October is bringing all the fall magic to the Lakes Region! 🍁🎃 From vibrant foliage and festive fall markets to seasonal adventures, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate autumn in New Hampshire. We’ve rounded up some of the best local events to help you get out, explore, and soak up everything we love about this beautiful time of year! 🍂✨
October 19th - October 25th, 2026
🎤🎶 Calling All Singer-Songwriters & Music Lovers!
Get ready for a night of incredible local talent at Patrick’s Pub & Eatery’s Singer-Songwriter Contest! 🎸✨
Hosted by John McArthur of NH Music Collective, this exciting competition brings together talented solo artists, duos, and trios to showcase their original music. Each performer takes the stage for three songs, with guest judges selecting the best acts to advance to the finals! 🎵🏆
📍 Patrick’s Pub & Eatery | Gilford, NH
🗓️ Monday, October 19
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Solo, Duo + Trio Performances
🎶 Original Music + Local Talent
🏆 Grand Prize: $500 + Two-Song Studio Recording
🎤 Performers Must Register in Advance
Whether you’re an aspiring musician or just love discovering great local talent, grab a seat, enjoy some delicious food and drinks, and cheer on the performers as they compete for a spot in the finals! 🍻🎶✨
Interested in competing? Email John McArthur at [email protected] to sign up!
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/singer-songwriter-contest-patricks-pub-eatery-gilford-nh/2026-10-19/
📚🍂 Little Readers, Big Adventures!
Bring your little ones to the Wolfeboro Public Library for Toddler Storytime! A fun and interactive morning filled with stories, songs, and movement, perfect for introducing young children to the joy of reading! 🎶📖✨
Designed for babies and toddlers, this weekly program encourages early literacy, creativity, and learning through play. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for little ones to socialize and for caregivers to connect with other local families! 🧸💛
📍 Wolfeboro Public Library | Wolfeboro, NH
🗓️ Tuesdays through November 17
⏰ 10:30–11:00 AM
👶 Ages 0–3
📚 Stories + Songs + Movement
👧 Older siblings welcome!
Whether your little one is just beginning to explore books or already loves storytime, come sing, move, and discover the magic of reading together! 🍁📚🎶✨
For More Information ⟶ https://www.laconiadailysun.com/site/calendar.html/#/details/toddler-storytime-fall-session/19869404/2026-10-20T10
🦇🫎 What Can Wildlife Tell Us Without Saying a Word?
Discover the fascinating world of wildlife acoustics at Newfound Science Pub: From Sound to Science! 🌲🔬
Ever wonder how scientists track moose through the forest or study bats after dark? Researchers from the University of New Hampshire are using sound to uncover incredible insights into the lives of these fascinating New Hampshire mammals! 🎧🌿
Join UNH researchers Sandesh Lamichhane and Megan Graham as they share how moose vocalizations and bat echolocation are helping scientists better understand wildlife behavior, habitat use, and conservation efforts. 🫎🦇
📍 Newfound Lake Inn | Bridgewater, NH
🗓️ Wednesday, October 21
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
🍽️ Dinner & Drinks Available: 5:00 PM
🔬 Presentation Begins: 6:00 PM
🎟️ FREE | Advance Registration Required
🫎 Moose Research + Bat Conservation
Grab dinner, enjoy a drink, and settle in for an evening of science, discovery, and fascinating conversations about the wildlife that calls New Hampshire home! 🌲🦇✨
🌅🏰 Experience Castle in the Clouds After Hours!
There’s something magical about watching the sun set over the mountains, and the Castle Sunset Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the Lakes Region’s most iconic landmarks in a whole new light! 🍁✨
Spend a beautiful fall evening enjoying drinks and light appetizers in the Carriage House before heading up to Lucknow Mansion for a self-guided tour. Explore the historic estate at your own pace as the sun dips behind the mountains and the evening sky begins to fill with stars. 🌄🥂
📍 Castle in the Clouds | Moultonborough, NH
🗓️ Thursday, October 22
⏰ 5:30–8:30 PM
🎟️ Adults: $30 | Ages 5–17: $15 | Ages 4 & Under: FREE
🍷 One Complimentary Drink + Light Appetizers
🏰 Self-Guided Mansion Tour
🚎 Trolley Service Beginning at 5:30 PM
Whether you’re a history lover, a sunset chaser, or simply looking for a memorable fall evening, this is a beautiful way to experience the Castle after hours! 🍂🏰🌅✨
Reservations are required! Registration closes Tuesday, October 20 at 10 PM, so be sure to secure your spot in advance.
