Grants will pay for neighborhood Halloween block parties in Boston

As summer winds down and the spooky season rises from its ominous slumber, Bostonians prepare for Halloween fun.

A new city grant will help residents host Halloween block parties between October 25th and November 3rd. Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office of Civic Organizing announced the opening Ghostly streets grant, which will provide $250 for block party hosts to purchase party supplies such as candy, pumpkins, decorations and face paint. The venture is part of the city’s Block Party Grant Program.

“Spooky Streets is a great way to bring neighbors together, build a stronger sense of community and enjoy the Halloween and harvest season,” city officials said on the grant’s website.

To be considered, all block parties must be free and open to the public and held on the street where the applicant lives.

Residents interested in hosting a Spooky Streets block party can apply for one Play Street Closing Permit to temporarily shut down through traffic on their block. According to the city’s website, the permit does not allow barbecues, alcoholic beverages, food trucks, carnival rides, street vendors, amplified music, stages or risers, petting zoos or inflatable structures such as bounce houses.

However, the permit allows partygoers to play games such as foursquare and double-dutch, participate in activities such as sidewalk chalk and bubble blowing, have a potluck and serve free food, and set up chairs, tables and small tents or other easily movable items.

City officials said residents must apply for the permit at least four weeks before the block party and fill out the Spooky Street grant application, which is a separate form. The deadline for applications is September 20 at 5 p.m

Residents interested in applying for the grant can do so and learn more about the program at Ghostly streets web page.