Blogs

NHL and NBA Halloween games give sports fans plenty of ways to celebrate Saturday, October 31, 2026. The schedule features 10 hockey games and seven basketball games, with afternoon and evening starts across the United States and Canada. Whether you want to catch a game before your evening plans or spend Halloween cheering from the stands, explore tickets at TicketPurchase.com.

There's something fun about trading the usual Halloween party for a seat inside an arena. Your team's colors can become part of your costume, your friends can turn the outing into a group tradition, and the game gives everyone a reason to celebrate together.

This year's schedule offers more flexibility than a lineup of night games alone. Early starts make room for other Halloween activities, while evening matchups give fans a main event for their Saturday plans. Here's the complete October 31 slate for both leagues, followed by tips for choosing seats and planning your visit.

Which NHL Games Are Happening on October 31, 2026?

The NHL has announced its Halloween schedule, with games beginning at 1 p.m. ET and the final matchup starting at 10 p.m. ET. All times below are Eastern, and the home team is listed second.

• Chicago Blackhawks at Boston Bruins — 1 p.m.

• St. Louis Blues at Detroit Red Wings — 1 p.m.

• Tampa Bay Lightning at Nashville Predators — 2 p.m.

• Edmonton Oilers at New York Islanders — 2 p.m.

• Buffalo Sabers at Los Angeles Kings — 4 p.m.

• Ottawa Senators at San Jose Sharks — 4 p.m.

• Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens — 7 p.m.

• Toronto Maple Leafs at Vancouver Canucks — 7 p.m.

• Columbus Blue Jackets at Dallas Stars — 8 p.m.

• Calgary Flames at Colorado Avalanche — 10 p.m.

The afternoon lineup is especially useful for fans balancing hockey with Halloween plans. Boston and Detroit host the earliest games, followed by Nashville and the Islanders. If you want to make a game the first stop in a full day of activities, those starts are worth considering.

West Coast fans also have daytime options. The 4 p.m. ET games in Los Angeles and San Jose begin at 1 p.m. locally, leaving the evening available for dinner, trick-or-treating, or a Halloween gathering.

The evening slate gives Canadian hockey fans two home-arena destinations: Montreal and Vancouver. Remember that Toronto's visit to Vancouver starts at 4 p.m. Pacific, even though it appears at 7 p.m. on the Eastern schedule. Dallas follows with a 7 p.m. Central start, while the final game in Colorado begins at 8 p.m. Mountain.

Which NBA Games Are Happening on Halloween 2026?

The NBA's October 31 schedule includes seven games, beginning with an afternoon matchup in Salt Lake City and continuing through an evening tip-off in Houston. All times below are Eastern, with the home team listed second.

• Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz — 3 p.m.

• Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets — 6 p.m.

• Atlanta Hawks at New Orleans Pelicans — 7 p.m.

• Sacramento Kings at Memphis Grizzlies — 8 p.m.

• Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks — 8 p.m.

• Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs — 8 p.m.

• Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets — 8:30 p.m.

Utah hosts the earliest basketball game, making it an option for fans who prefer an afternoon outing. Charlotte's early-evening start offers another way to build the holiday around basketball.

The later games give fans several destinations in the Central time zone. New Orleans tips off at 6 p.m. locally; Memphis, Milwaukee, and San Antonio begin at 7 p.m.; and Houston starts at 7:30 p.m. Those local times matter when arranging transportation or deciding whether to make dinner reservations before the game.

San Antonio's official game listing identifies its matchup as a Halloween promotion. Still check with the team about specific activities before attending. A game scheduled for October 31 does not automatically include a giveaway, costume contest, or trick-or-treat event.

Start times and event details can change. Confirm your selected game's current information before making travel plans.

Afternoon Game or Evening Game: Which Fits Your Halloween Plans?

An afternoon game can work well for families who want to enjoy live sports and still get home for neighborhood trick-or-treating that evening. It also gives groups a daytime activity before a Halloween party. Allow time for the game itself, the trip to and from the arena, and the journey home rather than planning around the opening tip or puck drop alone.

An evening game makes the arena the centerpiece of your celebration. Meet friends for an early meal, wear your team's colors, and settle in for a Saturday night of hockey or basketball. If you're hoping to continue the evening afterward, leave your later plans flexible in case the game runs long.

Traveling fans should use the venue's local time when building an itinerary. The schedules above use Eastern time for easy comparison, but your arrival plans need to match the city where you'll attend.

What Makes a Halloween Game a Fun Night Out?

Live sports give a group something to share from the moment the teams take the ice or court. A close game, a big save, or a late basket can become the moment everyone talks about afterward. Halloween adds an opportunity to bring a little personality to the outing, whether that means a simple costume or coordinated team gear.

You can make the night festive without relying on an arena promotion. Choose a group theme, take a pregame photo, or let everyone predict the final score before the action begins. For a date night, build the outing around a favorite team and a meal nearby.

If a particular holiday activity matters to your plans, look for an announcement from the host team. Giveaways, seasonal food, themed entertainment, and family activities vary by venue and should not be assumed.

What Should You Know Before Wearing a Costume?

Check the arena's entry policies before putting together your outfit. Review rules for face coverings, costume accessories, props, and bags, and choose something comfortable enough to wear while seated.

Keep your fellow fans' sightlines in mind. Large hats or bulky accessories can make it harder for people behind you to see the action. Team-colored clothing and simple costume details offer an easy way to join the holiday spirit.

Dress for the full outing, too. Consider the weather outside, the walk from parking or transit, and the temperature inside the venue. Comfortable shoes are useful when your plans include exploring the surrounding area before the game.

How to Choose Seats for Hockey or Basketball

Start with the experience you want and your group's total budget. Upper-level seating can provide a broad view of play while helping you manage the cost of the outing. Lower-level sections bring you closer to the action.

For hockey, side seats offer a view of play moving between both ends, while an end-zone perspective lets you watch attacks develop toward the goal. For basketball, sideline seating provides a view across the court, and seats behind a basket offer a different angle on drives and shots near the rim.

Compare the section, row, and any disclosed view restrictions before purchasing. If you're attending with friends or family, confirm that the listing provides the number of seats you need together.

Get NHL and NBA Halloween Tickets at Ticket Purchase

Visit TicketPurchase.com to explore available NHL and NBA tickets for October 31. Search for your preferred matchup, compare seating options, and choose the tickets that fit your plans and budget. Review the event date, local start time, ticket quantity, and delivery information before completing your purchase.

Planning gives your group time to coordinate the rest of the outing, from transportation to dinner reservations. Once you've chosen a game, share the details with everyone attending and prepare your digital tickets before heading to the arena.

Make October 31 a Game Day to Remember

Your Halloween plans can include a favorite team, a new arena, or a Saturday outing with the people you enjoy most. Choose the matchup that fits your day, bring your team spirit, and make live hockey or basketball part of the celebration.

Find your seats at TicketPurchase.com.