Asheville Festival of Frights!

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) celebrates the annual Festival of Frights with grim greetings.

There will be a toddler costume party, nocturnal skating, creepy climbing, and trips through a haunted castle, a greenhouse of horror, and a trail of treats.

While residents of Asheville can spend some time at these events, APR offers numerous other opportunities to explore, engage, and discover throughout the month without fear. Browse the current program guide, conduct an online search for classes and events, or download the APR app.

Canine Trick or Treat – October 14, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St.)

FREE | All ages, advance registration requested

Dress up those pups and bring them to a treat scavenger hunt with giveaways for canines and their human companions. Dogs must be on a leash. For more info, call 828-507-9003.

Murder Mystery Party – October 18, 4-6 p.m.

Harvest House Community Center (205 Kenilworth Rd.)

$7 | Ages 18+, advance registration required

Take on a new persona and work with others to solve a mystery. For more info, call 828-820-2410.

Kooky Spooky Toddler Day – October 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stephens-Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave.)

$5 per child | Ages: 2-5 (with adult)

The historic gym turns into an orange-and-black fun fest with inflatables, toys, arts and crafts, and snacks. Dress up and join the costume parade! For more info, call 828-350-2058.

Halloween Skate Spooktacular – October 20, 6 -10 p.m.

Carrier Park (220 Amboy Rd.)

FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with an adult)

Lace up your skates and bounce, rock, skate, and roll to a soundtrack of Halloween favorites in your costume. Skates not provided; bring your own. For more info, call 828-259-5800.

Southside Halloween Festival – October 23, 5-8 p.m.

Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St.)

$5 per person | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Put on your costume and make memories with pumpkin carving, face painting, classic horror movies, spooky music, supernatural snacks, costume contests, and more! For more info, call 828-259-5483.

Halloween Creepy Climbing – October 29, 4-6 p.m.

Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Ave.)

$5 per person | Ages 5 and older (under 16 must be with an adult), advance registration required

Show off your costume, climb for candy on the indoor rock climbing wall, play ghoulish games, and enjoy spooky snacks during a night of fiendish family fun. For more info, call 828-253-3714.

Haunted Castle on the Hill – October 27-28, 7-10 p.m.

Stephens-Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave.)

$2 per person | Ages 10 and up (under 14 must be with an adult)

Looking for a spooky fright? Meet ghosts and ghouls and visions of things that go bump in the night at the Haunted Castle on the Hill. This can’t-miss haunted house tends to be on the spooky side, so it’s not recommended for those who scare easily. For more info, call 828-350-2058.

Want to volunteer? 

APR relies on the help of community members to create the Haunted Castle on the Hill atmosphere. If you are 15 years old or older, you can help with set up, break down, or join the Scare Crew (costumes, make-up, and props are provided by APR). Contact 828-350-2058 or email kkennedy@ashevillenc.gov to sign up.

Halloween Bingo – October 31, 6-8 p.m.

Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St.)

FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Prizes and fun await as you play for great prizes in your costume. For more info, call 828-507-9003.

Find out more details and to download app click here

WNCTimes October 2023

Image Credit: City of Asheville