City to Celebrate Spooky Halloween Weekend

As most city residents know, there is never a shortage of fun things to do or places to go in Portsmouth. Each Friday, we will offer five suggestions for people who are planning out their weekends.

1. "Ghosts on the Banke": Strawbery Banke Museum celebrates Halloween with its annual "Ghosts on the Banke" where families can do some trick or treating in the museum's historic homes on Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in a fun and safe environment. Tickets are $6 per person.

2. "Wait Until Dark": The Players Ring is now performing "Wait Until Dark," Frederick Knott’s thriller about a recently blinded housewife who unwittingly possesses a doll filled with illicit drugs. See the Players Ring web site for show times and ticket prices.

3. Pumpkin smash is on: The annual Pumpkin Smash will take place at the Portsmouth Farmer's Market on Saturday morning to support the Portsmouth Halloween Parade on Oct. 31. For a small fee, patrons can use the instrument of their choice and smash rotted pumpkins into oblivion.

4. Scarecrows of the Port: They're back... Scarecrows of the Port can be viewed in the city for the rest of October. Portsmouth businesses create scarecrows to celebrate fall and display them all over the city.

5. Halloween dance Saturday: The 18th annual Halloween Costume Monster Mash Family Dance put on the Portsmouth Recreation Department is happening on Saturday night at the old Connie Bean Center on Daniel Street. Families can come dressed in their Halloween costumes, enjoy lots of food and dancing. It is always a howling good time.