Over 100 Car-Free Spooky Streets Celebrations Citywide This Halloween Weekend

Mayor Michelle Wu announced a new interactive map highlighting more than 100 streets across Boston that will be closed to traffic for this upcoming Halloween weekend. The “Spooky Streets Map” will help residents and visitors find safe, fun and family-friendly activities where neighbors can gather and celebrate together. 

“Some of our most cherished childhood memories come from knocking on doors with friends and getting to know our neighbors. This Halloween, we are making it easier for everyone to come together and create those lasting memories,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Throughout neighborhoods across Boston, residents can use the City’s Spooky Streets interactive map to find streets closed to traffic for trick-or-treating and community events. Thank you to our City staff for making this possible and to every neighbor who applied for a permit to bring the community together. Happy Halloween!” 

“Spooky Streets is a wonderful tradition that provides safe spaces for neighbors to celebrate together,” said Chris Osgood, Interim Chief of Streets. “Our team has streamlined the Play Street permits process to make it faster and easier for neighborhoods to enjoy the block party experience.”  

The map shows all Play Street Permits active from October 30th through November 1st, including those issued to recipients of the Spooky Streets Grant Program. A Play Street Permit is an official authorization from the City of Boston that allows residents to temporarily close a residential street to through-traffic. The map is available at boston.gov/spooky-streets. 

The City of Boston has streamlined the block party permit application process to improve constituents' experience and speed up approvals. The City has also expanded the activities and items allowed at block parties without additional permits, including potluck food, tables and chairs, 10 by 10 tents, and more. A Block Party Planning Guide is available to help residents plan and host block parties in neighborhoods.

“Our City’s historic streets are the perfect backdrop for safe and fun programming that will allow residents of all ages to enjoy Halloween,” said Mohammed Missouri, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services. “We are excited to host Spooky Streets again this year and collaborate with neighbors to bring these celebrations to life, creating spaces for residents to connect and build community. Thanks to our partners at Elevate Cities for helping make this possible.” 

This year, Elevate Cities provided $25,000 to help the City support more resident-led events bringing neighbors together. Through this funding, residents can receive grants of up to $500 to make it easier and more affordable for neighbors to host Halloween, Fall and Harvest block parties. 

This effort builds on the Mayor’s work to make Boston a home for everyone and to create fun and safe programming for kids and families to build community and enjoy Boston neighborhoods.