South Shore Weekend: Pumpkins, Parades, and Performances

The South Shore comes together this week to honor veteran Francis “Frank” Dobrynski, ensuring no hero is ever forgotten. Halloween is in full swing with pumpkin displays, family-friendly carving events, and even an underwater pumpkin contest in Hull. This weekend offers a packed lineup of fall activities including harvest festivals, guided hikes, craft fairs, and spooky-themed fun for all ages. Enjoy live music, theater productions, and community gatherings that bring neighbors together. Check out our full events guide to plan your weekend!

Headlines

  • Carver: Hundreds came together in Bourne to honor Francis “Frank” Dobrynski, a proud Army and Air Force veteran from Carver who passed away with no known family to attend his service. He was laid to rest with full military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery - a touching reminder that no hero is ever forgotten. - Fall River Reporter

  • Cohasset: Turkey trot time! Registration is open for Cohasset’s annual Thanks-for-Giving 5K - a beloved Thanksgiving morning tradition that brings together runners, walkers, and families from across the South Shore. Costumes encouraged, medals awarded, and proceeds go right back into local recreation projects. Sign up before Oct. 31 for early bird pricing!- Cohasset Anchor

  • Quincy: Quincy’s legal fight over two religious statues continues. A judge ordered the city to pause installing statues of St. Michael and St. Florian at its new public safety HQ amid a lawsuit citing separation of church and state. The city says the figures honor service, not faith - and is appealing with support from a national legal group. - NBC Boston

Halloween Pumpkin Frenzy

Pumpkins are popping up everywhere across the South Shore as communities get into the Halloween spirit! In Weymouth, volunteers carved more than 1,000 pumpkins at the New England Wildlife Center to prepare for the annual Night of a Thousand Faces, lighting up the event this Friday and Saturday with their spooky, creative designs. Meanwhile, families in Marshfield can drop by Dandelion Park on Saturday, October 25, from 12–4 p.m. for a free pumpkin carving event - pumpkins and refreshments are provided, and costumes are encouraged. Over in Cohasset, the pumpkin patch at Wheelwright Park has been transformed into a massive Casper the Friendly Ghost, raising funds for the Cohasset Appalachia Service Project while delighting visitors of all ages.

And for a truly unique twist, the South Shore Neptunes Dive Club and the Hull LIfesaving Museum held their 3rd Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest in Hull! Divers showed off incredible skill carving pumpkins under water, with the “Fisherman” design taking first place and the jail cell pumpkin (filled with even more mini pumpkins!) coming in second. It was an amazing, one-of-a-kind Halloween event.

From giant land-based designs to underwater masterpieces, the South Shore is embracing Halloween in all its pumpkin-packed glory this year. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Upcoming Events

  • The Prom – Fall Musical Production: Thursday, October 23 – Sunday, October 26 – Scituate: A vibrant, heartfelt musical about Broadway stars who descend on a small town to support a teen fighting to bring her girlfriend to prom. Featuring a local cast with big-energy performances, this production blends humor, heart, and inclusivity. General admission is $28, with group discounts available. - Cohasset Dramatic Club at Scituate Center for the Performing Arts

  • Chunky Knit Blanket Party: Thursday, October 23, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Scituate: Bring your yarn and get cozy! Join a community gathering to work on chunky knit blankets together, share tips, and enjoy the taproom vibe. - Untold Brewing Scituate

  • Halloween Night Hike: Friday, October 24, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Halifax: Get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky night hike at Striar Conservancy. Hike leaders will guide you through the dark woods and share local ghost stories, and you can even bring your own to share. Attendees should wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, bring a headlamp or flashlight, and are encouraged to wear a costume. This hike is for ages 12 and up, and registration is required by October 23 at 3 PM. - Striar Conservancy

  • Halley Neal Live: Friday, October 24, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Plymouth: Award-winning folk singer-songwriter Halley Neal performs in our taproom. - Untold Brewing Plymouth

  • Handmade & Heartfelt Craft Fair: Saturday, October 25, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM – Rockland: Organized by the South Shore VNA at their Home Care Division Headquarters. 

  • Walking Tours – Historic Downtown Hingham: Saturday, October 25, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Hingham: Guided walking tours of historic downtown Hingham, starting at the Hingham Heritage Museum

  • Plymouth Harvest Festival: Saturday, October 25, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, October 26, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Plymouth: Family-friendly fall celebration on the Town Hall Green with mini pumpkin painting, pumpkin games, cider donuts & hot cider, live music, local vendors, face-painting, school pumpkin displays and (Sunday) dog adoptions. Rain or shine; free to attend. - Town Hall Green

  • Tour of Oak Grove Cemetery, "Echoes of the Civil War": Saturday, October 25, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Plymouth: Join Dr. Patrick Browne on a guided walking tour of Oak Grove Cemetery to discover Plymouth's Civil War generation. The tour will visit the graves of soldiers, sailors, and civilians while exploring the cemetery's Victorian design and symbolism. The cost is $10 per person. - Oak Grove Cemetery

  • The Best is Yet to Come: A Swingin' Affair's All-Star Tribute to Sinatra: Saturday, October 25, 7:00 PM - Scituate: In honor of Frank Sinatra's timeless music, A Swingin' Affair presents a tribute show featuring 25 of his top hits. The performance will include captivating stories of the "Rat Pack," banter, and tunes from a 16-piece professional big band and vocalists. - Scituate Center for Performing Arts

  • Spooktacular Celebration at the Paragon Carousel: Sunday, October 26, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM – Hull: Historic Paragon Carousel features “Kiddie Kostume” contest at 2:00 PM; rides all day for $1 in a spooky-fun atmosphere. - Paragon Carousel

  • Touch‑A‑Truck: Sunday, October 26, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Weymouth: At the headquarters of Brewster Ambulance Service, Inc., 25 Main St. Explore emergency, construction & utility vehicles up-close (including a 1941 Cadillac ambulance, SWAT vehicle, fire truck, etc.). Includes face painting, snacks, light refreshments. Free to attend. - Brewster Ambulance Service

  • Boo Bash at South Shore Dance Ensemble: Sunday, October 26, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Hanover: For ages 4-9, join a Halloween-themed dance class, crafts and games. Cost is $25 per child. - South Shore Dance Ensemble

Know about a cool event? Let us know! Email it to [email protected]  and we might feature it.

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