It’s Halloween in Chapel Hill, and tonight Franklin Street might be the best place in the state for people watching.

Halloween night ten years ago, 80,000 people showed up to Franklin Street; more than doubling the size of Chapel Hill. And though recent years haven’t brought that level of turnout, don’t underestimate the size of this event. Last year, 15,000 Halloween-goers crammed into downtown Chapel Hill, so expect travel delays if you are in the area.

And if you are attending, Police spokesperson Ran Northam advised against bringing glass containers or alcoholic beverages to the festivities. Drunk-driving enforcement will be out in force in the downtown area. Northam said alcohol-related injuries are a chief concern tonight.

“It’s a terrible safety concern, and we ask people to know their limits, stay hydrated, and continue to be safe when it comes to that,” Northam said.

Avoid costume accessories that look like weapons, or weapons themselves, he went on to said. Those won’t be allowed past the barricades surrounding Franklin Street. He also advised against bringing pets.

Road closures will bring traffic in the area to a crawl after dark. Drivers can expect Franklin Street, adjacent parts of Columbia and other nearby roads to be closed down between 8 p-m till 10-30, or maybe later depending on how long clean-up takes.

Parking will be restricted along most of West and East Franklin. There will be no parking on Henderson Street.

Additionally, many transits routes will experiences delays, be rerouted or closed. Around 10 routes through the downtown area will stop running early tonight as well. A complete list of transit changes is available on the town’s website.

Related Stories
‹
Town of Chapel Hill Shares 2022 Plans for Halloween
With Monday, October 31 rapidly approaching, the Town of Chapel Hill announced its plans for accommodating a downtown Halloween celebration that night. The town government said it will close Franklin Street and Columbia Street to motorists from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Halloween night. Franklin Street will be closed between the Church Street and […]
Rams Club Hosting 'Heeloween' Drive-Thru Celebration for Kids
The Rams Club and the Carolina Kids Club are hosting a drive through Halloween — or “Heeloween” — celebration on Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., parents and kids can drive by the Dean E. Smith Center (450 Skipper Bowles Dr.) for the socially-distant event. If you come dressed in your Halloween costume, you’ll […]
UNC Police Respond to Sexual Assault After No Citations at Homegrown Halloween
An estimated 40,000 revelers crowded onto Franklin Street on Saturday night for Halloween, according to Chapel Hill Police. Orange County Emergency Services responded to 10 calls within the closed event, according to officials. The majority of EMS calls were alcohol related. There were no arrests made or citations issued in the closed area, according to […]
The Morning News: Alert Carolina, Armed Robbery Arrest, Seth Jarvis Helping Kids
In today's news: UNC students raise concerns about Alert Carolina, and Chapel Hill police make an arrest in yesterday's armed robbery.
The Morning News: New CHCCS Board Member, Newmark on UNC Football Probe
In today's news: the CHCCS board appoints a new member, and UNC athletic director Steve Newmark addresses the recent football investigation.
The Morning News: Chatham Vs. Enbridge, 53 CHCCS Applications, UNC Falling
In today's news: Chatham County Commissioners take a stand against the proposed Enbridge natural gas pipeline.
UNC Football Players Charged with Carrying Concealed Handgun, Speeding After Traffic Stop
UNC football player Keeyun Chapman was arrested for carrying a concealed handgun and teammate C.J. Sadler was cited for speeding during a traffic stop Tuesday night in Chapel Hill. The police report for Chapman’s arrest notes the traffic stop took place at 1050 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at 9:30 p.m. The charge against him […]
How OWASA's Reclaimed Water System Extends the Lifespan of Local Water Sources
Built 17 years ago to improve the community’s drinking water resilience, it has saved the county billions of gallons of drinking water. 
The Morning News: Mark Chilton Retiring, UNC Returning
In today's news: longtime Orange County Register of Deeds Mark Chilton announces he's stepping down, a few months before the end of his term.
Merritt's Grill Opening Second Location in Chapel Hill; Einstein Bros. Bagels Opening First
Merritt’s Grill, whose BLT sandwiches have been a staple of the Chapel Hill culinary scene since the restaurant opened in 1992, is opening a second location at Finley Golf Club. The restaurant will provide dine-in, to-go and catering services inside the newly refurbished Finley clubhouse and will be open to both players and non-players. An […]
›