This fall in Greensboro is shaping up to be one of the busiest in recent memory, with the city rolling out family events, runs, festivals, and Halloween celebrations nearly every weekend.
Greensboro Parks and Recreation and city partners are putting on activities designed to get people downtown, connect neighborhoods – and give residents a lot of reasons to get outside.
Here are just some of the highlights.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Glenwood Family Fun Day will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Glenwood Recreation Center. Families will be able to connect with community support groups that focus on parenting and mental health, while also enjoying music, skate park demonstrations, step team performances and other activities. The event is free.
The following weekend, on Saturday, Sept. 27, the city will hold the 16th Annual Downtown Greenway Run & Block Party at LoFi Park. Runners, walkers, and strollers can sign up for the One-Mile or 5K, with registration fees supporting free Greenway programs.
This year’s event will give participants a sneak peek at the under-construction Western Branch of the Greenway. Mayor Nancy Vaughan will serve as honorary chair and official starter for the races.
Registered participants will receive an official event t-shirt, refreshments, and entry into prize drawings. The block party that follows will be free for all, with live music by RetroVinyl, food trucks, beverages from Joymongers Brewing, games, face painting, a Maker’s Market and more.
Sponsors include the City of Greensboro, Dawn S. Chaney Foundation, Fleet Feet Greensboro/High Point/Burlington, Fox Rothschild, Greensboro Parks Foundation, Joymongers Brewing Co., The Cemala Foundation, and VF Corporation.
October, of course, means Halloween, and the city is really going all out with events for every age – and even for pets. Parks and Recreation has scheduled a string of free Halloween activities across Greensboro:
Pumpkin Paint Party – Sunday, Oct. 5, 1-3 p.m., Morehead Park Trailhead, 475 Spring Garden St. Pumpkin decorating, cider, hot chocolate and cookies. Registration required.
Creepy Creations – Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Woven Works Park, 401 Cumberland St. DIY monster crafts made from non-recyclable materials, with help from the Solid Waste Recycling Department. Registration encouraged, drop-ins welcome, space permitting.
Halloween Extravaganza – Saturday, Oct. 18, 7-9:30 p.m., Hester Park, 3615 Deutzia St. Spooky trails, bon fires, music, yard games and crafts.
GYC’s Ghoulash – Saturday, Oct. 25, 2:30-5:30 p.m., Center City Park, LeBauer Park, and Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St. Candy, games, and costume contests hosted by the Greensboro Youth Council and Greensboro Downtown Parks.
Howl-o-ween – Sunday, Oct. 26, 1-4 p.m., Country Park, 3905 Nathanael Greene Dr. Costumed dogs and their owners can trick-or-treat together, with treats for pets and people.
Trunk or Treat – Friday, Oct. 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Craft Recreation Center, 3911 Yanceyville St. Treats, games, and prizes for kids 12 and under.
Pumpkin Smash – Saturday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-noon, Lake Brandt Marina, 5945 Lake Brandt Rd. Residents can recycle their old pumpkins in unusual ways, including slingshots and sledgehammers.
Each Halloween event is free to attend, though some require registration.
