skip to main content
10 Halloween Happenings You Won’t Want To Miss In Asheville

10 Halloween Happenings You Won’t Want To Miss In Asheville

The spookiest time of year is right around the corner, and we are just as excited as you to celebrate all things Halloween this year. Luckily for you, the Asheville area is replete with Halloween activities and festive fall experiences waiting for you all across the mountains.

In this article, we will look at ten amazing Halloween activities located in Asheville and the surrounding area. From the downright horrifying to more family-friendly fare, we have compiled a diverse list with something on it for everyone!

Halloween Happenings You Won’t Want to Miss in Asheville

1. Go On a Haunted Tour

Haunted Asheville and other similar services provide guests with high-quality haunted tours of the city, overflowing with scary stories and secret facts about Asheville. These tours are guided by talented storytellers who help to infuse the experience with a sense of fun and wonder. 

The stories they tell are rooted in the rich history of Asheville, from the mysterious to the macabre, offering a unique perspective on the city’s past.

This could be a great option for a group looking for a longer experience (they typically run for about two hours) who also enjoy exploring and learning about the city. Depending on the tour, they may be family-friendly, making it a great choice for parents of restless kids.

The atmosphere during these tours is perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit, especially as the cool mountain air starts to roll in during the evenings.

Why choose a haunted tour in Asheville?

  • Diverse tour options: From self-paced horror tours to history-focused walking tours.
  • Family-friendly choices: Some tours are suitable for children.
  • Expert storytelling: Guides are skilled in bringing Asheville’s haunted history to life.
  • Unique experience: Get a blend of spooky fun and local history.

2. Explore the Annual Eliada Fall Festival and Corn Maze

Every October, Eliada, a local non-profit focused on children’s welfare, organizes a popular festival known for its corn maze and fun fall atmosphere. 

Open Friday, September 20th, through Sunday, October 27th, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this event provides guests with a great opportunity to experience autumn. The maze itself is a major draw, often featuring intricate designs that challenge even the most experienced maze-goers.

Many people have made this annual event a staple of their October plans, and families can always be seen roaming around the maze and festival grounds. 

The surrounding area provides lots of opportunities for kids to frolic and for adults to enjoy the crisp fall atmosphere. The festival also offers a variety of other activities, including hayrides, pumpkin patches, and live entertainment, making it a full day of fun for all ages.

Key highlights of the Eliada Fall Festival:

  • Corn maze: Intricate designs that offer a challenge for all ages.
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
  • Additional activities: Hayrides, pumpkin patches, and live entertainment.
  • Community support: Proceeds benefit Eliada’s mission for child care and youth well-being.

3) Get Moving at the 5th Annual Wicked Spooky 5k!

For those looking for a free experience this October, the POM’s Spooktacular Drive-Thru could be the perfect activity for you. This event is geared towards families and could act as a happy medium between a walking tour and a night on the couch. 

The race takes runners through some of Asheville’s most scenic areas, with the added fun of Halloween-themed decorations and costumes.

Organizing the event encourages those participating to come dressed in costume to help bolster the Halloween spirit as runners begin their race. This is not just a race; it's a celebration of Halloween, fitness, and community. Whether you’re a serious runner or just looking to take a leisurely jog in costume, this event is designed to be inclusive and fun for all levels.

Make sure to check this event out if you are looking to get active while still having fun this Halloween season. The energy at the starting line is contagious, with participants of all ages eager to show off their costumes and enjoy a morning of exercise and Halloween cheer.

Why participate in the Wicked Halloween 5k & Fun Run?

  • Costume fun: Dress up and run in your favorite Halloween costume.
  • Community spirit: Join fellow runners in a festive, inclusive atmosphere.
  • Scenic route: Enjoy Asheville’s beautiful landscapes while getting some exercise.
  • All skill levels welcome: Perfect for both serious runners and casual participants.

4) The Haunted Farm

This farm is one of the scariest attractions in the Asheville area. This is definitely the scariest event on our list, but if you are looking for an extra spooky Halloween this year, The Haunted Farm is the place for you. 

This attraction is designed to terrify even the bravest souls with its combination of haunted houses, eerie trails, and horrifying actors.

The Haunted Farm has been voted the Best Haunted House in North Carolina and has been scaring visitors for years. Each year, the farm adds new elements and twists to keep even returning visitors on edge. The actors are highly skilled, often blurring the lines between fiction and reality, making it an immersive experience that’s hard to forget.

Get your screaming voice ready before you head to The Haunted Farm. Check out this exciting attraction in Hendersonville this October. Whether you go alone, with friends, or with a group, The Haunted Farm promises an evening filled with heart-pounding thrills and spine-tingling chills.

