica Plain&nbsp; Cost: $7 Info: Take it back in time to 1962 when Bette Davis and Joan Crawford invented a whole new genre of horror in ‘Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?’ You’ll never look at showbiz dames the same way. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/cirque-of-the-dead--13-somerville-1006285">Cirque of the Dead</a> When: Thursday 10/24-Thursday 10/31 Where: Somerville Cost: $44 Info: The Boston Circus Guild is getting spooky during this Halloween show where you can watch aerial feats, contortions, acrobatics and more in an immersive, installation-style theater experience. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/nightmare-in-the-navy-yard-2023-boston-431200">Nightmare In The Navy Yard</a> When: Friday 10/25 Where: Charlestown Cost: Free Info: For one night only The Anchor transforms into a spooky, waterfront wonderland with themed experiences like the Haunted Mezzanine, the Spooky Swamp, the Apple Orchard, and more. Listen to live music, jump out of your skin at the scary movie lounge, and enjoy festive food and drink options.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-rocky-horror-picture-show--2-boston-1000805">The Rocky Horror Picture Show</a> When: Friday 10/25 Where: Downtown Cost: $39-$114 Info: Is it really Halloween if you don’t go to Rocky Horror? Watch an unedited screening of the movie with Nell Campbell, the original Columbia character, and a live shadow cast. Come in costume. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/hocus-pocus-recreation-at-historic-ropes-mansion-salem-1005307">Hocus Pocus Recreation at Historic Ropes Mansion</a> When: Friday 10/25-Thursday 10/31 Where: Salem, MA Cost: Free Info: This season the Ropes Mansion in Salem’s historic downtown will be dressed up in a recreation of the family home from cult classic ‘Hocus Pocus.’ Best of all, it’s free to visit! <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/23rd-halloween-horror-marathon-brookline-1006338">23rd Halloween Horror Marathon</a> When: Saturday 10/26 Where: Coolidge Corner Cost: $39-$49 Info: If you can stomach 12 hours of chilling terror, you’re in for a treat at the Coolidge Corner Theatre Halloween Horror Marathon. Spend the night at the movies watching ‘About the Invisible Man’ and ‘About the Fly.’ <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-poetry-brothel-scream-queen-somerville-1004460">The Poetry Brothel: Scream, Queen!</a> When: Tuesday 10/29 Where: Union Square Cost: $40-75 Info: The Poetry Brothel, an immersive, literary cabaret, is going theme with a Halloween event like no other. Experience performances by artists of all kinds, sneak into the back for a private reading, and present yourself to a madam who presides over it all. Here’s hoping you pass muster. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/watch-wednesday-the-anchor-movie-series-halloween-mike-myers-charlestown-1005603">‘Halloween’ Screening</a> When: Wednesday 10/30 Where: Charlestown Cost: Free Info: Watch a festive screening of the classic film ‘Halloween’ in the open-air courtyard at The Anchor. Grab a drink and a snack and settle in for the Mike Myers event of the season. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/movie-night-beetlejuice-boston-1006286">Movie Night: Beetlejuice</a> When: Thursday 10/31 Where: Brighton Cost: Free Info: Before seeing the new edition, swing by the Brighton Branch of the Boston Public Library for a free screening of the 1998 original ‘Beetlejuice.’&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/scream-halloween-house-party-brookline-1006339">Scream Halloween House Party</a> When: Thursday 10/31 Where: Coolidge Corner Cost: $15-19 Info: Greet November with screams of terror at the Coolidge Corner Theatre’s Halloween House Party where they’ll screen both the 1996 and 2022 versions of ‘Scream.’ You can also enjoy a fully decorated lobby, festive snacks, film-themed cocktails, and a costume contest. ARTS &amp; CRAFTS&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/halloween-themed-paint-sip-boston-1005696">Halloween Themed Paint &amp; Sip</a> When: Tuesday 10/8 Where: Back Bay Cost: $25 Info: Get into the spooky spirit at this Halloween-themed paint and sip, where you can learn step-by-step how to paint a ghostly scene, while watching ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ and enjoying festive refreshments.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/diy-mini-haunted-houses-boston-1006287">DIY Mini Haunted Houses</a> When: Thursday 10/10 Where: Brighton Cost: Free Info: Get crafty to celebrate the holiday by decorating a mini paper haunted house. There are a few house patterns available so you can make something uniquely your own. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/halloween-gingerbread-house-making-workshop-cambridge-1004889">Halloween Gingerbread House Making Workshop</a> When: Sunday 10/13 Where: East Cambridge Cost: $55 Info: Translate a winter holiday tradition into a Halloween one at a gingerbread house-making workshop where the house is black and comes with a cat and a bonus graveyard.