Hurricane Helene put our city’s normally full-to-bursting calendar on an indefinite hold. Residents rallied to offer support, gathering together to donate, volunteer, and keep vigil — but as businesses were forced to close and folks worked to meet basic needs, our usual celebrations mostly ceased.
But even though there’s a long road ahead, Asheville is coming alive again, and local businesses, venues, and organizations are using the spooky season to show that a storm can’t dampen our spirits.
So don a costume or just come as you are to one of these Halloween events in Asheville.
Halloween Zumba Gold | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 12-1 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Community Center | Free | Bring your costume for fitness fun in the parking lot.
Doors Open Downtown Halloween Block Party | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 4-7 p.m. | Downtown Asheville | Free | Trick or treat at local businesses while you listen to music and enjoy activities — plus, your pup can join in the dog costume contest at Spicer Greene Jewelers.
HalloSTEAM | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 4-7 p.m. | Asheville Museum of Science | Free | Decode puzzles, conduct experiments, and explore never-before seen parts of the museum as you solve a Halloween mystery.
All Hallow’s Eve/Samhain Purrrty | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 4-9 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic | Free | Compete in the three costume contests to win a prize or just celebrate with food trucks, tarot readers, vendors, and lots of seasonal activities.
Halloween Block Party | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 4-10 p.m. | River Arts District | The little ones can trunk-or-treat at All Souls, then the celebration will continue with music, a costume contest, and a dance party at Anoche and RAD Brewing.
Booville Community Halloween Party | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 5-8 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center | Free | Area families can dress up to trick-or-treat and enjoy candy stations and a live DJ.
World Famous Halloween Dance Party | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 5 p.m. | The Brew Pump | Free | Food trucks will fill you up and DJs will keep the party going for all ages.
Shiloh Trunk or Treat | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 6-8 p.m. | Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center | Free | Neighborhood kids can get their fill of sweet treats at rows of candy stations.
Montford Haunted Tent | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 6-8 p.m. | Tempie Avery Montford Community Center | Free | Tricks and treats abound under the haunted big top.
Halloween Hometown Hang | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $12 | WNC-based musical powerhouses Velvet Truckstop, Woody Wood & Holiday Red, Ashley Heath, and Sons of Ralph will take the stage for a Halloween show.
A Divinely Lazrluvr Halloween | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 7-10 p.m. | Taproom at Highland Brewing | $10+ | The 80s tribute band will rock the stage with synth beats while Divine the Bearded Lady emcees the costume contest.
Halloween House Party | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $10+ suggested donation | DJ Marley Carroll will spin spine-tingling classics, moody disco, and more during this benefit for ArtsAVL’s Disaster Relief Fund — costumes are encouraged.
Halloween Fundrager | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Fleetwood’s | $10+ donation | Support Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa during a night of beats from DJ Lil Meow Meow and DJ Good Sweat — they will also be collecting supplies for AVL Survival.
Día de Muertos Lotería | Friday, Nov. 1 | 4-6 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center | Free | Learn Spanish vocabulary and study symbols like La Catrina and pozole as you celebrate this Mexican holiday.
Staying safe on Halloween
As the storm has altered the local landscape, Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb shared the following safety tips for the holiday:
- Avoid areas with storm debris. Some sidewalks, curbs, and streets still have storm debris. Stick to clear, well-lit areas, and keep children from playing on or near debris piles.
- Respect barricades and road signs. For everyone’s safety, do not move or walk around barricades and cones marking hazardous areas.
- Stay clear of closed or washed-out roads and sidewalks. Some roads and sidewalks may remain closed or under repair. Please obey all road signs and avoid these areas during Halloween activities.
- Watch out for downed power lines. There are still power lines down. Never touch a downed line.
Use lights and reflective gear. With limited street lighting in some areas, use flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective clothing to help drivers see you and your trick-or-treaters.
- Homeowners, the city is asking that you turn on extra lights this year to help kids navigate around any debris that may be stacked near the curb.
- Be aware of damaged houses. Take a second look before walking up to a house. Many homes sustained damage, so don’t let appearances trick you.
- Be extra vigilant while driving. If you’re driving on Halloween, be mindful of trick-or-treaters, especially near storm-damaged areas where sightlines may be reduced.
- There’s strength in numbers. Go in larger groups making it easier to be seen.
