ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, giving families in Asheville and across Western North Carolina a full weekend for trick-or-treating and community gatherings.
Rain could affect some outdoor plans Saturday evening, so attendees should check for updates before heading out.
Looking for more Halloween activities? A separate 828newsNOW guide covers Halloween weekend events and the weather forecast across Western North Carolina.
Here’s a look at some of the events happening across Asheville and Western North Carolina this weekend.
Family-friendly & community
Eliada Corn Maze & Fall Festival
Eliada, Asheville
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed
The Eliada Corn Maze & Fall Festival wraps up its season with an eight-acre corn maze, tractor rides, pumpkins, a corn cannon, lawn games and other activities for families. Food and seasonal refreshments are also available. Proceeds support Eliada’s programs serving children and families in Western North Carolina.
Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade
Black Mountain Town Square, Black Mountain
Saturday, 1-3 p.m. | Free parade; fee for costume contest registration
Black Mountain’s annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade brings costumed pets and their owners downtown for a Halloween procession and costume contest. The event includes judging and prizes, with proceeds from contest registration benefiting local animal rescue efforts.
Waynesville First Friday: Shop, Sip, Stroll
Downtown Waynesville, Waynesville
Friday | Free admission
Waynesville’s downtown First Friday event brings residents and visitors to Main Street businesses, galleries and restaurants for an evening of shopping and community activity. The event provides an opportunity to visit locally owned businesses during the final weekend of October.
Trunk or Treat
Rumbling Bald Administration Parking Lot, Lake Lure
Saturday, 1 p.m. | Check event listing for admission details
This Halloween gathering offers a trunk-or-treat activity for families, with candy distributed from decorated vehicles. Families should check the event listing for the participating location, activities and any costume or registration guidelines.
Festivals & fairs
Screamfest Halloween Festival 2026
Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley
Friday | Check event listing for times and admission
Screamfest Halloween Festival is a Halloween-themed event featuring seasonal entertainment and activities. Attendees should consult the event listing for the festival program, age recommendations and admission information.
Old Fort Boo Bash 2026
Downtown Old Fort, Old Fort
Saturday, 4-8:30 p.m. | Free admission
Old Fort’s Halloween celebration includes trick-or-treating with downtown businesses and community organizations, music, movies and food. A quieter trick-or-treating period for younger children begins at 4 p.m., followed by additional activities throughout downtown until 8:30 p.m.
Live music & performances
Rockin’ the Ridge 2026
SKYLARANNA Resort & Spa, Hendersonville
Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Ticketed
Rockin’ the Ridge brings a full day of live music to SKYLARANNA, with Preacher Stone headlining a lineup of regional bands. The event also includes a motorcycle show, bike games, food trucks, local vendors, camping and other activities. Organizers say the festival will take place rain or shine.
Arts & culture
Hauntville
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, Asheville
Friday-Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. | Ticketed; ages 18 and older
Hauntville returns with “Hauntville High: Class of ’26,” an immersive haunted theater experience presented in small-group tours. This year’s production transforms the outdoor venue into a fictional school, using live performers, theatrical scenes and horror-themed storytelling. Tours depart at scheduled intervals, and organizers advise participants to arrive before their assigned time.
Owl-O-Ween: A Hootin’ Hollerin’ Halloween Festival!
Kittredge Arts Center, Swannanoa
Friday, 4 p.m. | Check listing for admission details
Owl-O-Ween combines an owl-themed Halloween celebration with seasonal activities. Families should review the event listing for the full program, location and any costume or age recommendations.
| Explore the haunted history of Asheville and WNC – Halloween isn’t just about costumes and haunted attractions. Western North Carolina has its own collection of ghost stories, local legends and places associated with unexplained events. Explore the stories and locations behind the region’s haunted reputation in 828newsNOW’s Haunted Asheville and WNC guide.
Food & drink
Asheville Halloween Bar Crawl 2026
Hi-Wire Brewing South Slope Brewpub and participating downtown venues, Asheville
Saturday, 4-10 p.m. | Ticketed; ages 21 and older
The Asheville Halloween Bar Crawl takes participants to several downtown bars and breweries for a costume-themed evening. Check-in is available at Hi-Wire Brewing or The Tiki Easy Bar, and participants can follow their own route among participating locations. An after-party is planned at Banks Ave.
Hallo-Wine & Candy Pairing
The Refinery at The Foundry Hotel, Asheville
Friday, 6 p.m. | Free admission
Hallo-Wine & Candy Pairing brings Halloween candy and wine together for a seasonal tasting experience. The event also includes complimentary tarot readings at The Refinery in downtown Asheville.
Sober October Non-Alc Tasting Event | Halloween Cocktail Recipes Provided
NØLO Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop at Atomic Furnishing, Asheville
Saturday, 1-4 p.m. | Free admission; ages 21 and older
NØLO will offer samples of nonalcoholic beverages, with staff available to explain different products and their uses in mixed drinks. Attendees can also take home Halloween-themed alcohol-free cocktail recipes.
More Halloween events and weather information
For additional trick-or-treating locations, Halloween parties and other activities across the region, read What to know for Halloween weekend in WNC: Events, weather forecast.
More concerts, festivals and community gatherings can be found on the 828newsNOW events calendar.
Event details are subject to change. Outdoor activities may be affected by rain or other conditions. Check official event listings for updated schedules, admission requirements and weather-related changes before attending.