DOT announces car-free ‘Trick-or-streets’

Oct 4, 2024 at 3:10 AM

Trick-or-Streets: Transforming NYC's Neighborhoods for a Spooktacular Halloween

In a move to enhance the safety and festivity of Halloween celebrations across New York City, the Department of Transportation has announced a series of street closures and community events as part of the third annual "Trick-or-Streets" program. This initiative aims to create car-free zones in neighborhoods, allowing residents to enjoy a range of spooky-themed activities and entertainment.

Unleash the Ghosts of Halloween Past and Present in NYC's Neighborhoods

Embracing the Spooky Spirit Citywide

The Trick-or-Streets program, spearheaded by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, will see the closure of over 100 streets across the five boroughs throughout the month of October. This strategic move will transform these areas into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly hubs, where residents can immerse themselves in the Halloween festivities without the concern of vehicular traffic. The programming at these events promises to be a delightful blend of live music, circus acts, jugglers, and the "good kind of clowns," ensuring a truly enchanting experience for all.

Celebrating Halloween in Brooklyn's Neighborhoods

The Trick-or-Streets initiative has a particularly strong presence in Brooklyn, with a series of events scheduled throughout the month. On October 19th, the Kensington Plaza and Chauncey Street open streets will come alive with Halloween-themed programming starting at noon. A week later, on October 20th, the Tompkins Avenue open street will host a similar celebration, also beginning at noon. The festivities continue on October 26th, with a 3 p.m. start time at the West 9th Street open street, and on October 27th, the Berry Street open street will be the stage for a noon-time Halloween extravaganza.

Expanding the Spooky Fun with the BQ Flea Market

In addition to the Trick-or-Streets events, the DOT has partnered with the community to host a weekly "BQ Flea" market in Williamsburg, starting on October 6th. This market, located under the BQE at Meeker Avenue between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street, will run every Sunday throughout the month, offering a unique shopping and dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Navigating the Trick-or-Street Festivities

As the Trick-or-Streets program continues to grow in popularity, the DOT has promised to release a comprehensive list of all the events taking place this October, along with a detailed map of the car-free streets designated for Halloween celebrations. This information will be made available on the official nyc.gov/trickorstreets website, ensuring that residents and visitors can easily plan their spooky adventures across the city.

Transforming NYC's Streets into a Spooktacular Playground

The Trick-or-Streets initiative is a testament to the city's commitment to fostering a sense of community and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. By creating these car-free zones, the DOT is empowering neighborhoods to reclaim their streets, transforming them into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces where the spirit of Halloween can truly thrive. From the live entertainment to the bustling flea market, this program promises to deliver a truly unforgettable Halloween experience for all who venture out to explore the city's transformed streets.