Hayley Benton

hbenton@citizen-times.com

1. Check out one of three haunted houses in Western North Carolina.

Creeping out residents for 20 years now, Pinhead's Graveyard in Canton is full of horror movie murderers that'll give you a theatrical (and terrifying) experience. Down in Hendersonville, The Haunted Farm will spook its visitors with paranormal horrors — and, over in Black Mountain, Tormented Nightmares takes you through the Catacombs of Evil. Tickets to Pinhead's are $20 each, The Haunted Farm is also $20 with a $3 parking fee and Tormented Nightmares varies from $13-20 per guest. For more on each haunted attraction (and more), visit pinheadsgraveyard.com, nchauntedfarm.com or tormentednightmares.com.

2. Fly in for Sparrow and Her Wingmen.

Lead singer Sparrow of Sparrow and Her Wingmen has busked on the streets of New Orleans, San Francisco and Asheville — but she also has classical training in viola and dance. On Wednesday night, though, the show is all about ragtime at the band's seated lounge show at Isis Restaurant and Music Hall. The show starts at 7 p.m. Oct. 19, and tickets are $10.

3. Last chance to buy LEAF tickets.

The theme for the 43rd annual LEAF is "Carnival of Wonder," and, featuring a mix of music, dancing, drumming, poetry, workshops and family-friendly activities, it's sure to be a carnival indeed. Performers include Israeli group Balkan Beat Box, world-fusion band Beats Antique and the always-welcome Squirrel Nut Zippers jazz group and, of course, many more. The festival is held at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain from Oct. 21-23, and tickets are $52 for single-day passes (not including overnight camping). As of press time, both weekend and weekend-plus admission tickets were sold out. Tickets are for sale at theleaf.org — and won't be available at the gate. Get 'em while they're hot.

4. Scary Stories open mic at Buffalo Nickel.

At this Wednesday event over in West Asheville, you can either perform or listen as storytellers get up for an open mic night of spooky stories fit for the season. There's no cover charge for the event, and costumes are welcome for performers and guests. Sign-up to speak is at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Oct. 19. Buffalo Nickel is located at 747 Haywood Road, and, to ensure you don't miss the event, call 575-2844 for a reservation.

5. Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands begins.

While the bulk of the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands is held next weekend, the regional, beloved biannual fair begins Oct. 20 at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville. Now in its 69th year, the fair features craftspeople from nine states and artistry ranging from fiber to metal, paper to clay. The fair is held Oct. 20-23, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the fair costs $8 for a single day, $12 for two days and is free for children under 12. For more information, head to craftguild.org/craftfairsh.