Halloween ‘Trick-or-Streets’ return to NYC with 160 car-free streets

Halloween returns to New York City’s streets at its largest scale yet, with 160 streets and public spaces closing to vehicles for spooky celebrations. Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn on Wednesday announced the return of “Trick-or-Streets,” an annual initiative that closes streets, plazas, and other commercial corridors across the five boroughs to cars, providing safe space for free programming, trick-or-treating, and other Halloween activities.

“NYC does Halloween like nowhere else, and this year we’re giving New Yorkers a better, spookier time than ever before,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said. “We’re opening up 160 streets and plazas for trick-or-treating, games, music and a whole lot of fun.”

“And the only cars you should see at Trick-or-Streets are the ones made of cardboard, powered by two legs and fueled by a lot of sugar,” he added.

Throughout October, New Yorkers can enjoy a variety of “Trick-or-Streets” events featuring Halloween-themed programming:

Brooklyn

• Hillel Plaza: Hillel Plaza on Hillel Plaza, from Kenilworth Place to Flatbush Avenue. October 22 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Produced by the Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID and J Ember Design.

Staten Island

• Water Street Open Street: Water Street, from Canal Street to Beach Street. October 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Produced by the Van Duzer Civic Association and NYC KidsFest.

Queens

• Austin Street Open Street: Austin Street, from 71st Avenue to 71st Road. October 25 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Produced by Neighbors for A Safer Austin Street and Hive Public Space.

Manhattan

• Canal Street Open Street: Canal Street, from Orchard Street to Essex Street. October 28 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Produced by the Canal Street Merchants Association and Closed Frame Productions.

The Bronx

• James Baldwin Plaza: James Baldwin Plaza, on Goulden Avenue at Mosholu Parkway. October 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Produced by the James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center and Orisha Wellness.

DOT is also collaborating with Street Lab and NYC Public Schools to host signature events, including creative activities and other kid-friendly programming at select Trick-or-Streets locations. These include:

• PS 59 The Community School of Technology, The Bronx
• PS 28 Mount Hope Centennial School, The Bronx
• PS 159 Luis Munoz Marin, The Bronx
• PS 18 Edward Bush, Brooklyn
• PS 137, Brooklyn
• Dock Street School for STEAM studies, Brooklyn
• Community Health Academy of the Heights, Manhattan
• PS 102 Jacques Cartier, Manhattan
• PS 95Q The Eastwood School, Queens

The agency has also partnered with the Municipal Art Society of New York to offer free guided walking tours. Participants can learn about the history, architecture, and public spaces of each neighborhood while exploring how streets can serve as places for gathering and community connection.

More information on this year’s Halloween open streets can be found here.

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