City of Cambridge Halloween Events and Important Safety Tips

The Halloween season will once again bring a variety of fun and festive events for people across the City of Cambridge. Various City departments will host Halloween-related celebrations and activities from October 28-30, 2026.

From spooky scavenger hunts and outdoor adventures to library programs and opportunities to meet local firefighters and police officers, there is something for everyone!

Please see a listing of upcoming events:

Danehy Park, 166 New Street, Cambridge
Wednesday, October 28, 6-8:30 p.m.

Join Cambridge Recreation and Navigation Games for a spooky evening of orienteering at Danehy Park! Teams of 2-4 people will navigate the park after dark using a map to find checkpoints - but watch out for vampires! The first team to find all the checkpoints without getting caught wins.

This event is open to all ages. Costumes are encouraged, and participants should bring a flashlight. Registration is required. Learn more and register.

Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue
Thursday, October 29, 3-5 p.m.

Join the Office of Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City staff for a family-friendly Halloween celebration outside Cambridge City Hall! Special guests from the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments will also be joining the festivities.

Costumes are not required but are highly encouraged! Non-food treats will be available, and City Hall is accessible via the rear entrance.

Russell Youth and Community Center, 680 Huron Avenue
Thursday, October 29, 6-8 p.m.

Join Cambridge Youth Programs for an exciting Halloween scavenger hunt! Participants can also enjoy a fun, hands-on arts and crafts activity.

All ages are welcome, and no registration is required. Learn more.

Central Square Branch Library, 45 Pearl Street
Thursday, October 29, 6:30 p.m.

Get into the Halloween spirit with a screening of Sinners at the Central Square Branch Library! Enjoy a spooky movie night with popcorn.

O'Neill Branch Library, 70 Rindge Avenue
Friday, October 30, 4 p.m.

Step into the darkness if you dare! Join teen horror author Ma'ayan Harel-Sibelman for a creative writing workshop inspired by Forever Darkness: Twisted Horror Short Stories and Poems for Young Adults.

Young writers will have the opportunity to explore horror storytelling, develop their own spooky tales, and share their writing with others.

This workshop is part of the Cambridge Young Authors' Squad (CYAS) and welcomes young people ages 10-14 who love to write. Snacks will be provided. Registration is helpful for first-time attendees but is not required.

O'Connell Branch Library, 48 Sixth Street
Friday, October 30, 4 p.m. (Professor Bugman begins at 4:30 p.m.)

Celebrate Halloween with a special appearance from Professor Bugman! His "Spooky Bones and Creepy Crawlies" program introduces children to animal bones, skulls, skeletons, and the fascinating exoskeletons of insects and other arthropods.

Participants will have opportunities to handle real animal specimens. Treats will be provided, and costumes are encouraged! This program is for children and their caregivers.z

Halloween Open Houses at Cambridge Fire Houses

All are welcome to visit local Cambridge fire houses, meet firefighters, and get an up-close look at fire apparatus, tools, and equipment. Children are encouraged to wear costumes! Candy donated by Cambridge Brands will be distributed to visitors, along with glow sticks and vouchers, while supplies last.

Please note that fire companies will remain in service during the open houses and may need to respond to emergency calls.

Additionally, the Cambridge Police Department will giving out candy at the front desk in the lobby of the Police Station, located at 125 6th Street in East Cambridge. Youth Resource Officers will also be handing out candy, while they patrol the community ensuring that Halloween night is safe for all.

Halloween Safety Tips

While enjoying the festivities, please also be mindful of some simple tips:

• Be visible: Wear reflective colors or accessories and carry a flashlight when walking after dark, especially for kids.
• Cross streets carefully: Use designated crosswalks, stay alert to traffic, and exercise extra caution at intersections.
• Accompany young children: Young children should be accompanied by an adult or responsible older child while trick-or-treating.
• Choose safe costumes: Watch for trip hazards, especially on stairs.
• Practice fire safety: Keep costumes and decorations away from open flames and other heat sources. Never use open flames as part of costumes or Halloween decorations.
• Check Halloween treats: Adults should inspect children's treats before they are eaten.
• Be prepared: Carry a cell phone in case of emergencies. Call 911 immediately or use the nearest City fire alarm box if emergency assistance is needed.