The Town of Boone and the Downtown Boone Development Association will host Boone BOO!, the annual family-friendly downtown Halloween celebration, on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The town released a 2026 downtown guide detailing road closures, parking, trick-or-treating, and event activities.

To ensure pedestrian safety for the event, King Street will be closed from College Street to Burrell Street. Additionally, Depot Street will close from Rivers Street to Queen Street, and Howard Street will be closed from Appalachian Street to Burrell Street, though it will remain open for local traffic exiting the area. Vehicular access restrictions will begin around 3:55 p.m., with streets reopening by 7 p.m. or once safely cleared of pedestrians and objects. Through traffic is advised to use Highway 105, the 105 Bypass, or Rivers Street. Queen Street will stay open for parking and local traffic, but drivers should be mindful of increased pedestrian activity.

Downtown metered parking will be available, and time violations will not be enforced after 2 p.m. Vehicles not planning to stay for the event should be moved by 3 p.m. Any vehicles left on the closed sections of King or Depot streets when the event begins may not be permitted to move until the streets reopen. For additional free public parking, attendees can utilize the First Baptist Church lower parking lot, Austin and Barnes Funeral Home (unless a service is underway), and designated public lots on the Appalachian State University campus. Drivers should follow posted signage.

Participating downtown merchants will distribute candy and treats between 4 and 6:30 p.m. Businesses are encouraged to set up their treat stations outside on the street or at their storefronts to allow trick-or-treaters to avoid going indoors. Businesses located outside the specific closed street portions are also invited to participate.

Halloween activities will commence earlier in the day at the Watauga County Public Library, starting at 3 p.m. On King Street, local clogging and dance groups will perform a choreographed routine at 4:15 p.m. The Jones House will once again host its annual haunted house, complete with additional activities on its lawn. First Baptist Church of Boone will also host a Trunk or Treat event in its upper parking lot.

The annual costume contest is scheduled for King Street, directly in front of the Jones House. Participants should line up starting at 4:30 p.m., with judging set to begin at 5 p.m. Costumes will be evaluated in five distinct categories: children 5 years old and younger, children aged 6 to 10, individuals aged 11 to 17, couples, and groups.

In support of the Teal Pumpkin Project, businesses are encouraged to offer allergy-friendly and non-candy treats. Participating locations may be identified by a teal pumpkin container or specific signage. Businesses interested in obtaining supplies for this initiative or wishing to donate a prize for the costume contest can contact Lane Moody at [email protected]. To help decorate storefronts, Halloween inflatables are available for businesses to pick up at the Jones House on Oct. 29 or 30, and can be returned any weekday after the event. The Jones House can be reached at 828-268-6280 for inquiries about inflatables.

Beyond the downtown Boone BOO! celebration, several other Halloween-themed events are planned in the area. The Watauga Rec Center will host a Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Caldwell Community College has scheduled its Trunk or Treat for Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Blowing Rock Halloween Festival is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, beginning at 5:45 p.m. Finally, the Boone Mall will host a Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Public restrooms for attendees are conveniently located next to Town Hall. More information about Boone BOO! is available online at joneshouse.org/BooneBoo. For direct questions, individuals can contact Downtown Development Director Lane Moody at [email protected].