Pumpkin season arrives! Plan your week ahead with WNC Parent – Sept. 30

Pumpkins are everywhere, the leaves are changing, there’s a distinct chill in the air – it’s time to make festival and Halloween plans. There is so much happening this month. Take a look at our very full calendar, find a wealth of events, support, and much more – with updates each week – at wncparent.com.

Stay in touch on social media @wncparent, and get your organization’s family-friendly events on our calendar by emailing [email protected].

The Carolina Renaissance Festival opens Oct. 1 and continues Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 20 in Huntersville, North Carolina. For a full schedule, driving directions, tickets and details, visit carolina.renfestinfo.com.

Asheville VeganFest is 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Oct. 2 at Pack Square Park. The event includes children’s activities, face painting and more. For details, visit ashevilleveganfest.com.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Week Oct. 4 – 7 at Hands On! Children's Museum in Hendersonville. Experience the new Día de Muertos Exhibit. Story time is at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday – Friday with special character guest, Mirabel from the family Madrigal. Visit handsonwnc.org.

2022 Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park opens Oct. 7 in Brevard, North Carolina. The event benefits the Friends of Silvermont and includes a pumpkin trail, music, tours, a white squirrel search and much more. For details, visit silvermont.org.

The 10^th Annual Haunted Trail and Glow Trail is at Adventure Center of Asheville. The trail includes 15 live-action outdoor scenes with lights and spooky sounds. It is a live theatrical experience on an outdoor trail without contact or gore. Geared towards families with children ages 3 – 12, visit the Alien Landing, Creepy Circus and Haunted Pumpkin Patch which are all a part of the trail. A “Sweet Peek Tour” is offered at 6:30 p.m. This is a guided tour for younger guests. The trail is actor free at this time and they can decide if they would like to re-enter the line and receive the full show. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/asheville-haunted-trail.

Join in a Tiny Art Show at the Leicester Library. Patrons ages 12 and older are invited to display their artistic talents. Pick up a mini art kit from the library, paint your canvas, and return it to the library by Nov. 5 to participate in the art show. Supplies are limited. The Tiny Art Show Opening Reception is at 2 p.m. Nov. 19. Art will be on display through January 2023. Visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/branch-locations/leicester.aspx.

Autumn Ambles are 4 – 5 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday in October at the Highlands Botanical Garden. Explore with naturalists to discover what leaves are changing and the (science of) why. This program is weather-dependent. Visit highlandsbiological.org/nature-center.The Eliada Fall Festival and Corn Maze continues Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Oct. 30. For details and tickets, visit eliada.org/events-sponsorship/corn-maze-2.

Tweetsie’s Ghost Train Halloween Celebration continues every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 29. The event includes dance parties, trick-or-treat stations, themed photo opportunities, and the all new Palace Spooktacular Show. For adults and older children, there is a scary night-time journey on the Ghost Train, walking through the Haunted House and more. Tickets are sold in advance for a designated night with a scheduled train ride departure time. Visit tweetsie.com/special-events/ghost-train.

The Harvest Festival continues through Oct. 29 at Dollywood. For a schedule of events, visit dollywood.com.

Looking ahead:

The Trick or Trail 5K is Oct. 22 in the Historic 7th Avenue District of Hendersonville, North Carolina. For details and registration, visit idaph.net.

For parents:

Women's Pedal Fest is Nov. 11 – 13 at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Meet fellow bikers, enjoy fireside events and music, hit the local trails with instructors, and sign up for expert clinics. Visit noc.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Plan your week ahead with WNC Parent – Sept. 30