If you are new to Asheville you might wonder “when Halloween is celebrated,” since Oct. 31 falls on a Tuesday this year. If you’ve been here a while you know: It’s on Oct. 31!
The City of Asheville does not designate official days or hours for trick or treating. But we’d like to make you aware of some street closings for special events and offer some safety tips for little goblins venturing into the night Oct. 31.
City-sponsored events
- A Montford Fall-O-Ween Festival hosted by Asheville Parks & Recreation will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Drive. This kid-friendly event will feature games, crafts and fun for the whole family.
- Then there is Halloween Night at B Street, also hosted by Asheville Parks & Recreation, from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at the pin Burton Street Rec Center, 134 Burton St. This kid-friendly event will feature food, games and music.
Special events
These events permitted by the City of Asheville will have some neighborhood traffic impacts:
- Asheville on Bikes hosts its Pumpkin Pedallar Saturday, Oct. 28. The start and end route is at New Belgium Brewery on Craven Street. Be on the lookout for bicyclists between 3 and 6 p.m. The group has hired Asheville Police to assist with safety and traffic control.
- Halloween on Vermont Avenue in West Asheville is an event, so much so that the neighborhood gets a permit to close the street to vehicular traffic from 5 to 9:15 p.m. Houses along the street are lavishly decorated, attracting throngs of colorfully costumed candy seekers. Find out more at http://vermontavehalloween.com.
- Also on Oct. 31, Eblen Charities hosts a neighborhood block/Halloween party on Bevlyn Drive in South Asheville. The street, situated between Overlook Drive and Hendersonville Road, will be blocked to cars from 4 to 8 p.m.
Tips for trick or treaters
Traffic safety and awareness are an important component of a happy Halloween. The Asheville Police Department offers these tips:
- Only walk on sidewalks. If it is not possible, walk along the far edge of the road facing traffic.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks.
- Carry a flashlight while trick or treating to see where you are going and to help others see you.
- Enter homes only if you are with a trusted adult.
- Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses.
- Never accept rides from strangers.
- Wear flame-resistant costumes. Keep well away from lit candles, pumpkins or luminaries.
Asheville’s Montford and Kenilworth neighborhoods are also known for festive Halloween celebrations but there are no official street closings permitted by the City of Asheville in those areas.
Have a safe and happy Halloween, Asheville!