New York City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that the Halloween street celebration “Trick-or-Streets” will return next week, with over 100 streets and plazas in the city’s five boroughs set to be closed to vehicular traffic, transforming into free “trick-or-treating” zones. This year’s event will be the largest yet, with a projected 137 activities scheduled from October 17th to the 31st, allowing residents to fully immerse themselves in the Halloween spirit.
This marks the fourth year that the DOT is organizing the “Trick-or-Streets” event, which is part of the “Open Streets” initiative aimed at reimagining the use of public space. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, “These activities will bring seasonal culture to neighborhoods, allowing New Yorkers of all ages and needs to experience joy, safety, and a sense of community on the streets.”
The event will offer a wide range of activities, including pumpkin patches, photo zones with hay bale decorations, live performances, games, and a Day of the Dead celebration. Different communities will also incorporate their own special features: Harlem’s Saint Nicholas Ave will host art education and dance performances, while Brooklyn’s Franklin Ave will feature a family-friendly play area created by the non-profit organization Street Lab.
To kick off the festivities, the DOT unveiled a brand new 29th Street Plaza outside LaGuardia Community College in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens. Spanning 17,000 square feet, the plaza features seating areas, bike parking, and a large street mural designed by students. College President Kenneth Adams mentioned that the mural has transformed 29th Street into “a vibrant community space”.
For the full schedule of “Trick-or-Streets” events and locations, interested individuals can visit the official website at https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/trickorstreets.shtml. This Halloween, New York City will once again prove that the best party can be found right on the streets!