CAR FREE TRICK OR TREATING
Instructions for using a PBOT Block Party Permit for the purpose of temporarily closing a street to through traffic, allowing a safer pedestrian route for children to do traditional door to door trick or treating on Halloween. (Including any actual “party” element is optional, not required)
How to plan Car Free Trick or Treating on your own street (instructions apply for any Portland neighborhood):
1: Apply for road closure with free PBOT Block Party Permit
Takes 10-15 minutes to complete and must be submitted at least 15 business days before the event.
2: Select Time
Residents along the road closure will decide on time prior to submitting application. Choosing 5-8PM on 10/31 works well for streets in the Multnomah Neighborhood to coordinate with other area streets as well as the 3:30-5:30PM “Trick or Treat in Multnomah Village” (at the shops in the village) event organized by the Multnomah Village Business Association. In 2022 and 2023 several streets that arranged car free trick or treating reported that trick or treating petered out on its own by 8PM.
Trick or Treat in Multnomah Village (event info)
3: Create a Flyer
Use our festive editable flyer template (optional), insert your own details, and submit the flyer to PBOT via email with your Block Party application. Looks great printed on orange paper as a hard copy you can distribute to neighbors along the closure as a notice/invitation.
Within the google doc go to FILE > MAKE A COPY to create/save your own editable version of the file.
Questions: communityevents@mnapdx.org
Trick or treating has unique potential to foster intergenerational connection and participation within communities--a real TREAT for all ages that can address the current national epidemic of loneliness and isolation (US Surgeon General, May 2023).
Car-Free Trick or Treating is a Win-Win-Win!
Safer walking route in our neighborhood that has limited sidewalks
Its free!
Intergenerational opportunity to meet neighbors of all ages
Those at home handing out candy report they enjoy knowing to expect trick or treaters!
Start a new tradition!
Build a stronger community!
Planning Tips
Visit the PBOT BLOCK PARTY WEBSITE for complete information about:
Barricades, signs, and downloadable print-at-home “STREET CLOSED” sign
The online PBOT application takes 10-15 minutes to complete and must be submitted at least 15 business days before the event.
How to choose a section of road to close (e.g., simplest plan is to propose a section of street between two crossroads that does not include intersections or additional outlets)
The road closure is for through traffic with exceptions for local traffic, deliveries, emergency vehicles
More!
The Multnomah Neighborhood Association is available to put you in touch with other neighbors planning similar road closures on their street if you would enjoy the opportunity to connect with other planners for advice and ideas! Email communityevents@mnapdx.org
This information was shared at the Sept 2022 Multnomah Neighborhood Association general meeting and is available online this year.
Have Questions or Need Help?
MNA Community Events Committee Co-Chairs
communityevents@mnapdx.org