Halloween returns to New York City’s streets at its largest scale yet, with 180 streets and public spaces closing to vehicles for spooky celebrations. After announcing the return of “Trick-or-Streets” earlier this month, Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn on Tuesday announced the addition of 20 more car-free locations in response to record demand. The annual initiative closes streets, plazas, and other commercial corridors across the five boroughs to vehicle traffic, creating safe spaces for free programming, trick-or-treating, and other Halloween activities.
Credit: NYC DOT
“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 180 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.
Credit: NYC DOT
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.
A map of Trick-or-Streets events, courtesy of DOT. Explore the map here.
“Trick-or-Streets 2026 is already off to a fantastic start and we look forward to it getting even better as spooky season continues,” Flynn said. “It is great to see such a wide breadth of programming across the city as we continue to reimagine our streets this festive season.”
More information on this year’s Halloween open streets can be found here.
Editor’s Note 10/27/26: This article has been updated to reflect additional programming added since the program was initially announced earlier this month.
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