Tomorrow the costumes come out, the jack-o’-lanterns will be lit, and you will find children running around the neighborhood on the search for candy. And, if you take the little ghouls and goblins trick-or-treating early, then they may want to visit more than one neighborhood.
Photo by @amynoll
So for all you parents, grandparents, babysitters, older siblings + other guardians – here is a guide to trick-or-treating in Asheville, plus a list to some of the best neighborhoods + trunk-or-treats to visit for candy. 🎃
Bonus: A list of Halloween ideas around the city for post trick-or-treating grown-up fun. 👻
General Rules
When does trick-or-treating start?
While there is not a set time span to go trick-or-treating, most cities begin the fun a little before sunset. For Asheville, the sun will set around 6:35 p.m. so beginning around 5:30 p.m. for the little children is ideal. Candy givers usually turn porch lights off around 9:30 p.m., but some may stay on later.
Pro-tip: Be mindful and only ring doorbells to houses that have their porch lights lit after 9 p.m.
How to know if a house is giving out candy?
The best way to know if a house is “open for shop” is by the lighting + decorations. If the porch light is on, jack-o’-lantern lit, front door open, and decorations covering the yard – then it’s safe to say “trick-or-treat.” If the house is dark, shades are drawn, and the door is closed – then that is the best tell-all sign to move on to the next house.
Pro-tip: Stay off lawns, flower beds, and walking in the middle of the road. Walk on the sidewalk, bring a flashlight, and make sure your child is not left to trick-or-treat alone.
How old is too old to go trick-or-treating?
While traditionally trick-or-treating is for younger children, there is no widely accepted cutoff age. Most teenagers stop dressing up for candy hunting around the age of 14, however, teens are still welcomed to go out door-to-door as long as they are polite + respectful. And, if you’re an older sibling then props – you have the perfect excuse to still go out candy-collecting.
Should I check my candy?
Of course, no one wants to think the worse of Halloween candy, but it’s always best to check your child’s candy before allowing them to eat it. Even though tampering is rare, it is best to follow this rule of thumb “when in doubt, throw it out.” Here is a full list of candy safety rules.
Pro-tip: never accept baked goods + fruit unless you personally know who gave them.
DYK: The top Halloween candy in N.C. this year is Reese’s Cups followed by M&M’s and then Snickers. 🍫
Trick-or-Treat Neighborhoods
🎃The Asheville Mall | 3 S Tunnel Rd. | The fun will last until the mall closes at 9 p.m.
🎃Biltmore Park | Pro-tip: Park at Biltmore Park Town Square, grab dinner with the kiddos, take their costume pics then head out to the neighborhood surrounding the shopping area.
🎃Montford District | Spend Halloween in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Asheville. With streets upon streets of houses right outside of downtown, this calls for the perfect candy stop for the kiddos and great house-viewing for mom + dad.
🎃Omni Grove Park Inn Neighborhood Area | Start your night of candy-collecting around Grove Park – a.k.a. the perfect photo op spot.
🎃Halloween on Vermont | Vermont Ave. in West Asheville closes the road for trick-or-treaters and the community. Each house is decked out in all the spooky looks, with food, games, candy + more.
🎃Asheville Outlets’ Boo Bash | 800 Brevard Rd. | Perfect for the little ones or those who want to go out early, the Boo Bash runs from 5-8 p.m. with games at 6 p.m. Dog are also welcomed.
Trunk-or-Treat Locations
🍫Reach Westwood | 150 Westwood Pl. | 6 p.m. | Free
🍫Spring Mountain Community Center | 807 Old Fort Rd., Fairview | 4:30 p.m. | Free
🍫Brookstone Church | 90 Griffee Rd., Weaverville + 283 Merrimon Ave. | 6 p.m. | Free
🍫Crossroads Assembly of God | 20 S. Bear Creek Rd. | 6 p.m. | Free
The Adult Afterparty
Now trick-or-treating completes the kiddos Halloween night, but creep it real and remember to treat yo’self with a little boo-ze and spooktacular fun.
👻Katarina’s Halloween Nightmare Party | Banks Ave. | 32 Banks Ave. | 9 p.m.
👻Halloween Yacht Rock Dance Party | Isis Music Hall | 743 Haywood Rd. | 9 p.m. | $20
👻Hill-O-Ween Bash | Hillman Beer, 25 Sweeten Creek Rd. | 6 p.m. | Free
👻Pick Your Poison Halloween Party | Creekside Taphouse, 8 Beverly Rd. | 8 p.m. | Free
👻Halloween Dance Party and Costume Contest | Buxton Hall Barbecue, 32 Banks Ave. | 10 p.m. | $3 cover
Enjoy your Halloween, Ashevillians. Keep it safe, and be sure to share the night’s hocus pocus by tagging us in a post on Instagram + Facebook.
Just don’t light the black flame candle so the Sanderson sisters won’t put a spell on you. 👻
Happy Haunting, AVL.