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/halloween-pottery-class-boston-1005699">Halloween Pottery Class</a> When: Thursday 10/17 Where: Back Bay Cost: $75 Info: This pottery class gets a festive spin. Instead of the usual mug making you can experiment with making pumpkins, ghosts, and other eerie items out of clay. Teachers are on hand to help you out and you can order treats off the cafe menu. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/pumpkin-carving-at-aeronaut--2-somerville-1006288">Pumpkin Carving at AERONAUT</a> When: Sunday 10/20 Where: Somerville Cost: $20 Info: Sip a local brew from Aeronaut and break out your inner Michelangelo for festive pumpkin carving at the brewery. Whether you go cut or spooky, it’s bound to be creative fun. HAUNTED TOURS <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/clue-a-walking-mystery--3-boston-1005574">CLUE: A Walking Mystery</a> When: 9/20-11/3 Where: Downtown Cost: $39 Info: Hunt for clues and unravel a murder mystery on the streets of Downtown Boston. The classic board game ‘Clue’ takes on a life of its own during this event that’s part walking tour, part murder mystery, and part Halloween party. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/halloween-on-the-hill-beverly-433122">Halloween on the Hill</a> When: 9/27-10/27 Where: Beverly, MA Cost: $12-25 Info: During Halloween the 114-acre Long Hill estate in Beverly is transformed into a spooky seasonal stroll complete with more than 1,000 jack-o-lanterns, light displays, music, and tons of cool decorations. This is a family-friendly event.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-s-wicked-haunt-fest-three-haunted-attractions-spooky-festival-grounds-weekend-beer-garden-boston-1005144">Boston's Wicked Haunt Fest</a> When: 9/29-11/3 Where: Charlestown Cost: $25-90 Info: You can finally check out a haunted house within city limits! Boston’s Wicked Haunt Fest has three different haunted houses with in-depth narratives, Halloween-themed cocktail bars, an Oktoberfest-style beer garden, and lots of spooky grounds to explore. <a href="candlelight-spiritualism-tours-at-hammond-castle-museum--10">Candlelight &amp; Spiritualism Tours at Hammond Castle Museum</a> When: Every Thursday in October Where: Gloucester, MA Cost: $25 Info: Get your dose of history with a side of terror at this candlelit tour of the Hammond Castle Museum where you’ll learn both the history of the building and the history of the spirits that haunt it. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/beacon-hill-with-a-boo-walking-tour-boston-456069">Beacon Hill with a BOO! Walking Tour</a> When: Sunday 10/27 Where: Beacon Hill Cost: $25 Info: Boston’s most charming neighborhood has a dark and seedy underbelly. On this Halloween-specific walking tour you’ll learn about the murder and mayhem that mark Beacon Hill’s past.&nbsp; FOOD &amp; DRINK&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/teatime-tuesdays-with-the-satanic-temple-salem-1006289">Teatime Tuesdays with the Satanic Temple</a> When: Tuesdays 10/1-10/29 Where: Salem, MA Cost: $13 Info: Every Tuesday you can enjoy complimentary tea (with gallery admission) while strolling through the current exhibits at the Satanic Temple in Salem.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/wicked-witches-and-wigs-a-hocus-pocus-drag-dinner-boston-1005758">Wicked Witches and Wigs: A Hocus Pocus Drag Dinner</a> When: Thursday 10/31 Where: Back Bay Cost: $25+ Info: Watch Salem history and Sanderson Sisters fun collide during this Hocus Pocus-themed drag dinner. Enjoy a prix fixe Halloween dinner or a la carte goodies while watching this fabulous performance.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/an-enchanting-halloween-at-blind-duck-boston-1005292">An Enchanting Halloween at Blind Duck</a> When: Thursday 10/31 Where: Back Bay Cost: $150 Info: For a fancier take on Halloween, Blind Duck is hosting an elegant evening complete with a raw bar, a signature cocktail, tasteful but spooky decor, and a live DJ. Costumes are encouraged and a special menu of canapes will be passed during the party. FITNESS&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/lord-hobo-doom-run--2-woburn-1005529">Lord Hobo Doom Run</a> When: Saturday 10/26 Where: Woburn, MA Cost: $40-45 Info: Dress in your favorite Halloween costume, lace up your sneakers, and prepare for a hauntingly fun 5K through a decorated Halloween course. Afterwards enjoy a costume contest, live music, and plenty of Lord Hobo brews.&nbsp; -- <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cdevers/4063103686/">Photo</a> by Chris Devers CC 2.0

Boston

Kandace

Lindsey

Caro

Emily F

Ashley

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Where

37 Halloween Experiences for Grown-Ups in Boston

Website

Where?