A Bustling Saturday in Asheville: Haunts, Entrepreneurs, and Community Events

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Saturday, October 18, 2025. Today’s weather looks fantastic: mostly sunny skies with a high near 79, which is comfortable and perfect for getting outside. But if you’re planning your weekend, keep an eye out for nippy temperatures returning Sunday, with highs dropping to the low 60s and even chillier nights, so enjoy the warmth while it lasts. For families and Halloween lovers, the Adventure Center of Asheville is putting on its 13th annual Haunted Trail all evening. It’s Asheville’s only family-friendly haunt, with live outdoor theatre, a glow-in-the-dark aerial trail, and the ever-popular Pirates Cove featuring a 30-foot pirate ship escape room and live mermaid encounters. For nervous little monsters, there’s a “Sweet Peek” tour before sundown, actor-free and just the right amount of spooky. The Haunted Trail raises meals for MANNA foodbank, so every ticket also helps fight hunger in our community. For young entrepreneurs and Bulldog fans, it’s a lively afternoon at UNC Asheville, with the Children’s Entrepreneur Market setting up alongside the women’s soccer game. Local kids are selling their own crafts and treats, making for a fun blend of soccer spirit and creativity. Meanwhile, Steadfast Church on Brevard Road is hosting a free fall festival with trunk-or-treat, carnival games, food, live music, and yes, llamas. It’s a great stop for families looking for autumn fun. If you’re wandering through the River Arts District, swing by the RAD Art Market Saturday for creative finds or check out the “Multiply Creativity with 310 ART” event for unique workshops and inspired art. Later this evening, The Radical Asheville hosts an album release party at afterglow from 6:30 to 10, promising music and celebration for local artists. Not to be missed, today is also the parade of homes hosted by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge, with open houses throughout western North Carolina showcasing the region’s architecture and talent. And for those up for a festival, the LEAF Festival kicks off in Black Mountain with music, art, and food running well into the night. On the news front, Asheville continues to see a drop in violent crime according to local police data, though community leaders say many residents’ perceptions still lag behind the improvements. Efforts around flood prevention are gaining traction, especially after last year’s Helene storm left the city working on upgraded infrastructure in areas like the River Arts District. The search for answers continues in Buncombe County after a husband and wife were found dead in Fairview; authorities are investigating. In Avery County, officials confirmed a fatal plane crash yesterday and are working on updates for families. People across western North Carolina will be coming together for the “No Kings” rallies today, a protest drawing thousands to voice concerns about national policy and leadership. If you’re driving near downtown or courth This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.