EVENTS
EVENTS OVERVIEW
We’ve organized a series of events across the county leading up to Halloween. Unless otherwise noted all events are free and open to the public. Interested in volunteering with Hilloween? Please sign up here.
PRE-HILLOWEEN EVENTS
HOME + BUSINESS DECORATING CONTEST
Do you love Halloween? Do you go all-out decorating every year? Have you thought about decorating for Halloween but just haven’t found the motivation? Then we’ve got a contest for you! Join the Hilloween Yard/Home Decorating Contest! Join in on the fun AND have the opportunity to win cash prizes. Turn your business, yard, porch, or house into a Halloween masterpiece. Prizes will include: a $500 *Spooktacular* Grand Prize, a $250 *Boo-tiful* Second Prize, and a $100 *Scare-raising* Third Prize. Click the blue box below for more details and sign-up information.
“HEY” RIDES AT ALTAPASS ORCHARD
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 $7.00 a person and 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
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25
HAUNTED SCHOOLHOUSE IN BULADEAN
You might have visited haunted houses before, but we promise you've never seen anything like this! This signature haunted schoolhouse – created in partnership with the North Carolina School of the Arts – is a one of a kind experience introducing guests to the mystery and haunted history of Mitchell County.
This event will include lots of thrills and chills and is recommended for adults and children ages 13 and up.
DATE: Wednesday, 10/25 - TIME: 7:30 - 10:00pm - LOCATION: Buladean Community Foundation (12190 NC-226 in Bakersville, NC)
Note: The haunted school house will run Weds 10/25 - Sat 10/28
TRIVIA NIGHT AT BIERDOCK BREWERY
Brush up on your Halloween history as well stories about local haunts and legends. Our friends at Bierdock Brewery for a special Hilloween themed trivia round starting at 6pm.
This is a perfect opportunity to bring together a group of friends to create your own casual (or competitive!) trivia team. There will be several rounds of trivia, including one entire round devoted to local history and lore.
DATE: Wednesday, 10/25 - TIME: 6 - 8:30 pm - LOCATION: 123 Bierdock Brewery in Spruce PIne
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26
TRICK-OR-TREAT SPOOKTACULAR AT MCC
Bring the kids to celebrate a night of fun and festivities at the annual MCC 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. The first 500 children will also receive a free Mayland Trick-or-Treating Bag to carry home all their goodies. This visit will be held rain or shine, Visit MCC’s Facebook page for more details and updates.
DETAILS: Thursday, 10/26 from 5 to 7pm at Mayland Community College
CHILDREN’S MASK MAKING WORKSHOP
Join this Penland workshop and learn to make a fancy paper face mask representing your favorite animal or character! Participants will create fun masks using cardboard, paper, tape, paste and other exciting materials. Come with ideas and images for what you would like to make, and we will help you make it a reality!
NOTE: THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY FULL. To join the waiting list, please email commcollaboration@penland.org with the name and age of each participant, and a cell phone where the guardian can be reached. Participation is free.
DATE: Thursday, 10/26 - TIME: 5 to 6:30pm - LOCATION: Mitchell County Library in Bakersville (18 North Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville)
BAKERSVILLE NIGHT FESTIVAL
Join us a Halloween street festival in downtown Bakersville. This year’s festival will feature the largest sound and light production of its kind in Western North Carolina history. This production will focus on the fantastically spooky legend of Frankie and Charlie and be projected onto the historic courthouse. This multi-media experience has been created by the University of North Carolina School for the Arts, which has previously created similar productions for projection onto the White House in Washington, DC.
We will also have activities for the whole family, including a free performances by Will Ritter, Donna Ray Norton by the Ali Randolph Band. There will also be axe-throwing, a neon dance party on Mitchell Avenue, and food/drink for sale from local partners.
DATE: Thursday, 10/26 - TIME: 6:30-9:30 pm - LOCATION: Downtown Bakersville
HAUNTED SCHOOLHOUSE IN BULADEAN
You might have visited haunted houses before, but we promise you've never seen anything like this. This signature haunted schoolhouse–created in partnership with the North Carolina School of the Arts–is a one of a kind experience introducing guests to the mystery and haunted history of Mitchell County.
This event will include lots of thrills and chills and is recommended for adults and children ages 13 and up.
DATE: Thursday, 10/26 - TIME: 7:30 - 10:00pm - LOCATION: Buladean Community Foundation (12190 NC-226 in Bakersville, NC).
Note: The haunted school house will run Weds 10/25 - Sat 10/28
HALLOWEEN KARAOKE @ MOONDUST LOUNGE
Do you have an inner songbird? Do you love to dress up in costume? Even if the answer to both of these are no, do you like to be around people who do?
Join us at Moondust Lounge for a special Halloween-themed Karaoke night… featuring all songs evil, scary, witchy, and Halloween related. Costumes encouraged!
DATE: Thursday, 10/26 starting at 8pm - LOCATION: Moondust Lounge: 116 Oak Ave in Spruce Pine
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27
OL’ FASHIONED CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL
This is where the party is on Friday night! Join us at Bowman Middle School in Bakersville for our ol’ fashioned children’s Halloween carnival, just like your parents or grandparents might have enjoyed, but with some modern updates to keep things interesting. Don’t miss a special free performance by the Ali Randolph Band. We will also have special Halloween-themed carnival games for kids of all ages. There will also be lots of other fun events planned; including axe throwing and other surprises!
DATE: Friday, 10/27 - TIME: 5-8 pm - LOCATION: Bowman Middle School in Bakersville
GHOST STORIES AT THE OLD ENGLISH INN
Join us for a free evening of Appalachian Ghost Stories and Spooky Old Songs at one of the very oldest log structures in NC. We aren’t saying that the Old English Inn is haunted, but these hills are certainly full of stories about all kinds of things that can’t be explained.
