OCT. 16–17 + 23–24, 2026
No On-Site Parking for Ghosts on the Banke
All guests must park off-site and allow extra time to walk to the Museum. Limited accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Halloween Adventure Through History
Trick-or-treat with spirits from America’s founding as the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood comes alive after dark.
Meet wyward pirates, visit a mysterious fortune-teller, hear ghostly tales, make giant spider webs, dance to haunting music, and play games for prizes.
Designed especially for children ages 4-8, Ghosts on the Banke offers plenty of Halloween atmosphere without being frightening. Costumes are encouraged and guests of every age are welcome.
Trick-or-Treat Through History
Visit historic houses and collect treats while meeting unusual characters from Portsmouth’s past.
Stories, Games, & Activities
Hear ghostly tales, escape the thunder maze, and play family-friendly games throughout the grounds.
Music & Mischief
Dance beneath the lights, visit the witches door, and enjoy surprises around every corner.
Member ticket sales begin on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 10 AM.
Public ticket sales begin on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 10 AM.
Choose Your Tickets
Purchase early for the best availability and lowest public price. Arrival times may sell out.
Members
$8.50 or free, depending on membership level
Member pricing is available throughout the entire sales period. Discount and complimentary ticket quantity vary by membership level.
Member early access:
August 3–9, 2026
Early Bird
$16
Save by purchasing during the public early-bird period.
Available:
August 10–September 7, 2026
Regular Admission
$17
Regular public pricing begins after the early-bird period ends.
Available beginning:
September 8, 2026
“Our family loved the interactive games, the vibes, the live music, the smoke bubble machine. Ghosts on the Banke was so fun!”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Helpful Things to Know
-
Yes. No online registration is required. Bring the paper library pass with you and present it upon arrival.
-
Ticket changes may be requested within 24 hours of purchase and are subject to availability. Changes after that 24-hour period are subject to a ticketing date transfer fee.
-
Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another person. Simply forward the e-ticket or give the printed ticket to the person attending.
-
Your e-tickets are linked in an email titled “Strawbery Banke Museum — eTickets.” You may show them on your phone or bring printed copies.
-
There is no general on-site parking for Ghosts on the Banke. Limited accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles displaying a valid disability plate or placard. Guests should park nearby and allow extra time to walk to the Museum.
-
You do not need to arrive at the exact start of your selected arrival window. Guests may enter at any point during that window.
-
Weapons of any kind, pets other than ADA-defined service animals, smoking or vaping products, cannabis and its derivatives, and outside alcohol are not permitted. Museum staff may also prohibit any item that could pose a safety concern or disrupt the event.
-
Activities are designed especially for children ages 4–8, but guests of all ages are welcome. Many adults attend without children, too.
-
Ghosts on the Banke is spooky, not scary. Guests can enjoy plenty of Halloween atmosphere without frightening content.
-
Yes! Costumes are encouraged. Costumes that are culturally insensitive, overly explicit, or inappropriate for a family event are not permitted. Museum staff reserve the right to determine whether a costume meets these guidelines.
Ghosts on the Banke is presented in part by
