Happy Halloween in the Free State!
DATE: Friday, October 31, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
Happy Halloween from the Free State Project.
Here in the Free State, as the light dwindles and we prepare for winter, we are driving out the monsters — the ghosts, the goblins, and the tax collectors — by gathering together for community this Halloween season.
The End of an Era. Over 50 in attendance for the last Taproom Tuesday at Murphy's Taproom in Manchester. For 18 years, since it was begun by the late Free Stater Michael Hampton, the weekly event has brought together Free Staters, visitors, and new movers for good company and conversation. As the restaurant closes, Taproom Tuesday will continue at a new location: Murphy's Taproom & Carriage House, 393 State Rte 101, Bedford, NH 03110.
Trunk or Treat. Jen and her baby came out for the annual Trunk or Treat hosted by We Heart West — the Free Stater-led civic group in West Manchester, promoting community and voluntary solutions to government problems.
Artsy Fartsy. I had the honor of kicking off a Halloween-themed Artsy Fartsy this past Friday at the Quill Liberty Clubhouse. I forgot to bring a costume, but I enjoyed sharing the story about my recent border patrol detention, a rendition of Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy, and a song.
Costume Contest. Last Friday, Artsy Fartsy concluded with a costume contest. With honorable mentions for the Chipotle burrito and the chocolate chip cooke, congratulations go to Celestina, who won for her costume as "Mark S" from "Severance."
SHELL Halloween Party Tonight!
As we head into the holidays, I am very grateful to work with so many people dedicated to building a free state — at the cornerstone of this is building kinship and community.
With so many liberty clubhouses across the state — hubs for Free State gatherings and events — the Free State movement has deep roots in many regions.
Everywhere people gather with shared values in liberty — natives and newcomers — Free State communities grow stronger.
If you'd like to join us for some community this evening, I will be at the SHELL in Rollinsford, NH at 8:00 PM for an 80s Horror Flick Halloween Party — and you are welcome to join us.
(Coming to the SHELL for the first time? Finding it can be not-obvious, so click here for instructions on finding the SHELL.)
Next Saturday: Learn How to Win
Once the ghosts and goblins have retreated tomorrow morning, we will still have the tax collectors and other statist goons to worry about.
That's why I hope you can join us next Saturday, November 8th for our one-day Free State Political Leadership Workshop.
I reported last week that tickets were sold out, but we have expanded to a larger venue due to popular demand.
Free State
Political Leadership Workshop
Saturday, November 8, 2025
CAPACITY EXPANDED BY POPULAR DEMAND
Securing our freedoms will not happen by accident.
Every liberty lover must be armed with (1) an understanding of the real nature of politics and (2) the skills to make the men and women in the political arena work for your causes, not against them.
That's why the Free State Project is hosting a one-day political leadership workshop in Concord, NH with a masterful instructor from the Foundation for Applied Conservative Leadership.
How did I pass Constitutional Carry in Maine during my first term of office through a Democrat-controlled House of Representatives? I used the skills that I learned at this workshop.
This workshop is open to all liberty lovers in New Hampshire or traveling from nearby states. From zero experience to elected state representatives — all experience levels are welcome.
Thank you to all who have registered already from New Hampshire and nearby states. We look forward to seeing you on November 8th.
Good news! After initially selling out, we have expanded to a larger venue to offer more seats.
FSP Outreach: Guns and Pumpkins
Over the past generations, thousands have made the move and continue helping restore liberty in New Hampshire. But we can't rest on our laurels.
As Thomas Jefferson cautioned, "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."
We must continue building Free State communities by engaging liberty lovers already here in New Hampshire and connecting with freedom seekers from other parts of the country.
This week, our volunteer outreach efforts landed close to home — within NH borders, at events frequented by out-of-state visitors.
Laconia Pumpkin Festival. Thank you to Glenn Nielsen and AW for volunteering last Saturday in Laconia. Both new movers to New Hampshire, they spoke with people about their own decisions to move to the Free State and gathered over a dozen new contacts for this weekly newsletter.
