Ghosts on the Banke
Visitors trick-or-treat through historic houses in the Puddle Dock neighborhood, encountering characters from Portsmouth's past including wayward pirates and a mysterious fortune-teller. Guests can listen to ghostly stories, navigate a thunder maze, make giant spider webs, and play family-friendly games for prizes. The evening also features dancing beneath the lights and visiting the witches door.
See more family-friendly fall activities near Portsmouth
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Members: $8.50 or free, depending on membership level; member pricing is available throughout the sales period, and discount and complimentary ticket quantities vary by membership level. Early Bird: $16, available August 10–September 7, 2026. Regular Admission: $17, available beginning September 8, 2026. Children under age 1 are admitted free.
Hours
Arrival times: 5 or 6 PM; event concludes at 8 PM.
Ages
Guests of all ages are welcome
Neighborhood
Puddle Dock
Parking
There is no on-site parking for the event. Guests must park off-site/nearby and allow extra time to walk to the Museum. Limited accessible parking is available first-come, first-served for vehicles displaying a valid handicap-accessible plate or placard.
Accessibility
Limited accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles displaying a valid disability plate or placard.
Pets
Pets are not permitted; ADA-defined service animals are allowed.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Plan to park off-site and walk, as there is no general on-site parking for the event.
- Dress for the weather, as the outdoor activities run rain or moonlight.
- You do not need to print tickets; showing the e-ticket on your phone upon arrival is permitted.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members get $8.50 tickets or complimentary tickets depending on membership level; discounts and free-ticket quantities vary. Member early access runs August 3–9, 2026.
- Public early-bird admission is $16 from August 10 through September 7, 2026.
- Paper library passes are accepted without online registration; present the pass upon arrival.
Links & Contact
Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghosts on the Banke scary?
The event is spooky rather than scary, offering Halloween atmosphere without frightening content.
What age group is the event best suited for?
Activities are designed especially for children ages 4 to 8, but guests of all ages are welcome.
Can I use a library pass?
Yes. No online registration is required; simply bring the paper library pass and present it upon arrival.
Are costumes allowed?
Costumes are encouraged, though costumes that are culturally insensitive, overly explicit, or inappropriate for a family event are not permitted.
What items are prohibited?
Weapons of any kind, pets other than ADA-defined service animals, smoking or vaping products, cannabis and its derivatives, and outside alcohol are prohibited.
Browse Halloween in Portsmouth
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.