What makes The Haunted Farm a must-visit?

  • Voted Best Haunted House in NC: A proven track record of terrifying visitors.
  • Multiple attractions: Haunted houses, eerie trails, and more.
  • Constantly evolving: New scares are added every year to keep things fresh.
  • Immersive experience: Actors and settings that make you feel part of the horror.

5) Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar

There’s nothing more fun than dressing up in your Halloween best and catching a great show at Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar. If you want to hear all your spookiest tunes, it’s an all-request show, so you can fire up the Monster Mash, Bewitched theme, Beetlejuice music, and more! 

The atmosphere at Off The Wagon is always electric, but it reaches new heights during the Halloween season when everyone is in the mood to celebrate.

We’re right downtown, so add us to your list of Halloween happenings! Whether you’re stopping by after a haunted tour or making a night of it, Off The Wagon offers live music, great drinks, and a lively crowd that’s perfect for Halloween. 

Our performers are always ready to get the crowd involved, making it an interactive experience that’s as much about the audience as it is about the music.

Why visit Off The Wagon during Halloween?

  • Live music with a twist: All-request show featuring your favorite Halloween tunes.
  • Festive atmosphere: The crowd and decor are all about Halloween.
  • Great downtown location: Easy to add to your evening plans.
  • Interactive fun: Get involved in the show for a memorable experience.

6) WNC Nature Center's Howl-O-Ween

Families with younger children will love the WNC Nature Center’s Howl-O-Ween event. Held every year in late October, this family-friendly event offers educational fun and Halloween spookiness. 

Kids can dress up in their favorite costumes and participate in a variety of activities, including trick-or-treating, animal encounters, and a haunted trail that’s more cute than creepy.

This event also emphasizes wildlife conservation so attendees can learn about local wildlife and the importance of protecting their habitats. It’s a great way to enjoy Halloween while also supporting the WNC Nature Center’s mission. The friendly staff and well-organized activities make it a stress-free way to spend the day with your family.

7) Asheville's Halloween Pub Crawl

For those who enjoy a night out on the town, Asheville’s Halloween Pub Crawl is the perfect way to celebrate. This event invites participants to visit some of Asheville’s most popular bars, all of which offer special Halloween-themed drinks and decor. 

Participants are encouraged to come in costume, and there are often contests for the best outfits. It’s fun to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife while getting into the Halloween spirit. The camaraderie among the crawlers adds to the fun, with everyone in high spirits and eager to see who will win the best costume prize.

8) The Haunted Trail at the Adventure Center of Asheville

For a family-friendly yet spooky experience, check out the Haunted Trail at the Adventure Center of Asheville. This event is ideal for children aged 3-12 and offers a light-hearted take on Halloween scares. The trail is filled with live actors, and visitors can explore themed areas like a pirate ship escape room and even meet a live mermaid. 

The experience also includes a Glow Trail in the Treetops Adventure Park, where families can enjoy climbing under the safety of glow-in-the-dark lights. Proceeds from this event benefit MANNA FoodBank, making it a fun way to support a great cause while celebrating Halloween.

9) Asheville Zombie Walk

zombie walk halloween happenings asheville

The Asheville Zombie Walk is an annual tradition that brings together hundreds of participants for a fun and spooky parade through downtown Asheville. Participants dress up as zombies and march through the streets, often stopping at local businesses and landmarks. It’s a great event for both participants and spectators, offering a unique way to celebrate Halloween in Asheville.

The Zombie Walk typically takes place the weekend before Halloween and is open to all ages. The event culminates in a “zombie after-party” at one of Asheville’s downtown venues, where participants can enjoy live music and refreshments after the walk. It’s a must-see event for anyone looking to experience the quirky and creative side of Asheville.

10) Hickory Nut Gap Farm Fall Festivities

Hickory Nut Gap Farm, located just outside of Asheville, offers a variety of fall festivities that are perfect for families. Throughout October, visitors can enjoy activities such as a pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn mazes, and farm animal visits. The farm provides a wonderful opportunity to embrace the fall season in a beautiful mountain setting.

In addition to picking pumpkins, the farm also offers apple picking, bonfires, and other seasonal events. It's a great place for families to relax and enjoy the autumn air, making it an ideal spot for a fall outing.

Happy Halloween! From Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar

The best thing about October in Asheville is that no matter what you and your group are looking for, Asheville has an event right up your alley. The blend of cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty in Asheville makes it a unique destination for celebrating Halloween. From haunted hotels to festive farms, there’s truly something for everyone.

We hope to see you out and about this October around Asheville, exploring everything our mountain town has to offer. And if you’re thinking about stopping by Off The Wagon, contact us today to make your Halloween celebration even more unforgettable!