NYC DOT announces car-free ‘Trick-or-Streets’ Halloween events, including signature events in The Bronx

Community members participate in the annual Bronx Halloween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.
Time to float? Community members participate in the annual Bronx Halloween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.
Photo Adrian Childress

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced Oct. 3 that more than 100 car-free events will take place across all five boroughs this month as part of the city’s third annual ‘Trick-or-Streets’ program.

The program will feature free, Halloween-themed events throughout the month, aiming to create safe, festive spaces for families and communities to celebrate the season. The initiative will include 10 signature events, two of which will be held in The Bronx.

The upcoming Bronx events include the Decatur Avenue Open Street on Oct. 31, from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., produced by Street Lab; with the other Bronx event being at Fordham Plaza on Oct. 26, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with entertainment by Bindlestiff Family Cirkus.

These locations will offer live music, circus acts, comedic clown performances, and other family-friendly entertainment.

“‘Trick-or-Streets’ is back and bigger than ever—and we invite all New Yorkers to take part in an event this month!” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Our streets serve all New Yorkers—and ‘Trick-or-Streets’ is a great example of how we can use them to bring joy and greater safety to so many children.”

The program is a part of the city’s Open Streets, Plaza, and Public Realm programming initiatives, allowing residents, community organizations, and neighborhood associations to turn streets into car-free spaces for safe Halloween celebrations.

Signature Events & Community Partnerships

Throughout October, the city will host a variety of signature ‘Trick-or-Streets’ events across the boroughs, including:

  • Decatur Avenue Open Street, The Bronx – October 31: A Halloween-themed event with programming provided by Street Lab, from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Fordham Plaza, The Bronx – October 26: A day of fun, featuring performances by the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In addition to these Bronx events, festivities will span across the city in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, with activities such as live music, circus acts, and arts and crafts, produced by local organizations like NYC Kidsfest, Broadway for Arts Education, and The Horticultural Society of New York.

A full list of ‘Trick-or-Streets’ events, as well as a map of car-free streets on Halloween, will be released by NYC DOT in the coming weeks. More information can be found at nyc.gov/trickorstreets.

Mid-October Events in The Bronx

In addition to the signature events, New Yorkers can look forward to a Halloween celebration at Mount Hope Place Open Streets in The Bronx on Oct. 18, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., hosted by PS 117. The event is part of an effort to provide car-free zones that foster community connections and celebrate Halloween safely.

Community and Leader Support

The ‘Trick-or-Streets’ initiative aligns with the Adams administration’s goal to make city streets safer for children and families. New York State Senator Robert Jackson, whose district covers northern Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, praised the initiative, saying, “The NYC Department of Transportation is casting a spell of car-free delight, transforming our streets into a Halloween haven! The visionary ‘Trick-or-Streets’ initiative allows families to walk, play, and connect safely—showing that our city can be both lively and secure for everyone.”

Community organizations across the boroughs are enthusiastic about their involvement. Jessica Chornesky, executive director of NYC Kidsfest, highlighted the program’s inclusive, safe spaces: “Kids and their families can enjoy pumpkin patches, giveaways, live music and performances, interactive workshops, arts & crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and plenty of spooky surprises. These vibrant spaces will capture the spirit of the holiday while providing a safe and festive atmosphere for all.”

The ‘Trick-or-Streets’ program builds on New York City’s nearly 100-year tradition of closing streets for children’s play and community events.

Upcoming Events This Weekend

  • Oct. 5: A signature ‘Trick-or-Street’ event on Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, produced by NYC DOT Public Realm Programming Partner NYC Kids Fest, Staten Island Business Outreach Center, and Castleton Ave Merchants Association.
  • Oct. 5: Bike the Block event at Woodside Avenue Open Street in Queens, in partnership with Thai Community USA.
  • Oct. 6: The inaugural ‘BQ Flea’ market under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.