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. To investigate places around town where the wind whispers in the trees, take the Fall for APR selfie challenge and receive a free APR tote bag.
Kooky Spooky Halloween Party – October 21, 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 21, 6 -10:30 p.m.
Carrier Park (220 Amboy Rd.)
FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)
Lace up your skates and roll-bounce to a soundtrack of Halloween favorites under the night sky. Skates not provided; bring your own. For more info, call 828-274-7739.
Halloween Creepy Climbing – October 22, 6 -8:30 p.m.
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Ave.)
FREE | Ages: 5 and older (under 16 must be with adult)
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. Advanced registration is required as space is limited. For more info, call 828-253-3714.
Haunted Castle on the Hill – October 28-29, 7-10 p.m.
Stephens-Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave.)
$3 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.
Halloween Boo’th Fest – October 31, 6-8 p.m.
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center (121 Shiloh Rd.)
FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)
Put on your costume, make memories, and take pics along an indoor trail that’s more treats than tricks! For more info, call 828-274-7739.
Greenhouse of Horror – October 31, 4-8 p.m.
Grove Street Community Center (36 Grove St., formerly known as Senior Opportunity Center)
FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)
Experience a haunted greenhouse where the plants come alive at night. Each explorer also receives a plant goodie bag and light bites in addition to light-hearted scares. For more info, call 828-350-2062.
Want to volunteer?
APR relies on the help of community members who like to make Festival of Frights take place. 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 individual locations at the numbers listed above or email parks@ashevillenc.gov.
Asheville Parks & Recreation
Established in 1956, Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With 8 miles of paved greenways and numerous natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city.
Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For the latest updates, follow the department on Facebook @aprca and Instagram @ashevilleparksandrecreation or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.