The combination of Asheville's artistic community, historic sites, and mountain setting makes it an ideal destination for Halloween enthusiasts. Local businesses and attractions lean into the season, offering special events and themed experiences throughout October. The result is a city-wide celebration that captures the imagination and draws visitors from across the region.

Halloween at Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar

At Off The Wagon, we embrace Halloween with the same energy and enthusiasm that makes our dueling piano shows unforgettable year-round. Located in a historic building on North Market Street that once housed the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, our venue already has character and charm—and possibly a friendly ghost or two!

Our Halloween Celebration Highlights

When Halloween arrives at Off The Wagon, we pull out all the stops to create an unforgettable experience. Our entertainers don't just play pianos—they incorporate drums, guitars, and keytars into high-energy performances that take seasonal celebrations to the next level. The show remains all-request, with no set list, but you can expect our talented musicians to have plenty of Halloween favorites up their sleeves.

Our Halloween celebrations feature:

• Special themed performances by our talented musicians
• Creative seasonal cocktails available only during the fall
• The same rock-and-roll, sing-along party atmosphere you love, with a Halloween twist

Remember, Off The Wagon is a 21-and-over establishment, making it the perfect adult Halloween destination. Our shows begin at 8pm Sunday through Thursday and 7pm on Friday and Saturday. For the best seating opportunities, we recommend arriving early, as Halloween season tends to draw larger crowds eager to experience the festive atmosphere.

Frank: Our Resident Ghost

Speaking of spooky, did you know Off The Wagon has its own friendly ghost? We've affectionately named him Frank, and he's become such a part of our establishment that we even created a signature cocktail in his honor—the Fearsome Frank.

In March 2019, a ten-hour ghost investigation was conducted at Off The Wagon by M & D Paranormal and Cryptid Research, LLC along with CreepGeeks. Their investigation confirmed that our venue is home to numerous spectral entities. In 2021, we were even featured on the show "Fright Club" starring Jack Osbourne and the Ghost Brothers during the first episode of season one!

While Frank and his ghostly companions are friendly residents of our establishment, they add an authentic touch of the supernatural to your Halloween experience at Off The Wagon. Who knows—if you request the right song, you might just sense Frank's approval in the form of a mysterious cool breeze or flickering light!

Read here about our 10 favorite cocktail locations in Asheville!

Haunted History of Asheville

Asheville's rich history has left behind fascinating tales of ghostly encounters and supernatural phenomena that come to life during the Halloween season. The city's historic buildings, many dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are said to house spirits from bygone eras.

Famous Haunted Locations in Asheville

1. The Grove Park Inn - This iconic hotel reportedly hosts the "Pink Lady," the spirit of a young woman who fell to her death in the 1920s. Guests and staff have reported mysterious pink mists and cold spots throughout the building.
2. Helen's Bridge - Located near Zealandia Castle, this stone bridge is associated with the legend of a mother who hanged herself after losing her daughter in a fire. Visitors have reported car troubles, apparition sightings, and being mysteriously touched.
3. Riverside Cemetery - The final resting place of famous authors Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry, this historic cemetery features beautiful Victorian-era monuments and is rumored to be home to wandering spirits.
4. The Omni Grove Park Inn - This historic resort has numerous reports of paranormal activity, including objects moving on their own and mysterious footsteps in empty hallways.
5. Asheville Mystery Museum - Located in the basement of the Masonic Temple, this museum showcases artifacts related to local hauntings and paranormal investigations.

Halloween Events Around Asheville

Beyond Off The Wagon, Asheville offers a variety of Halloween activities and events that showcase the city's creative spirit and historic charm. From family-friendly gatherings to adults-only thrills, there's something for everyone during spooky season.

Popular Annual Halloween Events

• Haunted Asheville Ghost Tours - These guided walking tours explore the spooky side of downtown Asheville, sharing tales of local hauntings and mysterious occurrences. (Bonus: bring your email confirmation from the Haunted Asheville tour to receive free admission to Off The Wagon!)
• LaZoom's Haunted Comedy Bus Tour - A unique blend of comedy and spooky stories aboard a purple bus that travels through Asheville's most haunted locations.
• The Annual Zombie Walk - Join hundreds of zombie enthusiasts as they shamble through downtown Asheville in full undead makeup and costumes.
• Costume Contests - Many local businesses, including Off The Wagon, host costume contests with prizes for the most creative, scary, and funny costumes.
• Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes - Surrounding farms offer seasonal activities like pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and hayrides that capture the essence of fall in the mountains.

Asheville's Halloween Nightlife

When the sun sets over the Blue Ridge Mountains during October, Asheville's vibrant nightlife takes on a decidedly spookier tone. The city's bars, clubs, and entertainment venues embrace the Halloween spirit with themed events and special performances.

