Spook State House returns in 2026 (Rhode Island Department of State)

The Rhode Island Department of State will host its annual Spooky State House on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with free trick-or-treating, crafts and decorations throughout the building.

Treats will be handed out by the offices of Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, Gov. Dan McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, General Treasurer James A. Diossa, the Rhode Island Senate and the House of Representatives.

Admission is free, costumes are encouraged and all ages are welcome. No RSVP is required.

Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank; those who donate will be entered in a raffle, according to the department.

The State House is at 82 Smith St., Providence. Questions can be sent to civics@sos.ri.gov.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...