2024 EVENTS
EVENTS OVERVIEW
Please download our full calendar of events here. Unless otherwise noted, all events—including our concert on Saturday night headlined by Old Crow Medicine Show—are free and open to the public.
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 a part of more than $1,500 in cash prizes. Click here to sign up or click below for additional 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
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
HILLOWEEN SCARE CAMP
Join us for a workshop on the Art of the Haunt with experienced Haunted House designers and actors!
Are you an adult or teen aged 16+ who who love all things Horror and Halloween? If so we have the event for you. Join experienced haunt experts for this workshop focusing on scare strategy, haunted character design, and scare immersion methods. You will also have the opportunity (only if you’re interested, no obligation!) to sign up to be a performer or design assistant in Hilloween’s 2nd Annual Haunted Schoolhouse from October 21-26. Refreshments will be provided!
DATE: Saturday, October 5 from 10am-1pm — LOCATION: Buladean Community Foundation, 12190 NC-226, Buladean, NC 28705
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
BOOK DISTRIBUTION OF 1831 NEW BOOKS TO LOCAL CHILDREN
This year Hilloween will be distributing 1,831 new books to local schoolchildren to commemorate the unsolved murder of Charlie Silver in 1831. Young people growing up in Frankie and Charlie’s day typically had very low literacy skills, especially girls and children growing up with fewer resources. Happily much has changed and Hilloween is doing what it can to ensure that all children growing up in these hills today have access to new books of their own. By the conclusion of this year’s events, Hilloween will have distributed more than 4,000 new books—valued at more than $32,000—to Mitchell County school children.
Today we will be joined by Karen Wynn of WLOS TV-13 to begin distributing new books to every first grader in Mitchell County.
Note: While this event is not open to the public, we WILL be distributing free books to any child attending our Ol’ Fashioned Children’s Carnival on Thursday 10/24 and our Street Festival on Friday 10/26.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
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. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
DATE: Wednesday, 10/23 - TIME: 7:00 - 10:00pm - LOCATION: Buladean Community Foundation (12190 NC-226 in Bakersville, NC)
Note: The haunted school house will run Weds 10/23 - Sat 10/26. Due to the incredible response from visitors last year, the LINE WILL OPEN AT 6:30 PM and the LINE WILL CLOSE AT 10:00 PM. Please secure your spot in line by 10:00 pm.
FAMILY FEUD AT BIERDOCK BREWERY
You may be familiar with Family Feud from TV, but we promise you’ve never seen anything like the Hilloween version! Come join us for a special Hilloween themed night of feudin’ fun starting at around 6pm (location TBA).
More information coming soon!
DATE: Wednesday, 10/23 - TIME: 6 - 8:30 pm - LOCATION: TBA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
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, 10/24 from 5 to 7pm at Mayland Community College
OL’ FASHIONED CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL
This is where the party is on Thursday 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: Thursday, 10/24 - TIME: 5-8 pm - LOCATION: Bowman Middle School in 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. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
DATE: Thursday, 10/24 - TIME: 7:00 - 10:00pm - LOCATION: Buladean Community Foundation (12190 NC-226 in Bakersville, NC)
Note: The haunted school house will run Weds 10/23 - Sat 10/26. Due to the incredible response from visitors last year, the LINE WILL OPEN AT 6:30 PM and the LINE WILL CLOSE AT 10:00 PM. Please secure your spot in line by 10:00 pm.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
HILLOWEEN HALF TIME SHOW AT MHS FOOTBALL GAME
This is where the party is on Friday night!
Join us at to cheer on the Mitchell County Mountaineers and enjoy our first-ever Hilloween Half Time Show, including a special musical guest The Ali Randolph Band!
DATE: Friday, 10/25 - Game starts at 7:30 pm - LOCATION: MHS Stadium; 600 Ledger School Rd. Bakersville, NC 28705
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 is one of our most popular events each year and will feature award-winning storytellers and host Brenda Sparks. Please bring a chair or a blanket and join us on the lawn—if you dare!
DETAILS: This year we will be offering TWO SHOWS on Friday 10/25 thanks to popular demand. The first show will be from 5:30 to 6:30 (appropriate for folks of all ages) and 7:30 to 9:00 (designed for ages 12+) 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.
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, 10/25 - TIME: TBD LOCATION: Downtown Spruce Pine
HALLOWEEN KARAOKE + COSTUME PARTY
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 for a special Halloween-themed Karaoke + Costume party… featuring a DJ and dancing all night long. Costumes encouraged!
DATE: Friday, 10/25 - TIME: 8pm - ??? LOCATION: The Dispensary (269 Oak Avenue 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. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
DATE: Friday, 10/25 - TIME: 7:00 - 10:00pm - LOCATION: Buladean Community Foundation (12190 NC-226 in Bakersville, NC)
Note: The haunted school house will run Weds 10/23 - Sat 10/26. Due to the incredible response from visitors last year, the LINE WILL OPEN AT 6:30 PM and the LINE WILL CLOSE AT 10:00 PM. Please secure your spot in line by 10:00 pm.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
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 10/26 a little before 10am. 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 1:30pm at the Spruce Pine Visitors Center. Prizes will include a $250 first prize, a $150 second prize, and a $100 third prize.
DATE: Saturday, 10/26 - TIME: 10 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 26th at 2:30 at Treats Studios, 216 Oak Avenue in Spruce Pine. The judging will start at 2:30 and entrants will be accepted until 4pm.
After the contest, join us on Lower Street for the Hilloween Street Festival, winners will be announced from the main stage later that afternoon/evening.
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 three 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 previous winners here.
DATE: Saturday, 10/26 - TIME: 2:30 - 4:00pm - LOCATION: Treats Studios (216 Oak Avenue in Spruce Pine)
SPRUCE PINE STREET FESTIVAL
This year’s Hillloween Street Festival and free concert will feature our 2024 headliner OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW. Join America’s most beloved old-time string band as they sing their signature song “Wagon Wheel,” share their newest hits, and celebrate the history and mystery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
DATE: Saturday October 26 from 2pm until ~11pm
LOCATION: 89 Locust Street in downtown Spruce Pine, NC
TICKETS: This concert is free, but please join our facebook group here to stay up to date on all the de
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. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
DATE: Saturday, 10/26 - TIME: 7:00 - 10:00pm - LOCATION: Buladean Community Foundation (12190 NC-226 in Bakersville, NC)
Note: The haunted school house will run Weds 10/23 - Sat 10/26. Due to the incredible response from visitors last year, the LINE WILL OPEN AT 6:30 PM and the LINE WILL CLOSE AT 10:00 PM. Please secure your spot in line by 10:00 pm.