STORY UPDATED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL EVENTS!
Area children who enjoy this time of year – you know, dressing up as their favorite Superhero or movie character or the old stand-by generic ghost or goblin and saying “trick or treat” – just may gather a bumper crop of candy and goodies if they visit all the upcoming opportunities in and around Henderson over the next couple of weeks.
Here’s a list of what’s coming up:
- Autobrite Express is having its 4th annual Haunted Car Wash on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A minimum $15 donation per vehicle, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The car wash will be filled with creepy characters and spooky surprises to give you a car wash experience you’ll not soon forget! Autobrite Express is located at 211 N. Cooper Drive, Henderson.
- Community Trunk or Treat Sunday, Oct. 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Plank Chapel United Methodist Church in Kittrell.
This is the third annual event held at the church, located at 3047 Bobbitt Rd., Kittrell. Youngsters are invited to walk the Trunk or Treat trail and collect candy along the way. They may wear their Halloween costumes when attending. There is no fee to participate in the event, which is presented by Journey, Plank Chapel’s youth outreach ministry. Novelty prizes will also be offered to participating youth. Free hot dogs will also be available for everyone in attendance, while supplies last.
Anyone wishing to participate on the Trunk of Treat trail with a vehicle may reserve a space by contacting Ron Gustafson at 203.641.2889. Vehicle participants must also provide candy to distribute.
The church will also have information available for children and youth interested in joining Journey. For more information visit plankchapel.org.
- Maria Parham Health, Henderson, is hosting a Trick-or-Treat event on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Hundreds of local children and families are expected to come out together for an evening of Halloween fun in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Maria Parham Health is seeking community partners to host treat stations during the event. Businesses, schools, civic organizations, first responders, nonprofits, faith-based groups, clubs and other community organizations are encouraged to participate.
Participating organizations are asked to:
- Decorate a treat station.
- Dress in costume.
- Hand out candy and other treats.
- Showcase their organization while giving back to the community.
Organizations can go all out with elaborate decorations and costumes or keep things simple. Every participating group helps create a memorable experience for local children and families.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate Halloween while creating special memories for local children and families,” said Donna Young, public information officer for Maria Parham Health. “We are grateful to the businesses and organizations that help make this event possible each year.”
Organizations interested in participating should email donna.young@lpnt.net for more information or to reserve a treat station.
- The Vance County Arts Council is hosting a downtown event on Friday, Oct. 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Garnett Street will be closed to traffic from 3 p.m. to about 7 p.m., just to keep all those costumed kiddos and their chaperones safe.
Local businesses will be opening their doors and handing out treats. There’s still time to get involved – there’s no cost or signup, just be ready for hundreds of trick-or-treaters eager for candy and treats.
Businesses are responsible for providing their own treats. And if you’re a business owner or organization not located in the downtown area, no problem! Contact Alice Sallins at 252.767.4579 or Tracy Madigan at 252.425.0844 to find a spot.
Visit https://vanceartscouncil.com/event/trick-or-treat-2026-in-downtown-henderson-nc/
- Traditional citywide trick-or-treating will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Residents wishing to participate are encouraged to turn on their porch lights and ensure that walkways and entrances are adequately illuminated and free of potential hazards.
With increased pedestrian activity anticipated throughout the community, the City of Henderson and Henderson Police Department emphasize the importance of safety, visibility, and responsible driving during both events.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure children wear brightly colored costumes or incorporate reflective materials to improve visibility, particularly during evening hours. Flashlights and glow sticks are also recommended. Children should remain under appropriate adult supervision, utilize sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible, and avoid entering roadways between parked vehicles.
Motorists are reminded to exercise heightened awareness, reduce speeds in residential neighborhoods and downtown areas, eliminate distractions, and remain especially attentive to children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway. Drivers should anticipate increased pedestrian traffic during the designated trick-or-treating hours.
- North Henderson Baptist Church will be having its annual Trunk or Treat and Coat Give away on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the church parking lot. Come and join us for the fun and to receive a free coat if you are in need of one. The church is located at 1211 N. Garnett St. Henderson.
- Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church Youth Ministry is hosting Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
All youth are invited. Costumes are welcome, but not required.
- The Ultimate Teen Halloween Bash – Nightmare on Carey Chapel Rd – will get underway on Saturday, Oct. 31, thanks to the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Dept. Get ready for a night of chills, thrills, and killer vibes at our spook-tacular teen Halloween party! We’re turning up the fright and the fun!! Middle schoolers – grades 6-8 will have from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and then high schoolers – grades 9-12 will participate from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Registration is FREE and will close on Sunday, Oct. 25. Sign up in person or online at hvrpd.recdesk.com
- Eastside Baptist Church is having a Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pastor Alex Murlis invites the community is invited to come and enjoy free food, games, a cake walk and a hay ride! The church is located at 1017 Eastern Blvd., Henderson.
- The City of Oxford recommends trick-or-treating on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5:00–7:30 p.m. Drivers, please slow down and watch for pedestrians. Trick-or-treaters, use sidewalks, stay visible, and visit homes with porch lights on. Have a safe and spooktacular Halloween!