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/castle-sunset-tour-castle-in-the-clouds-moultonborough-nh/
🎃🍂 Get Ready for One of the Lakes Region’s Biggest Fall Celebrations!
The Laconia Pumpkin Festival is back, bringing two days of pumpkin-filled fun, festive entertainment, and community spirit to downtown Laconia! 🧡✨
From the iconic glowing pumpkin tower to costume parades, live music, delicious fall treats, and activities for the whole family, this beloved New Hampshire tradition is packed with everything we love about autumn! 🍁🎃
📍 Downtown Laconia, NH
🗓️ Friday, October 23 | Festivities Begin at 4:00 PM
🗓️ Saturday, October 24 | Pumpkin Festival
🎃 Iconic Jack-o’-Lantern Tower
🏃 Runaway Pumpkin 10K + 5K Run/Walk
👻 Kids’, Pets’ + Zombie Costume Parades
🎶 Live Music + Entertainment
🎨 Local Artisans + Craft Show
🍩 Food Trucks + Fall Treats
🎡 Bounce Houses, Climbing Towers + Kids’ Activities
🍻 Beer Tent + Cornhole Tournament
✨ Laser Shows + Dancing Witches
Whether you’re coming for the pumpkin displays, festive food, family activities, or just to soak up the fall atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at Pumpkin Festival! 🎃🍁
Grab your favorite fall sweater, bring the family, and celebrate the season in the heart of the Lakes Region! 🧡🎃✨
For More Information ⟶ https://www.laconiapumpkinfestival.com/
🎃🐺 Get Ready for a Wild Halloween Adventure!
Halloween is getting a wild twist at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s Howl-O-Ween! Bring the whole family for a day of wildlife encounters, spooky fun, and hands-on activities surrounded by the beauty of fall in New Hampshire! 🍁🦉
Meet fascinating nocturnal animals during live presentations, get creative with Halloween crafts, and explore the Live Animal Exhibit Trail to see resident animals enjoying their very own pumpkin-themed treats and enrichment! 🦊🎃
📍 Squam Lakes Natural Science Center | Holderness, NH
🗓️ Saturday, October 24
⏰ 9:30 AM–5:00 PM | Last Admission: 3:30 PM
🎟️ Included with Regular Trail Admission
🦉 Live Nocturnal Animal Presentations
🎨 Halloween Crafts + Activities
🎃 Pumpkin Enrichment for Resident Animals
👻 Costumes Encouraged + Treat Bags for Kids!
Dress up your little ghosts and goblins and enjoy a day of Halloween fun while learning about the incredible wildlife that calls New Hampshire home! 🍂🐾✨
💙 Lake Life Realty is proud to sponsor this year’s Howl-O-Ween celebration! We’re excited to support an event that brings families together to explore, learn, and celebrate our beautiful Lakes Region community! 💙
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/squam-lakes-natural-science-center-celebrates-howl-o-ween-on-october-24-holderness-nh/
🎃👻 Get Ready for a Spooktacular Weekend at the Farm!
Halloween fun is taking over Beans & Greens Farm for the 2nd Annual Halloween Spooktacular Fair! 🍂✨
Hosted by Spirit and Soul Events, this two-day celebration brings together local vendors, psychic readings, family-friendly activities, and plenty of spooky-season fun! Browse unique finds, enjoy delicious food, and explore everything the farm has to offer while celebrating Halloween in the heart of the Lakes Region! 🔮🛍️🎃
📍 Beans & Greens Farm | Gilford, NH
🗓️ Saturday, October 24 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
🗓️ Sunday, October 25 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
🎟️ FREE Admission
🔮 Psychic Readings
🛍️ Local Vendors + Unique Finds
🎃 Family-Friendly Halloween Activities
🍴 Food + Farm Fun
☀️ Rain or Shine!
Grab your family, bring your friends, and enjoy a weekend filled with fall festivities, a little Halloween magic, and plenty of opportunities to shop local! 🍁🧡👻✨
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/2nd-annual-halloween-spooktacular-fair-beans-and-greens-farm-gilford-nh/2026-10-24/
There’s no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy the Lakes Region this week. We hope this guide helps you make the most of it while supporting the amazing local businesses and events that make our community so special.
