Halloween Weekend on Nantucket
Spooky, Starry & Full of Island Charm
Halloween weekend is one of the most festive times of year on Nantucket — when cobblestone streets fill with costumes, pumpkins glow on porches, and the island’s natural beauty takes on an enchanting, moonlit edge. Whether you’re in the mood for science, stargazing, ghost stories, or a good old-fashioned costume party, there’s something for everyone this Halloween.
Here’s a roundup of what’s happening around the island:
Friday, October 31st Events
Main Street Parade & Costume Contest
3 p.m. + | Downtown Nantucket
A beloved island tradition returns! Meet in front of the Ralph Lauren store for the annual costume contest and parade. Main Street will close for the festivities, so plan ahead for parking and traffic. Contest registration begins at 3:00 p.m., followed by the pumpkin contest at 3:30 p.m., and the parade kickoff at 4:00 p.m. at the fountain on Main Street. There is also a new Pumpkin Carving Contest this year! Bring your carved pumpkin to Main Street and enter the first annual contest, proudly sponsored by Pumpkin Pond Farm.
Trick-or-Treat at the Whaling Museum
3:30–6 p.m. | 13 Broad Street
After the parade, swing by the Whaling Museum for some sweet treats and capture a fun photo with Tony Sarg’s whimsical sea monster balloon, “Morton,” standing proudly outside the museum. Free!
Spooky Walk to Hinchman House
5–7 p.m. | Meet at Pocket Park (Fair & Main)
Celebrate Halloween the Maria Mitchell way — with science, nature, and a dash of spooky fun. After trick-or-treating, join an MMA naturalist for a twilight walk to the historic Hinchman House Natural Science Museum. Along the way, you’ll learn about Nantucket’s eerie nocturnal animals, dive into ghostly island lore, and complete a Halloween-themed nature scavenger hunt. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged. Once at Hinchman House, kids can craft vampire bat leaves, brew a “witches’ potion” science experiment, and learn about bats — our misunderstood nighttime neighbors.
Free event. Registration required.
Free Halloween Skate at Nantucket Ice
7–8 p.m. | 10 Backus Lane
For local teens, head to the Nantucket Ice Rink for a free skate night and costume contest. Pizza, refreshments, and spooky tunes included.
Open to grades 9–12.
Nantucket Dreamland’s 5th Annual Halloween Party
7–10 p.m. | The Dreamland Theater (2nd Floor)
Dance the night away with DJ Lazyboy, costume contests, and plenty of festive energy at this adults-only Halloween bash. Best dressed wins tickets to the Dreamland’s Christmas Stroll Party. Enjoy a step-and-repeat photo setup, cash bar, and light bites.
Tickets: $35–$43 | Ages 18+ (21+ for bar access)
Special Halloween Edition Stargazing
7–8 p.m. | Loines Observatory
Peer into the cosmos at the Maria Mitchell Association’s Halloween Stargazing Night. Professional astronomers will guide you through Nantucket’s autumn night sky using historic and modern telescopes. View planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies — a perfect way to end Halloween under the stars.
Pre-registration required.
Nantucket Ghost Walk – Town Route
8 p.m. | Centre & Main Street (Brick Bank Building)
Experience Nantucket’s spookier side with a 3/4 mile, 75–80 minute evening stroll through historic Nantucket Town, visiting five of the island’s most haunted locations, including the infamous most haunted house on Nantucket. This is the island’s most popular ghost walking tour, led by the original guide, and a must-do for anyone looking to combine history, mystery, and Halloween fun. Tickets: $25 Adults | $20 Seniors | $15 Teens | $10 Kids (cash only)
Halloween at The Muse
9 p.m. | 44 Surfside Road
End your Halloween night with a bang at The Muse, featuring a live Rocky Horror screening, three live bands from The Shack, and a lively costume contest. Entry is $10 with a costume, $20 without — so dress to impress.
Saturday, November 1st Events
Weekend Crafting at Hinchman House: Witch’s Lanterns
1–1:45 p.m. | Hinchman House Natural Science Museum
Families can wind down the weekend with a creative, nature-inspired crafting session. Make your own “witch’s lanterns” and learn about local wildlife in this hands-on, family-friendly workshop.
Designed for ages 3+. Pre-registration required.
The Chicken Box Halloween Party featuring Elephant in the Room
Finish off the spooky weekend at The Chicken Box, where local favorite Elephant in the Room brings the energy. Expect a packed house, great music, and an unbeatable Nantucket Halloween vibe.
Happy Halloween from Fisher Real Estate!
Whether you’re stargazing, trick-or-treating, or dancing the night away, Halloween on Nantucket is all about community, creativity, and island spirit. Stay warm, stay spooky, and enjoy every moment.
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