October’s Third Thursday invites you to free, drop-in programs for all ages—no registration required.
From playful gallery adventures for little ones and their favorite stuffed animals, to hands-on monster-making and ghostly figure drawing, the museum is full of creative, Halloween spirit. Galleries are open, and the evening wraps with a spine-tingling art tour through the historic McLellan House. Galleries open all day. Come for the art, stay for the ghosts and ghouls.
10:30am | Free | Teddy (Bear) Talks
Calling all curious kids (ages 2 and up), their grown-ups, and favorite stuffed friends! Join PMA educators for a playful, art-filled adventure through the galleries, designed to spark early learning through stories, movement, and joyful exploration.
No registration required
11:30 am -1:30 pm | Free | Pipe Cleaner Monsters - Drop-In Art Making
Let your imagination run wild and build a monster friend out of pipe cleaners! All ages and abilities welcome.
No registration required
4:30 p.m. + 6:30 p.m. | Free | Ghostly Figure Drawing
Ghostly Figure Drawing Figure drawing....but with ghosts and eerie music! Practice your figure drawing skills with our PMA ghost friends who will serve as your figure-drawing models in this Halloween edition of drawing in the galleries. We provide the paper, pencils, and ghosts!
A special guest from the Portland Symphony Orchestra will add a spooky soundtrack while you work.
No registration required
6:00 P.M. | Free | Spooky Art Tour
Spooky Tours led by Museum Educators in the PMA Galleries Step inside the 19th-century McLellan House and beyond as PMA Educators share spine-tingling stories hidden in the museum’s walls. Using the powers of
close observation and imagination, artworks and their histories take on a chilling new light. This interactive tour blends art, folklore, and a touch of the supernatural: perfect for Halloween at the museum!
No registration required
As always, this event is free, open to the public and family-friendly. Whether you come solo or with a whole crew, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind and embrace one of the last summer nights.
GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY ART BRIDGES FOUNDATION’S ACCESS FOR ALL PROGRAM.
Support for Third Thursday provided by:
Event parking is available in the Maine Health lot on Free Street courtesy of