Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) brings ghoulish greetings with its annual Festival of Frights starting on October 21. The series of events includes a toddler costume party, nighttime skating, creepy climbing, and trips through a haunted castle, a greenhouse of horror, and a trail of treats.
While Ashevillians can stop in for a spell at these events, APR offers many additional ways to explore, connect, and discover throughout the month without chilling frights. Browse the current program guide, search classes and events online, 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 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 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 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, breakdown, 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.
APR has plenty more in store outside of Festival of Frights including upcoming holiday events, weekly clubs and classes, and more. Check out these resources:
- Fall Program Guide: English | español
- Search Asheville Parks & Recreation Programs Online
- Subscribe to Asheville Parks & Recreation’s Monthly Newsletter
- Visit Parks, Greenways, Playgrounds, and Unique Spaces Throughout Asheville