Last Updated on October 18, 2026 5:58 pm
BOONE — 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 covering road closures, parking, trick-or-treating, activities and other event-day details.
Road closures
King Street will be closed from College Street to Burrell Street, Depot Street from Rivers Street to Queen Street, and Howard Street from Appalachian Street to Burrell Street, where it will be open only to local traffic exiting. Vehicular access will be restricted beginning at about 3:55 p.m., and streets will stay closed until 7 p.m. or until the road is safely cleared of pedestrians and objects.
Through traffic can use Highway 105, the 105 Bypass or Rivers Street. Queen Street will remain open for parking and local traffic, but drivers should watch for pedestrians.
Parking
Downtown metered parking is available, and time violations will not be enforced after 2 p.m. Vehicles not staying for the event should be moved by 3 p.m. Any vehicles left on the closed portions of King or Depot streets at the start of the event may not be allowed to move until the streets reopen.
Additional free public parking will be available at the First Baptist Church lower parking lot, Austin and Barnes Funeral Home (unless there is a service) and public lots on the App State campus. Drivers should follow signage.
Trick-or-treating and activities
Participating downtown merchants will provide candy and treats from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Businesses are encouraged to move treat stations to the street or storefront so trick-or-treaters do not have to go indoors. Businesses outside the closed portion of the street are invited to participate.
Halloween activities will begin at 3 p.m. at the Watauga County Public Library. Local clogging and dance groups will kick things off with a choreographed routine on King Street at 4:15 p.m. The Jones House will host its annual haunted house, with additional activities on the lawn, and First Baptist Church of Boone will host a Trunk or Treat in its upper lot.
The annual costume contest will be held on King Street in front of the Jones House. Lineup starts at 4:30 p.m. and the contest begins at 5 p.m. Costumes will be judged in five groups: 5 years old and younger, 6-10, 11-17, couples and groups.
Teal Pumpkin Project
As part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, businesses are encouraged to offer allergy-friendly and non-candy treats. Participating locations may be marked with a teal pumpkin container or signage. Businesses interested can contact Lane Moody at lane.moody@boonenc.gov for supplies. Businesses that want to donate a costume contest prize can contact him as well.
Inflatables
Halloween inflatables are available for businesses to decorate storefronts. Contact the Jones House at 828-268-6280. Businesses can pick them up at the Jones House on Oct. 29 or 30 and return them any weekday after the event.
Other Halloween-week events
Watauga Rec Center Trunk or Treat is Sunday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Caldwell Community College Trunk or Treat is Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Blowing Rock Halloween Festival is Saturday, Oct. 31, at 5:45 p.m. Boone Mall Trunk or Treat is Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Public restrooms are available next to Town Hall. More information is available at joneshouse.org/BooneBoo. Questions can be directed to Downtown Development Director Lane Moody at lane.moody@boonenc.gov.