This was an incredibly popular event last year in a spooktacular setting. This event will feature award-winning storytellers Sheila Kay Adams, William Ritter, Donna Ray Norton, and host Brenda Sparks.
Please bring a chair or a blanket and join us on the lawn—if you dare!
DETAILS: Friday, 10/27 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Old English Inn (240 English Rd in Spruce Pine)
HAUNTED PUB CRAWL IN SPRUCE PINE
Welcome to the state's shortest pub crawl! Come join us on a walk through downtown Spruce Pine and hear about some of our local lore and legends... plus themed beverages from four of our local bars. This event has limited capacity and WILL SELL OUT. Click below to learn more and reserve your spot!
This crawl will be structured into two groups, with one group assembling at 5:45 and one assembling at 6:15 in the parking lot of the Blue Ridge Home Care (189 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine). After showing your ID to one of our Boo Crew team members, you will receive a swag bag (includes coozie, cup, and snack) and load onto our shuttle to be dropped off at our first destination. While the pub crawl will officially end around 8:30, feel free to stay as long as you’d like!
The cost for a ticket is $10 (cash only) plus the cost of beverages you purchase and tips for your servers. Happy Haunting!!
DATE: Friday, 10/27 - TIME: starting at 5:46/6:15 pm - LOCATION: Downtown Spruce Pine
HAUNTED SCHOOLHOUSE IN BULADEAN
You might have visited haunted houses before, but we promise you've never seen anything like this. This signature haunted schoolhouse–created in partnership with the North Carolina School of the Arts–is a one of a kind experience introducing guests to the mystery and haunted history of Mitchell County.
This event will include lots of thrills and chills and is recommended for adults and children ages 13 and up.
DETAILS: Friday, 10/27 from 7:30 - 10:30 pm at the Buladean Community Foundation (12190 NC-226 in Bakersville, NC)
***UPDATE***
Due to the incredible response from visitors to the Haunted Schoolhouse — and very long lines — please secure your spot in line by 9:30 to guarantee entrance before the event closes at 10:30pm.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT (COUNTYWIDE)
Join us for a photo scavenger hunt allowing you, your family, and friends to explore the history and mystery of Mitchell County. To participate, first pull together your team (teams can be any size). Then, bring your team to the Spruce Pine Visitor's Center at 165 Locust Street (across from the train depot) on Saturday morning 10/28 a little before 11am. Once you have solved as many clues as possible, bring your scavenger hunt form back to Betsy at the Spruce Pine Visitor's Center and she will check your work. Prizes will be awarded at 3pm at the Spruce Pine Visitors Center. Prizes will include a $250 first prize, a $150 second prize, and a $100 third prize.
DATE: Saturday, 10/28 - TIME: 11 am; starts at 165 Locust Street in Spruce Pine
TRICK OR TREATS’ ANNUAL HOMEMADE COSTUME CONTEST
Join us for a very special handmade costume competition presented by Treats Studios! Store-bought costumes won’t cut it for this competition, folks dust off your glue guns and your creativity. Hop into your costumes and join us on Saturday, October 28th at Treats Studios, 216 Oak Avenue in Spruce Pine. The judging will start at 2:30 pm and then anyone who would like will join us for a short parade down to lower street for the announcement of the winners from the Hilloween stage at around 5pm.
Judging will be based on Craftsmanship, Creativity, Spirit/Character, and X-factor. This year, we will be awarding cash prices (first place = $250, second place = $100) in four categories: Children (Ages 14 and under), Adult (Ages 15 and. up), Group (2 or more people), plus one Grand Prize winner of $500. Want to learn more? Check out last year’s winners here.
DATE: Saturday, 10/28 - TIME: 2:30 - LOCATION: Treats Studios
SPRUCE PINE STREET FESTIVAL
This is the place to be on Saturday evening. Join us for an haunted street festival on Lower/Locust Street in beautiful Spruce Pine, including a free concert by grammy-winning bluegrass icon, Del McCoury.
In addition to the Del McCoury Band, we are also thrilled to welcome performers Bandana Rhythm, Sheila Kay Adams, and Will Ritter.
Join us for an evening of spooky fun that will also include a Hilloween blood drive for local hospitals, food + drink available at local restaurants, announcements of Hilloween prize winners and more. Please bring a blanket or a lawn chair for the special performances, get comfy and enjoy!
DATE: Saturday, 10/28 - TIME: 4-8:30 pm - LOCATION: Locust Street in Spruce Pine
HAUNTED MINI GOLF AT VIC’S PLACE
Our friends at Vic’s Place Mini Golf are hosting a special haunted golf course on with all kind of spooky fun. This is 18 hole golf course promises to be very spooky and scary, so you might best leave young kids at home and come enjoy yourself with other adults. Recommended for those ages 10 and up.
Cost: $8 per person.
DATE: Saturday, 10/28 - TIME: 6-10 pm - LOCATION: Vic’s Place Mini Golf (67 Meadow View Rd in Spruce Pine)
HAUNTED SCHOOLHOUSE IN BULADEAN
You might have visited haunted houses before, but we promise you've never seen anything like this. This signature haunted schoolhouse–created in partnership with the North Carolina School of the Arts–is a one of a kind experience introducing guests to the mystery and haunted history of Mitchell County.
This event will include lots of thrills and chills and is recommended for adults and children ages 13 and up.
DETAILS: Saturday, 10/28 from 7:30 - 10:30 pm at the Buladean Community Foundation (12190 NC-226 in Bakersville, NC)
***UPDATE***
Due to the incredible response from visitors to the Haunted Schoolhouse — and very long lines — please secure your spot in line by 9:30 to guarantee entrance before the event closes at 10:30pm.