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What could your block do with a little more room to celebrate this Halloween? With a free PBOT Block Party permit, you and your neighbors can close your residential street to cars and open it up for community fun.
How to Host a Block Party this Halloween
Pumpkins and potlucks and candy! Oh my! What could your block do with a little more room to celebrate this Halloween?
No tricks here! With a free PBOT Block Party permit, you and your neighbors can close your residential street to cars and open it up for community fun. It also helps make sure city services know about your street closure, and PBOT gives you guidance for safely closing your street.
A street without car traffic becomes a place for kids to trick-or-treat, neighbors to gather, and everyone to enjoy Halloween festivities together.
First, check your street
Before you start planning your Halloween celebration, make sure your street is eligible for a Block Party!
Block Parties are intended for small, neighborhood-scale gatherings on Local Service Traffic streets. You can check your street using PBOT's Transportation System Plan street classification map.
...If your street isn't eligible, don't let that scare you off! Ask around. A neighbor on a nearby qualifying street may be interested in joining forces to host the party on their block.
Talk with your neighbors
Get the whole block in on the Monster Mash! Talk with your neighbors early to figure out what everyone would like to bring to the party, and how you can make the celebration fun for everyone. This is also a good time to make sure your event fits the basic Block Party requirements.
Be sure to apply for your permit at least 15 days in advance: nothing is spookier than a last-minute scramble!
You can divide up responsibilities, too. Maybe one neighbor applies for the permit, another brings the giant skeletons, and someone else helps manage your street closure. PBOT does not provide traffic control devices, so once you receive your permit, plan with your neighbors to get what you need to safely close your street.
...Not everyone on the block may be ready to boogie, and that's okay! Communication is key. Be sure to keep every neighbor in the loop about party activities, and when the street will be closed and reopened. Work with anyone who may need accommodations during the event.
Plan a safe street closure
A car-free street gives trick-or-treaters more room to walk and gather, but it's still important to think about how everyone will move through the block safely. When planning your activities, keep safety top of mind:
- Keep sidewalks and crosswalks clear. Decorations, tables, cords, and other items shouldn't block sidewalks or make it difficult for people using wheelchairs, mobility devices, or strollers to get around. Barricades and decorations should never block marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Prevent trip hazards. Secure cords, decorations, and anything else that could be difficult to see or easy to trip over, especially after dark.
- Leave room for emergencies. Your street closure must maintain a 12-foot-wide fire lane throughout the closure. Keep decorations, tables, chairs, and other activities out of this space.
Light up the night. String lights, lanterns, and other lighting can make your block feel festive while helping everyone see where they're going. If your closure continues into evening, you must use approved barricades with flashing lights.
Participate safely
As days grow shorter, it's harder for people driving to see others on the street. Whether you're hosting the party or just stopping by, a few simple choices can help make Halloween safer for everyone.
- Walk or bike when you can. A car-free block is a great opportunity to leave the car at home. Use sidewalks and crosswalks to get to and from the celebration, and keep an eye out for people walking, biking, and rolling.
- Be visible after dark. Add retroreflective tape, glow sticks, or lights to costumes and accessories! A flashlight can also help you see and be seen, especially if the weather is rainy. In a pinch, try using your phone as a flashlight to make yourself more visible.
- Give yourself extra time to get around. Halloween means more people out and about, often after dark. If you're driving near a neighborhood celebration, slow down and expect people to cross the street.
Apply
Ready to make your block a little spookier? Visit our Learn About Block Party Permits page for more details. When you're ready...apply!
Apply for a Halloween Block Party
Stay Up to Date
Whether you want to host or just attend events, keep up to date with the latest events and program updates by signing up for the Portland Public Street Life Newsletter.