They say that Halloween is the spookiest time of the year. Legend warns it’s when the veil between our world and the afterworld is thin and spirits can easily pass from one side to another. We don’t know about that, but we do know it’s one of the “funnest” times of the year. Check out these family-friendly events in our local communities.

Not So Spooky Halloween Stroll for Families – Thursday, October 28, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Columbia – Wear your best costume and meet at the Richland Library on Assembly Street at the Hampton Street Plaza. Then stroll through the Main Street District for treats (absolutely no tricks!!). 

Trick or Treat in the ARTS District – Saturday, October 30, Noon-4 p.m., Winston-Salem – Enjoy creativity and works of art, community, and architecture while visiting galleries, stores, restaurants, and businesses in Winston-Salem’s Downtown Arts District. 

Treats on the Street – Saturday, October 30, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Waynesville – Little goblins, fairies, werewolves, and monsters of all kinds love visiting Downtown Waynesville for this event. Remember, Main Street is closed during the event – ample parking is available on side streets and in the parking deck at the Courthouse. 

Halloween in the City – Sunday, October 31, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Knoxville – Who says trick or treating is just for kids? Certainly not Knoxville! In fact, the whole family can enjoy the event, even pets! We can’t wait to see your costumes and don’t forget to register for special drawings. Orange and black balloons denote participating businesses. 

Downtown BOO! – Sunday, October 31, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., Boone – Are you ready for some silly and spooky fun? Bring the whole family for an afternoon of surprises and sweet treats. Businesses in the downtown area will have candy and other treats. Stop by the Watauga County Library for the Book Character Scavenger Hunt and interactive Story Walk. There’s even more “spooky fun” at the Jones House Community Center. 

Treat Street Carnival – Sunday, October 31, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Hendersonville – Show us your best Monster Mash at the street dance, play in inflatable bounce houses, enjoy live music, and register for the costume contest (registration 4 p.m., judging at 5 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse). Trick or treat up and down Main Street and throughout the downtown district. 

However you celebrate Halloween, we want you to be safe. Always accompany small children while they are out trick or treating. Wear bright colors and apply reflective tape on your costumes to help with visibility. Remove masks when walking between houses. Remember, kids are excited with their candy hauls at Halloween and may behave in unpredictable ways, so pay extra attention when driving through popular neighborhoods. Happy Halloween!