Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Hosts Annual Family Fall-O-Ween Fall Festival

Buncombe County -- Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s annual Fall-O-Ween Fall Festival is returning to Lake Julian Park on October 21, 2023 from 1-5 p.m.

Buncombe County residents, families, friends and neighbors are invited to experience this spooktacular celebration filled with fall jubilance as the community gathers to celebrate the cooler breeze, changing leaves, pumpkins, and long-sleeves! 

Participants can jump into the fall spirit with various activities such as pumpkin painting (supplies provided at a cost of $4), a cake walk, costume and scarecrow contest with prizes, a craft vendor market, food trucks and sweet treats, a haunted trail walk, and a photobooth. Food trucks will be on-site. Craft vendors include Mountain Otter Candles, Honey Creek Pottery and more. Paddle boat rentals will also be available during the event. 

To participate in the scarecrow contest, all contestants must pre-register here and drop off their scarecrows at Lake Julian between October 14-20. To be directed to your set up site, visit the Park Office at 37 Lake Julian Road when you arrive. All submissions must be considered family friendly and any submission may be rejected. Additionally, we ask that submissions be weather resistant and not be made with any food items. All scarecrows will be displayed for the duration of the Fall Festival on October 21 and will be judged at 4 p.m. Walk-up registration will be available for the youth costume contest. The costume contest is for kids ages 12 and under and will take place at 3 p.m. 

"Our Fall-O-Ween Festival is the perfect opportunity for families and friends to enjoy an afternoon of fall festivities. We can't wait to see everyone's creative costumes and scarecrows!" said Conner White, event coordinator. 

Parking will be available at Lake Julian. Overflow parking will be available at Estes Elementary and Wild Wing Café. Fishing will be allowed. Pets are not recommended at the event, and alcohol is not allowed. 

Before You Go: 

Alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited on the grounds at Lake Julian Park. 
Pre-registration is required to participate in the scarecrow contest. Entries must be dropped off at Lake Julian Park between October 14-20. 
The youth costume contest is walk-up registration for ages 0-12, and participants must be accompanied by a caregiver or guardian. 

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