Nighttime outdoor scene with Halloween decorations, including a large illuminated silhouette of a person, orange string lights, and dark houses in the background.

Group of women and children gathered around a table outdoors at night, engaging in an activity, with some holding plastic tubes; a woman with a floral headband is smiling.

People in costumes, including a person with a pointed hat, sitting under a green-lit tree at night.

A woman dressed in a colorful outfit with a flower crown performs with a microphone in front of a small group of children and adults at night. The scene is outdoors with buildings and trees in the background, illuminated by string lights.

Photos courtesy of David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com

Ghosts on the Banke

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENT
October 16–17 & 23–24, 2026
Arrival times begin at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The event concludes at 8:00 PM.

Trick-or-treat with spirits from America’s founding while exploring Portsmouth’s oldest neighborhood in a family-friendly adventure. Encounter spooky frights from different eras throughout America’s 250-year history. Meet wayward pirates and a mysterious fortune-teller, and listen to ghostly tales echoing through the night. Create giant spider webs, dance to haunting tunes, and play games for prizes. Dare to knock on the witch’s door and ask for a treat—if you’re brave enough!

Member ticket sales begin on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 10 AM.
Public ticket sales begin on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 10 AM.

Pricing Category	Purchase Dates	Applies To	Admission
Member Pricing	Member presale: Aug. 3–9 Available throughout the sales period	Strawbery Banke members	$8.50 or free, depending on membership level
Early Bird Pricing	Aug. 10–Sept. 7, 2026	Nonmembers	$16
Regular Pricing	Beginning Sept. 8, 2026	Nonmembers	$17

Children under 1 are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

This event has no on-site parking.
All guests must park off-site and walk.

A limited amount of handicap-accessible parking is available on a first-come, first served basis.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Ghosts on the Banke at Strawbery Banke Museum is a family-friendly Halloween event featuring games, activities, and a spooky atmosphere. It provides a safe place for all attendees to enjoy trick-or-treating and a frighteningly fun experience.
Ghosts on the Banke at Strawbery Banke Museum features games and activities specifically geared towards children aged 4-8, but all ages are welcome, including the young-at-heart.
The event offers a spooky atmosphere without being scary, ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for families and attendees of all ages. You do not need to have kids or grandkids to attend this event; we have many adults who attend each year.
Costumes should be family-friendly and in line with the event's atmosphere, avoiding anything overly revealing or frightening.
Yes! Enjoy special performances and activities such as storytelling sessions, interactive games, and seasonal crafts designed to enhance the Halloween experience for attendees of all ages.

TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS:

To purchase tickets for Ghosts on the Banke, purchase online via the Museum website or call 603.433.1100. Online ticketing is available for convenience, allowing you to select preferred timeslots and purchase directly. Tickets may also be available for purchase on-site the day-of the event, depending on availability
Library passes obtained from local libraries that participate in Strawbery Banke’s Library Membership program may be used to attend Ghosts on the Banke using the pass at the door the night of the event. Library patrons with a valid pass do not need to reserve tickets in advance on the Museum's website and should contact their library to inquire about pass availability. Patrons should bring a copy of the library pass and present it at the door to obtain complimentary admission. Please check with your local library for participation and pass availability.
Strawbery Banke is happy to accommodate requests for purchased tickets to be transferred to a different date within within 24 hours of the ticket purchase. The Museum will work with the ticket purchaser within the 24-hour window, as availability allows, to make the adjustments requested.
Note that Strawbery Banke is unable to accommodate requests for purchased tickets to be transferred to a different date outside of the 24-hour window.
For ticket order errors contact Krysten Schmelzer, Manager of Guest Services, at kschmelzer@sbmuseum.org or 603.473.4814.
Ghosts on the Banke tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are transferrable. Simply, give the paper ticket or forward the e-ticket to whomever will be attending the event.
Strawbery Banke Museum uses Altru as a ticketing platform. The fastest way to find your tickets is to search your inbox for an email from “Strawbery Banke Museum.” Your tickets are available as a link in the email. If for some reason you did not receive your tickets via email, please contact Strawbery Banke via kschmelzer@sbmuseum.org or 603.473.4814.
You’re welcome to print your tickets or show e-tickets on your phone.
If you are experiencing problems ordering tickets, please contact:
Krysten Schmelzer
Ticketing and Communications Coordinator
kschmelzer@sbmuseum.org
603.473.4814

LOGISTICS AND PARKING:

There is NO ON-SITE PARKING for the Ghosts on the Banke as it is reserved for those with handicap-accessible plates or hangtags only.
Visitors are encouraged to try nearby off-site parking options including Portsmouth's two parking garages:
Hanover Street Parking Garage
Foundry Place Parking Garage
Most spend 1 hour while some choose to spend more or less time depending on interests and schedules. Remember to hang onto your admission tag. You’re welcome to exit the grounds and reenter the same evening during the event window by presenting your admission tag.
No. You are able to enter the event at any time during the event window.

FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY:

Photography and videography for personal use is permitted during Ghosts on the Banke. However, Strawbery Banke reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and withdraw permission to photograph and/or film on its premises or reproduce photographs of objects in the collections.
Commercial, special photography, and filming arrangements MUST obtain prior approval from the Museum before any photography or filming can occur. Click here to learn more about how to submit a project request.
It's possible. David Murray, Strawbery Banke's photographer may be present capturing images for marketing or educational purposes.
Note that photographs prominently featuring children's faces are never used without explicit permission. Parents or guardians are asked to sign a photo release form before images are considered for use. If you have any concerns or specific requests regarding photography, please feel free to speak with our staff during your visit.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

Ghosts on the Banke occurs in rain or by moonlight.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Museum grounds when the Museum is open for special events such as Candlelight Stroll.
Service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.
Yes! The support of numerous volunteers is critical to the success of Candlelight Stroll. A variety of opportunities are available for all nights of the event. Costumes encouraged! Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Click here for more information.

Ghosts on the Banke is presented in part by