Asheville/Buncombe -- October 16, 2026: Finding the right Halloween costume this season does not have to strain household budgets or fill up mountain landfills.
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County are teaming up with ReMix It AVL to present the area’s first-ever Costume Swap and Creative Reuse Workshop. The free public initiative aims to provide mountain families with an affordable way to dress up for the holiday while actively keeping seasonal textile waste out of local disposal facilities.
Following nearly two weeks of public collection drives, organizers spent Friday sorting through hundreds of donated outfits, hats, masks, and accessories to prepare for the swap.
When and Where
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
Cost: Completely free admission; prior donation is not required to take home an outfit
Saving Money and Protecting Mountain Landfills
The driving focus behind the collaborative gathering is to make Halloween accessible to every household while diverting synthetic textiles from the Buncombe County Landfill. Mass-produced retail costumes are predominantly crafted from non-biodegradable synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, often ending up in trash bins after just one evening of wear.
Buncombe County Recycling Coordinator Cassi Lohmeyer highlighted that the environmental concern is especially relevant locally. Extending the lifespan of wearable clothing reduces pressure on regional disposal infrastructure and showcases the value of circular reuse throughout Western North Carolina.
What Attendees Can Expect
Free Costume Selection: Residents of all ages can browse organized racks of full outfits, garments, and seasonal accessories at no charge.
Creative Reuse Creature Lab: Dedicated crafting stations stocked with reclaimed materials, tools, and scrap fabric will allow visitors to alter, mend, or design custom pieces on-site.
Community Distribution: Any usable costumes and accessories remaining after the event wraps up will be handed over to regional mutual aid groups and local partners rather than discarded.
The event offers area families a creative, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious alternative to mass retail shopping ahead of the holiday.