2026 EVENTS
PRE-HILLOWEEN EVENTS
Travel back in time and take a “hey” ride, just like your grandparents might have taken around scenic Altapass Orchard. This is a great event for folks of all ages.
The cost is $10.00 a person and includes dessert. Children under 4 are free. Reservations are recommended. To reserve your spot call 828-765-9531.
DATE: Saturdays and Sundays in October at 12:30 and 2:30 — LOCATION: 1025 Orchard Road in Spruce PIne
“HEY” RIDES AT ALTAPASS ORCHARD
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
An important part of Hilloween’s mission is to support our county’s young people. We have always worked closely with Mitchell County Schools to distribute new books to every 1st grader. This year, we are very excited to announce that we’re expanding this partnership significantly—and distributing 12 books to every child in Mitchell County Schools from Pre-K to 2nd grade over the 2026-2027 school year. The first distribution of four books per child will happen this October as a kick-off to Hilloween’s 2026 festivities
By the conclusion of this year’s events, Hilloween will have distributed more than 12,000 new books—valued at more than $120,000—to Mitchell County school children.
We are looking forward to welcoming Karen Wynn of WLOS TV-13 Bruce Ikard from WKYK/WTOE and a number of other suprise guest readers at this special event.
Note: While this event is not open to the public, we WILL be distributing free books to children from across the county at a number of other events this week. Please read on below for additional details.
HILLOWEEN BOOK DISTRIBUTION WITH MITCHELL COUNTY SCHOOLS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
MAYLAND’S TRICK-OR-TREAT SPOOKTACULAR WITH FREE BOOKS FROM HILLOWEEN
Bring the kids to celebrate an evening of fun and festivities at the annual Mayland Community College Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular! This FREE event offers trick-or-treating in a safe and friendly environment for kids of all ages–including photos, games and much more.
Kids will be able to explore Mayland’s campus on a unique trick-or-treating adventure, including a hay ride and a close up look at some of the county’s emergency vehicles. Hilloween will also be on hand to distribute new books to children ages 0-18!
DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
TIME: 5 - 7pm
LOCATION: Mayland’s main campus (200 Mayland Drive in Spruce Pine)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL AT DUSK
As the sun sets and the October night settles over the mountain, settle in for an evening of true mountain scary stories and songs with local artists and storytellers Sheila Kay Adams and Donna Ray Norton.
Gather around the pavilion beneath the full moon as Sheila and Donna share some of their favorite tales from the mountains—stories passed down through generations, with just enough mystery and fright to make you look twice into the darkness on your way home.
DATE: Friday, October 23
TIME: 7pm
LOCATION: 1025 Orchard Rd in Spruce Pine
Please see additional information see flier at right.
Tickets are $10 each and the event is recommended for ages 12 and up.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
SPOOKY STORIES AND SONGS AT THE OLD ENGLISH INN
Due to the popularity of this event in previous years, we will be offering TWO NIGHTS of spooky stories and songs this year.
Thursday evening will feature William Ritter and Donna Ray Norton digging into the darker corners of Appalachian tradition with a spooktacular collection of murder ballads, haint tales and strange happenings best told after dark.
This evening will also feature the unveiling of the Hilloween Crankie, a hand-cranked moving panorama created to bring an Appalachian story to life through images, storytelling, and live music.
We are especially proud that the Hilloween Crankie has been created in collaboration with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
DATE: Thursday, October 29
TIME: 7 - 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Old English Inn in Spruce Pine
Please remember to bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on.
For complete details click including PARKING AND SHUTTLE INFORMATION click here.
HILLOWEEN AFTERPARTY IN DOWNTOWN SPRUCE PINE
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT AFTERPARTY
Our friends at both the Spruce Pint Taproom will be staying open after the Old English Inn performance:
SPRUCE PINT TAPROOM: 388 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
SPOOKY STORIES AND SONGS AT THE OLD ENGLISH INN
Due to the popularity of this event in previous years, we will be offering TWO NIGHTS of spooky stories and songs this year starting at 7pm!
On Friday evening, Sheila Kay Adams takes center stage with a collection of her favorite ghost stories, spooky tales, old ballads, and mountain lore gathered from a lifetime in the storytelling and singing traditions of Western North Carolina.
Sheila Kay will be joined by Donna Ray Norton and William Ritter for an evening of songs and stories that have traveled through these mountains for generations.
Friday's performance will also feature the new Hilloween Crankie, our hand-cranked moving panorama created in collaboration with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, combining visual storytelling with live music and traditional narrative.
Come sit beneath the autumn sky, listen to some very old songs, hear a few stories that might make you look over your shoulder on the way back to the car, and spend an evening with traditions that have been haunting these mountains for a very long time.
DATE: Thursday, October 29
TIME: 7 - 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Old English Inn in Spruce Pine
Please rememer to bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on.
For complete details click including PARKING AND SHUTTLE INFORMATION click here.
BAKERSVILLE HALLOWEEN SAFE CIRCLE
Bring the kids to celebrate an evening of fun and festivities at a special Halloween event Bakersville! This FREE event offers trick-or-treating in a safe and friendly environment for kids of all ages–including photos, games and much more.
Hilloween will also be distributing NEW children’s books to children 0-18 in attendance in partnership with the Mitchell County Public Library in Bakersville.
DATE: Friday, October 30 2026
TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Along Laurel and Mitchell Avenue
HILLOWEEN AFTERPARTY IN DOWNTOWN SPRUCE PINE
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT AFTERPARTIES
Our friends at both these locations will be staying open after the Old English Inn performance:
HEF’S: 89 Locust St, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
SPRUCE PINT TAPROOM: 388 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31
SPRUCE PINE FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT
Bring the kids to celebrate an evening trick-or-treating with the downtown businesses of Spruce Pine! This FREE event offers door-to-door style trick-or-treating (while supplies last) in a safe and friendly environment.
Hilloween will also be distributing NEW children’s books at the downtown Spruce Pine Pocket Park to children 0-18 in attendance. More details coming soon!
DATE: Saturday, October 31
TIME: 5-7pm
LOCATION: Participating storefronts on Oak Ave & Locust Street
BULADEAN FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT WITH FREE BOOKS FROM HILLOWEEN
Bring the kids to celebrate an evening of fun and festivities at a special event sponsored by the Buladean Community Foundation! This FREE event offers trick-or-treating in a safe and friendly environment for kids of all ages–including a haunted Fire Station, decorated trunk awards, games and much more.
Hilloween will also be distributing NEW children’s books to children 0-18 in attendance, while supplies last.
DATE: Saturday, October 31
TIME: 6-8pm
LOCATION: Buladean Community Center (12190 Highway NC-226 in Bakersville, NC)
SPRUCE PINT TAPROOM’S FIRST ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY
The Spruce Pint Taproom has all kinds of great things in store for their first annual Halloween Party.
Swing by to join the fun with the Blue Cardinal food truck, a Best Costume contest, and a live performance from the band 30 Ought 6 (starting around 6pm). We hope to see you there! For more information please visit Spruce Pint’s Facebook page.
DATE: Saturday, October 31
TIME: All Evening
LOCATION: Spruce Pint Taproom (388 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC 28777)