Trick-or-treat hours in Asheville 2026

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Updated each year. Facts on this page come from the City of Asheville and Asheville Parks and Recreation’s Festival of Frights list. Parks and Recreation: 828-259-5800. Police non-emergency: 828-252-1110.

The City of Asheville does not designate official trick-or-treat days or hours, the city has said in its Halloween guidance. Halloween is Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, and Asheville families go out that evening. If your neighborhood association or HOA sets hours, those apply on your street.

Who to call

• Asheville Parks and Recreation events: 828-259-5800, parks@ashevillenc.gov
• Something suspicious in your child’s candy: Asheville Police Department, 828-252-1110 (non-emergency)
• Emergency: 911
• Register for city events: program search

City Halloween events

From Asheville Parks and Recreation’s 2026 Festival of Frights. Children under 14 must come with an adult.

For adults, the city adds a murder mystery party Oct. 21, pumpkin power carving Oct. 27 and horror movie trivia Oct. 28; see things to do this month.

Halloween on Vermont Avenue

West Asheville’s Vermont Avenue has drawn hundreds of costumed trick-or-treaters for years, with houses decorated and hosts in costume. In past years neighbors have had a city permit to close most of the street to cars on Halloween evening, and the city has asked visitors to park at West Asheville Park or along Haywood Road, or to walk or bike, according to its past notices. The 2026 closure times had not been posted when this page was checked; this page will be updated when the city announces them.

Safety

The city passes on these tips from NCDOT’s Watch for Me NC program and the FDA, in its Halloween safety notice:

• Plan a route and a time to be home, and send an adult or responsible older youth with children under 12.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks, or add reflective tape to costumes.
• Walk on sidewalks, not in the street. Where there is no sidewalk, walk on the left, facing traffic. Do not cut across yards or driveways.
• Turn your porch light on if you are handing out candy, and off if you are not or have run out.
• Drivers: go slowly through neighborhoods, watch for children between parked cars and enter and leave driveways carefully.
• Check candy at home before anyone eats it. If you find something that looks dangerous, do not touch it; call the Asheville Police Department.

Daylight saving time ends early Sunday, Nov. 1, the morning after Halloween.

Trash after Halloween

Pumpkins can go to the Take Back Jack pumpkin composting event, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at New Belgium Brewing, the city announced. More in our trash and recycling guide.

What this means for you

• No official hours: trick-or-treat Saturday evening, Oct. 31.
• The free city Trunk or Treat Fest is 6 to 8 p.m. at the Shiloh center.
• Lights on if you are handing out candy.

More: fall festivals and pumpkin patches.

Frequently asked questions

What are the trick-or-treat hours in Asheville in 2026?

The City of Asheville does not set official trick-or-treat days or hours. Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, and families trick-or-treat that evening.

Is there a trunk-or-treat in Asheville?

Yes. Asheville Parks and Recreation holds a free Trunk or Treat Fest from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Linwood Crump Shiloh Center, 121 Shiloh Road, for children 12 and under with an adult.

What Halloween events are there for toddlers in Asheville?

Kooky Spooky Toddler Fun runs 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Stephens-Lee Center for $5, and Toddler Spooky Crafting meets Wednesday evenings in October at the Tempie Avery Montford Center.

How do I keep trick-or-treaters safe in Asheville?

The city passes on NCDOT advice: plan a route, have an adult with children under 12, carry a flashlight or glow sticks, walk on sidewalks or facing traffic, and drive slowly through neighborhoods.