How To Spend Halloween in Asheville
photo by: ezekiel_coppersmith
With the crisp arrival of autumn, Asheville also welcomes a magical time of secrets, surprises, and a hint of the supernatural. Experience the thrill of spooky season in the Asheville area—from late-night drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway to delicious fall treats, special seasonal events and more—with our guide below.
Haunted Tours and Halloween Experiences in Asheville
LaZoom Ghosted Comedy Tour – You'll laugh! You'll scream! You'll see ghosts! Grab a local beer and hop on the Big Purple Bus for a hilarious guided tour of Asheville's most ghostly tales.
Haunted Asheville Tours – Developed by renowned paranormal expert and TV personality Joshua P. Warren, these family-friendly, two-hour walking tours delve into Asheville's haunted past and darkest secrets while also sharing insight on how paranormal investigation works.
Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour – Hosted by Gray Line Trolley, experience more than an hour of ghoulish delights across Asheville, all from the comfort of an iconic red trolley.
Haunted Self-guided Driving Trail – What is it that gives Asheville so many ghost stories? Tales of the haunted, the creepy, the eerie, and the outright macabre mark the landscape here with sites that locals love—or fear. The WNC Historical Association at the Smith-McDowell House created a 22.5-mile self-guided driving tour that leads to 11 sites around town and takes a little over an hour.
Halloween Costume Contests, Parties and More
Glass Pumpkin Patch at the North Carolina Glass Center | September 4 – November 3, 2024
Stop by to pick out your very own hand blown glass pumpkin from the carefully curated patch. And stick around to check out additional handmade fall items and all of the harvest fun. Every purchase helps support the non-profit North Carolina Glass Center, as well as 30+ local glass artists.
Marquee Masquerade at the Marquee | October 30, 2024
Prepare for a haunting good time including music from DJ Nex, a costume contest, food, drinks and more from 6-9 p.m. at Marquee in the River Arts District.
The Monster Market at Highland Brewing | October 6, 2024
Highland Brewing's Meadow will be filled to the brim with amazing vendors at their Monster Market, and Natti Love Joyswill be live on the Meadow Stage from 2-5 p.m. The event lasts 1-6 p.m.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Eliada Fall Festival and Corn Maze | September 20 - October 27, 2024 (Friday - Sunday)
This family-focused event includes a corn maze, a corn cannon, hayrides, lawn games, face painting, and more. Ticket proceeds benefit Eliada Homes, a nonprofit agency serving children and families of Western North Carolina.
The Haunted Trail at Adventure Center of Asheville | October 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 24-27, 2024
Bring the kids to this family-friendly haunt at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Walk a haunted trail filled with live actors and explore a pirate ship escape room, meet a live mermaid and enjoy contests, pizza, and sweet treats. Then climb the aerial Glow Trail through the Treetops Adventure Park. Ideal for ages 3-13. Proceeds benefit MANNA FoodBank.
Junior Wolf Howl-O-Ween | October 25, 26 & 31, 2024
Spend your evening at Asheville's WNC Nature Center for an exploration of biofacts, animal games, and an opportunity to meet a live animal, followed by a trek to our wolf habitats located onsite at the Nature Center for a howling session. Discover the legends and lore of these top predators and celebrate the spooky season with some sweet treats. Show off your best animal-themed costumes and get ready for a wild "Howl"-o-ween. Recommended for kids ages 5-12.
Art by the Tracks in Black Mountain | October 26, 2024
Hosted by the Old Depot Gallery, browse art by the tracks during this family-friendly art-tastic day of fun featuring over 50 regional artists as well as live music.
Halloween-Themed Classes at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts | TBD
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts offers a fun lineup of Halloween-themed classes in the lead up to the holiday. Details to come.
Nighttime Rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway
For those willing to brave the witching hour, experience a one-of-a-kind night drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks long the way to enjoy a midnight snack. Explore the twists and turns in the heart of the mountains under the moon and let adventure be your guide.
Coffee Shop Delights
As the autumn winds sigh through the streets, seek refuge in the warmth of Asheville's cozy coffee shops with a tasty fall drink. Spots like Double D's, where delicious sips await inside a red double-decker bus, or cozy PennyCup Coffee Co. on the Block, are the perfect places to spend an afternoon. Savor a cup of liquid gold with a cup of cinnamon-laced cappuccino or a pumpkin spiced latte.
Pumpkin Patches and Apple Orchards
Get your hands dirty and feel the earth beneath your feet as you select the perfect pumpkin or pluck a crisp apple. Farms near Asheville, like Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard and Justus Orchard, offer both pumpkin and apple adventures.
Fall Color Hunts in Asheville Neighborhoods
Wind your way through Asheville's many neighborhoods this fall with this family-friendly guide. Take an electric tour of downtown, explore the vibrant River Arts District or find peace in laidback Fairview. There are plenty of ways to make the most out of your visit here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Live Theater and Haunting Performances
Asheville's arts scene comes alive with Halloween-themed performances this time of year. October 18 & 19, Tyler Ramsey and Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre present "Shiver in the Pine" a Dance Music Drama at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Inspired by the Pulp Fantasy stories of Manly Wade Wellman, it's full of the strange and supernatural.
Occult Stops and Shops
Glimpse your future through a tarot reading, or tap into your own mystical potential at an Asheville occult shop.
Enjoy some animal cuddling-time and therapy with a visit to House of Black Cat Magic, an occult supply store that doubles as a black cat lounge in West Asheville. The shop is partnered with Binx's Home For Black Cats, so you might walk away with a new familiar when you visit!
Peek into your future with a tarot reading at Earth Magick in downtown Asheville. This local occult supply store offers products from simple incense to tinctures, plus readings from experts with over 60 years of combined experience. Or, venture further north to Asheville Pagan Supply, an metaphysical supply store specializing in candles, books, herbs and accessories, folk magic, and ritual supplies.
If you're looking to gain new insights into your aura, visit Adoratherapy in the Grove Arcade. Combining technology and intuition, Adoratherapy offers Auratherapy, where professional aura readers reveal your aura personality and chakra health.
Autumn's Bounty at Farmers Markets
Embrace the harvest season at Asheville's farmers markets, where you can savor the flavors of fall with fresh, local produce and handmade crafts. You'll be shopping alongside chefs from the best city restaurants like Sovereign Remedies and The Market Place, just to name a few.
Fall is an especially great time to experience these locals markets. Tailgates and roadside stands are stocked with edible and decorative gourds, autumn harvest arrangements and wreaths, various vegetables and more than enough jarred and packaged goods.
More Fall Events
As you navigate the magic of Halloween in Asheville, remember that the season is not just about the spooky and the supernatural. It's about celebrating the beauty of transition, the richness of tradition, and the enduring sense of wonder that the mountains impart.