Best Places for Halloween Night Out

If you're planning a Halloween night out in Asheville, consider these popular options:

1. Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar - Our high-energy, interactive shows combined with seasonal cocktails make for an unforgettable Halloween experience.
2. Downtown Brewery Tours - Many of Asheville's famous breweries offer special Halloween-themed brews and events throughout October.
3. West Asheville Music Venues - Check out live music performances with bands often performing in costume and playing spooky-themed sets.
4. South Slope District - This area transforms during Halloween with multiple venues hosting themed parties and events within walking distance of each other.
5. River Arts District After Dark - Artists and galleries often host special Halloween exhibits and events showcasing the darker side of creativity.

Tips for Halloween in Asheville

To make the most of your Halloween experience in Asheville, consider these practical tips:

• Plan Ahead: Popular Halloween events often sell out, so purchase tickets in advance when possible.
• Dress for Mountain Weather: October evenings in Asheville can be chilly, so layer your costume for comfort.
• Use Rideshare Services: If you're planning to enjoy Asheville's Halloween nightlife and seasonal cocktails, arrange for safe transportation.
• Make Reservations: Restaurants and venues like Off The Wagon can fill up quickly during Halloween weekend.
• Explore Beyond Downtown: While downtown Asheville is a Halloween hotspot, don't miss events in West Asheville, the River Arts District, and surrounding areas.

Halloween Cocktails and Treats

No Halloween celebration is complete without seasonal drinks and treats. Asheville's creative culinary scene embraces the holiday with unique offerings that capture the flavors of fall and the spirit of Halloween.

Seasonal Favorites at Off The Wagon

While our full drink menu is always available, during Halloween season we feature special cocktails that capture the essence of the holiday:

• The Fearsome Frank - Named after our resident ghost, this signature spooky season cocktail is a must-try for visitors.
• Fishbowl Specials - Our famous half-gallon fishbowls get a Halloween makeover with themed garnishes and presentations.
• Seasonal Beer Selections - We feature rotating taps of local Asheville breweries' Halloween and fall seasonal offerings.

Remember to check out our full drink list via the QR codes on our tables and bar tops when you visit! And read our blog about planning the perfect date in Asheville here. 

Planning Your Halloween Visit to Off The Wagon

If you're including Off The Wagon in your Asheville Halloween adventures, here are some helpful tips to ensure a great experience:

What to Expect

• Cover Charge: There is a cover charge on Friday and Saturday nights, with special discounts for military personnel, first responders, and college students (with ID).
• Entertainment: Our dueling piano shows are all-request, so come prepared with your favorite Halloween songs.
• Seating: We utilize community tables to encourage interaction with the show, the piano players, and other customers.
• Arrival Time: For the best opportunity at seating, arrive early! Halloween season is popular, and we operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Making Song Requests

Our Halloween shows remain true to the Off The Wagon experience—all request-based with no set list. To make your request:

1. Fill out a request slip (provided upon entry or available on the whiskey barrel at the host stand)
2. Bring your request up with a tip
3. Wait for your song to be performed by our talented entertainers

Popular Halloween song requests include "Thriller," "Monster Mash," "Ghostbusters," and "Time Warp," but our entertainers know thousands of songs across all genres. The more generous your tip, the faster your song will typically be played!

Halloween FAQs for Off The Wagon

Do I need to wear a costume to attend Off The Wagon during Halloween?

While costumes are encouraged and add to the fun atmosphere, they are not required. Many guests choose to dress up, especially on Halloween weekend, but you'll feel welcome either way.

Is there a special Halloween cover charge?

Our standard cover charge applies on Friday and Saturday nights. Check our website or social media for any special Halloween weekend rates.

Can I reserve a table for Halloween weekend?

Off The Wagon operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. For the best opportunity at seating, arrive early as Halloween tends to be a popular time.

Are there age restrictions for Off The Wagon's Halloween events?

Yes, Off The Wagon is strictly 21 and over, with no exceptions. Please bring a valid ID.

How can I get in touch with Off The Wagon about Halloween events?

For the most current information about our Halloween events, check out our website or contact us through our social media channels, listed at the top of our site.

Fall Off The Wagon This Halloween!

At Off The Wagon, we're proud to be part of Asheville's Halloween tradition, offering a unique entertainment experience that combines music, laughter, and just the right amount of spookiness. Our veteran-owned establishment welcomes you to "sing loud, laugh often, fall hard" this Halloween season!

So gather your friends, plan your costume, and make Off The Wagon part of your Halloween adventures in Asheville. With our talented entertainers, friendly staff (and ghost), and festive atmosphere, we promise an unforgettable addition to your spooky season celebrations. For directions and contact information, please visit us here!