"I Plead the 2nd!" Thank you to Doctor Dee and Jack Garber for volunteering with me on the first day of the Rochester Gun Show. In addition to a few Granite Staters ready to join the Free State movement, we also met many Mainers complaining about the constant threat to gun rights in the Pine Tree State.
Peace. On day two of the Rochester Gun Show, R.J. Waldo and Matt Herrington speak with more gun owners about Free State events and our growing communities. Across two days, outreach volunteers gathered almost three dozen new contacts.
Porcupine Patron Update
If you believe in our mission for a libertarian homeland in New Hampshire, I'd like to ask you to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.
For just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build "Liberty in Our Lifetime" — outreaching and inviting new movers to join us in the Free State.
Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.
We currently have 224 active patrons and we want to reach 300 by the end of this year.
As a 501c3 non-profit, all donations to the Free State Project are 100% tax-deductible. We welcome donations in USD and many forms of cryptocurrent.
Porcupine Patron Pin. In addition to other fantastic benefits, every Porcupine Patron of the Free State Project receives this "Porcupine Patron Pin." These pins are not just for show! Patron pins grant access to exclusive perks at all FSP events, including VIP rooms, patron-only events, and courtesy drink tickets. Click here to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.
It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.
Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.
For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Punk Rock Karaoke!
On November 8th, come to the SHELL Liberty Clubhouse in Rollinsford for Punk Rock Karaoke hosted by Ben Weir.
(Coming to the SHELL for the first time? Finding it can be not-obvious, so click here for instructions on finding the SHELL.)
This November 9th, several friends with the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire are running in the Manchester City Marathon.
Under the team name, "LPNH for Defend The Guard," they are seeking to raise support and awareness for legislative efforts to bring our state National Guard troops home from foreign wars not declared by Congress.
If you would like to run with the team, email Rachel Goldsmith (or send her a text message at the number below) for details: goldsmithrd@gmail.com.
Recurring Free State Events
New Mover Potluck Parties!
Manchester - First Friday
Upper Valley - First Saturday
Seacoast - Third Sunday
North Country - Third Saturday
Local Meetups!
Manchester - Weekly, Tuesdays
Plymouth - Semi-monthly, second and fourth Wednesdays
Seacoast - Weekly, Thursdays (changes town)
Upper Valley - Monthly, fourth Tuesday
Nashua - Weekly, Sundays
Gilford - Monthly, third Saturday
Lancaster - Monthly, third Saturday
Ossipee - Semi-monthly, second Sunday and third Tuesday
Madison - Monthly, second Saturday
Grafton - Monthly, second Saturday
Keene - Weekly, Sundays
Lower Valley - monthly, third Friday
This is only a small sample of what's going on in the Free State! Recurring topical events include agorism, family play time, range shooting, and crypto.
Find upcoming events across the state on our NH Liberty Calendar.
Free State Voices
Who Are New Hampshire’s Independents?
Welcome to the launch of The Independents with Carla Gericke—the show for New Hampshire’s largest voting bloc: the Undeclareds. In this premiere episode, Carla dives into what makes the state’s independents tick, from political philosophy to practical freedom. We’ll also explore New Hampshire’s first 3D-printed home now on the market (and available for Bitcoin!), recap the Nackey Loeb First Amendment Awards with some spicy IC vibes from keynote Jake Sullivan, and unpack what “Live Free and Thrive” really means in today’s world.
Click here to watch the full episode of The Independents with Carla Gericke!
Porcupine Report #86: “Javier Milei’s Liberty Landslide” with Skot Sheller
Eric welcomes back Free Stater and Argentina expert Skot Sheller to discuss Javier Milei’s stunning midterm election victory. Schiller explains how Milei’s libertarian party defied expectations, gaining seats and momentum after previous setbacks. They dive into the economic impact of the win, the surge in Argentina’s markets, and what it means for liberty movements worldwide. Skot also breaks down Milei’s debt strategy, reforms, and populist campaign style that energized young voters. He also explains the broader inspiration Argentina’s success offers to freedom advocates everywhere.
Watch the full episode of the Porcupine Report with Eric Brakey on YouTube!
