PORTSMOUTH – The 29th independently-organized Portsmouth Halloween Parade steps off from Four Tree Island at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. The public is advised that there will be significant traffic delays in the parade route area as it passes and motorists are strongly urged to seek alternate routes away from affected streets.

Parking and vehicular travel on certain streets in the City will be prohibited due to the Parade. On-street parking is banned along the parade route: from Marcy Street to Daniel Street into Market Square, from Congress to Fleet Street, then State Street and back to Prescott Park. The parking ban will last from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the street closures from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Residents, business owners, and employees located inside this route are advised that no vehicles will be permitted to cross the parade route. Other areas in and around the event will be restricted. Police officers, event volunteers, signs and barricades will be in place for these areas. All vehicles in violation of the “no parking” areas as of 5 p.m. will be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

Public parking is available at the Hanover Garage, Foundry Place Garage, Worth Lot, and Bridge Street Lot, where normal rates apply.

The City of Portsmouth is providing ADA van-accessible parking in the Prescott Park parking lot near Memorial Bridge for the evening of the Halloween Parade. For details on this and other tips on community accessibility, visit: AccessNavigators.com.

For detailed information on street closures and parking bans, visit: portsnh.co/halloween2024.

For more information about the Portsmouth Halloween Parade, including rules and restrictions for marching, visit: portsmouthhalloweenparade.org.

City of Portsmouth NH Announces Halloween Trick or Treat Hours Recreation Department Hosts Free Fall Family Fun Fest

PORTSMOUTH – The City of Portsmouth Recreation Department has several family events and activities scheduled to celebrate fall and Halloween, culminating with the City’s Halloween trick-or-treat hours of 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. The Portsmouth Police Department reminds everyone to watch out for trick-or-treaters and the increased traffic on the roads that evening. Other City events and activities include:

• Kids Night Out Halloween Party: On Friday, Oct. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Community Campus for grades K-5. Kids can come dressed in their Halloween attire or costumes, dance, and play fall and Halloween themed games and activities. $20 for residents; $25 for nonresidents, pre-registration is required.

• Haunted Trail – Two Nights: At the Community Campus trail on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. is the Family Friendly Spooky Walk with no haunts. On Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. is the Haunted Trail with extra spookiness. Parking is available at the Campus Drive Athletic Field. This event is free, no reservation required. A flashlight is recommended for Wednesday night.

• Halloween Themed Harvest Lunch at Senior Activity Center: On Thursday, Oct. 24. Seating starts at 11 a.m., serving starts at 11:30 a.m. Come dressed in costume or festive Halloween attire. Entertainment provided by Rockin’ Randy Hawkes who will be playing fun tunes. Lunch includes roast pork, rice, carrots, and a dessert. Rockingham Nutrition will be providing the lunch for a $3 suggested donation. RSVP to 603-610-4433.

• 4th Annual Fall Family Fun Fest: On Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Campus Drive Athletic Fields. Free and open to the public, with costumes encouraged. Participants will enjoy live music, games, a s’mores fire pit, food trucks, touch-a-truck, and more fun for the whole family. No reservation required.

• Early Release Explorers: On Wednesday, Oct. 30 from noon to 5 p.m. at Community Campus for grades K-5. Portsmouth elementary schools have early-release and the Recreation Department has planned an afternoon full of Halloween fun. Kids should bring their costumes, and staff will assist the children in getting ready for parent pick-up and Trick or Treating. $50 Residents; $60 Nonresidents includes transportation from Portsmouth elementary schools to the campus. Pre-registration is required.

For details on all the events, visit: portsnh.co/recreation.

The independently organized Portsmouth Halloween Parade takes place on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. For details including parking restrictions and road closures go to their website: PortsmouthHalloweenParade.org

DISCLAIMER: The above content wasn't created by, but is being shared by the Chamber Collaborative on behalf of a member.