Halloween Dos and Boos (Don’ts) During COVID-19

Jack-o-lanterns doing the right thing and masking up!

It’s no news that COVID-19 will put its twist on Halloween this year. The scary thing is the safety protocols that may squash (pun alert) holiday fun are looking to be more necessary. NYC’s infection rates are on the rise. Some daily numbers have hit over 3% since September 27, 2020 even if the weekly average has remained less than 2%. This week’s average could be a problem as several days have hit 2.7% or over; check the stats here. Mayor Bill de Blasio would like to prevent the infection spikes which have overtaken other cities from hitting here; so he’s offered some Halloween safety tips.

From this list it is important to note that a costume mask does not replace a face mask. It is suggested that the face mask is to be worn over the costume mask. The general gist is to keep gatherings small or spaced out enough for social distancing, if you want to give out candy use a bin, keep a safe distance, and bring hand sanitizer.

Here are some Halloween happenings hoping to lift some spirits (pun alert):

Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade & Spooktacular Party (Town Square)
October 31st from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
12 Noon ~ Parade assembles in front of Brooklyn Expo Center, 72 Noble St, Brooklyn
10 a.m–4 p.m. Spooktacular Party inside the Brooklyn Expo Center, 72 Noble St, Brooklyn
The Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade is FREE to join. The Spooktacular Party tickets are $20 kid online in advance, $30 day of event if supplies are available. Party tickets are limited and may sell out. Proceeds benefit Town Square, local Brooklyn Boys Troop 26, Girls Troop 1G, and Coed Brooklyn Pack 7.

West Street Open Street Halloween Extravaganza (West Street Community Association)
October 31st at 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
West Street (between Quay St. and Greenpoint Ave.)
Safe trick or treating and chalk art before joining the Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade.

Council Member Antonio Reynoso’s Halloween Grab and Go
October 31 at 12 p.m.
Moore Street Market (Humboldt St. between Moore St. and Varet St.)
Masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing are required. Treats will be handed out on a first come first served basis, until supply is gone.

Trick or Treating with Carolyn (Representative Maloney)
October 31 from 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
Bushwick Inlet Park (Kent Ave. between Quay St. and N 9 St.)
She’ll be distributing pre-wrapped candy packages

Haunted Library
October 31 from 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
Leonard Library 81 Devoe St. (at Leonard St.)
Begin at the gate of the haunted library garden, then work your way around the fence, peering in at the horrors inside. When you reach the Stairs of Doom, you will find some creepy treats! Those attending should wear masks and keep social distance.

The Super Spooky Greenpoint Halloween Costume Spectacular (A Benefit for North Brooklyn Mutual Aid)
October 31 from 2 p.m.–7 p.m. — Screening of Hocus Pocus at 7:30 p.m.
McGolrick Park Pavilion
McGolrick Park (Russell St., Monitor St. bet. Nassau Ave. and Driggs Ave.)
Live musical performances from Gawain and the Green Knight and Parnhash, comedy magic by Nigel Blackstorm The Heavy Metal Musician and uplifting grooves from DJs Sweaty by Nature and Fresco D! Costume parade will take place at 4:30pm—all ages (and pets) are welcome! We’ll have a trick or treat station and raffle prizes from Dandelion Wine, Tula, Edy’s Grocer, L’Industrie Pizza, and Di An Di. Masks and social distancing will actively be expected throughout the course of this event so please do your part Want to contribute? Venmo what you wish to @greenpointhalloween