The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is bringing back its popular car-free “Trick-or-Streets” program for Halloween 2024. This year’s initiative will feature over 100 Halloween-themed events across all five boroughs, creating safe, festive spaces for families and communities to celebrate the season without the interference of car traffic. This marks the third annual “Trick-or-Streets” event, and it has grown significantly from previous years.

The program will include ten signature events, two of which will be held in The Bronx. The first Bronx event is scheduled for October 26 at Fordham Plaza, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring entertainment by the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. The second Bronx event will take place on Halloween night, October 31, at the Decatur Avenue Open Street, running from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and will be produced by Street Lab. These locations will offer a variety of family-friendly activities, including live music, circus acts, arts and crafts, and more.

The program is part of the city’s larger Open Streets and Public Realm initiatives, which aim to provide safe and accessible community spaces throughout the year. The “Trick-or-Streets” events are designed to transform busy streets into car-free zones, enabling children and families to enjoy Halloween festivities without worrying about traffic. Events like these help foster a sense of community and provide a fun, safe environment for New Yorkers to celebrate.

Other boroughs will also host their own signature events. For example, Brooklyn will have activities at Kensington Plaza and W 9th Street Open Street on October 19 and October 26, respectively, while Manhattan will feature Halloween celebrations at Pell Street Open Street and Doyers Plaza on October 31. Queens and Staten Island will also participate with events at 165th Street Open Street and Castleton Avenue, respectively.

The NYC DOT has partnered with various community organizations and local businesses to produce these events. Participating groups include Broadway for Arts Education, NYC Kidsfest, and The Horticultural Society of New York, all of which will bring unique performances, workshops, and interactive experiences to these car-free zones. This collaborative approach highlights the city’s commitment to using public spaces creatively and inclusively, while supporting local arts and culture.

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized that “Trick-or-Streets” aims to promote greater safety for children and families and to encourage more community engagement. By providing car-free zones for Halloween, the initiative not only helps reduce traffic-related accidents but also creates vibrant spaces where residents can enjoy seasonal festivities together.

The NYC DOT will release a full schedule of events and a detailed map of car-free streets in the coming weeks, ensuring that residents across the city can plan their participation accordingly. For more information about specific events and locations, visit the [NYC DOT Trick-or-Streets website](https://www.nyc.gov/trickorstreets).

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