Are you a New Yorker who’s afraid of socialism? New Hampshire would love to have you! #fsp
News from the Free State
NHPR: New Hampshire lifts burn ban after recent rains ease wildfire danger
Marijuana Moment: New Hampshire House Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Legalization Bill
Independent: 20 unprepared hikers rescued from a 4,000-foot peak in New Hampshire when winter weather hits
NHPR: NH approves $2M for mobile food pantries, other SNAP stopgaps
InkLink: Halloween brings an abundance of live music to New Hampshire
Patch: These Are The Top Elementary Schools In New Hampshire, U.S. News Says In New Ranking
TTW: The traditional idea of a winter vacation is undergoing a major transformation across the United States.
Some Upcoming Events
Friday, October 31st
6:30pm-10 - Religious Bitcoin/Crypto Meetup - Join us for a monthly meetup exploring the moral and spiritual dimensions of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Together, we'll discuss how sound money principles align with religious values like stewardship, honesty, and justice. This gathering is open to all faith backgrounds and anyone interested in the ethical implications of a decentralized peaceful money standard. Almost one year active! Text Zephan for address (603)369-7729
Rollinsford, 8pm-11:59 - SHELL Halloween Party - Get ready for the ultimate 80s Horror Flick Halloween Party, Friday October 31st at 8 PM! Join us for a night of bone-chilling 80s beats spun by the one and only Active Debutante, the DJ who’ll keep the crypt jumping! Dress as your favorite 80s horror icon—Freddy, Jason, or Elvira—and compete for killer costume prizes. Expect retro hits, spooky cocktails, and a vibe straight out of a slasher flick. Come to the Shell Clubhouse on Halloween for a night of thrills and chills! (3 Front St b10, Rollinsford, NH 03869)
Saturday, November 1st
Lancaster, 10am-1pm - the ‘Pine Market Day - Bring a table and sell your wares the First Saturday each month! During the summer, this is the same time as the Lancaster Farmer's Market, so may attract some local foot traffic. Table space is free for the 'Pine members; $10 for non-members. Hosted by Amy Norris. (the 'Pine Clubhouse - 70 Main St, 2nd floor, Lancaster)
Berlin, 10am-4pm - AFP-NH Day of Doorknocking to Support Berlin Special Election - Join Americans For Prosperity - New Hampshire on November 1st as we knock on doors in Berlin to support Marc Tremblay in the Berlin special election. We'll be providing lunch for volunteers and anyone who stays until the end, we will take out to dinner. Let's make sure we keep the seat in Berlin! RSVP TODAY! Hosted by Derek Proulx. (Service Credit Union Heritage Park, 961 Main St, Berlin)
Manchester, 11:30am-1pm - Merrimack Valley Porcupines - Every first Saturday folks who are passionate about liberty gather for MVP, the Merrimack Valley. Hosted by Jeremy Olson. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
Concord, 2pm-9 - Concord Prickle - Harvest Festival/Halloween Bash - Celebrate the season with an afternoon and evening filled with Halloween fun, lively music, and eerie surprises around every corner. Don’t forget to wear your best costume for a day of festive frights and delight! RSVP TODAY! Hosted by Dylan. (the Prickle, 74 Curtisville Rd, Concord)
Croydon, 5pm-11:25 - Zombie Apocalypse 2025 - Dress up in costume, but not as a zombie. You will likely turn into one. When darkness comes, so will the zombies. Bring food & drink to help us survive. Hosted by Emily Smith. (Bardo Farm, 92 Forehand Rd, Croydon)
Sunday, November 2nd
Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 - The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruck - GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. This is a challenge by choice event, go as heavy or as far as you’re enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
Manchester, 5pm-7:30 - Manchester Crypto Meetup - We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St, Manchester)
Keene, 5pm-6 - Social Sunday - Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH's longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Wade. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)
Nashua, 6pm-8 - Nashua Liberty Social - Weekly Nashua Meet-Up - Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem.
Remember that this is only a partial list.
For all FSP events and more details on those highlighted here, be sure to check out the NH Liberty Calendar.