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 […]
Parking, Parties and Team History: What to Know Ahead of Mexico vs. Türkiye Soccer in Chapel Hill
The men's national soccer teams of Mexico and Türkiye will meet in Chapel Hill Tuesday for a friendly. Here's what to know before you go.
Police: UNC Student Victim of Carjacking in W. Franklin Street Parking Deck
Chapel Hill Police are investigating the carjacking of a UNC student that took place early Saturday morning. No injuries are reported.
Honoring Chapel Hill's Black Builders: UNC Landmarks and the Local Faces Who Built Them
Maps are storytellers, but they can exclude certain narratives. Fowota Mortoo said that’s the case for Chapel Hill’s Black builders.
No More Coal? Chapel Hill Prepares for Hearing on UNC's Co-Gen Plant and Potential New Fuel Source
Chapel Hill Town Hall will host a hearing on Thursday to take comments on a potential alternative fuel source for UNC's cogeneration plant.
Photo Gallery: Chapel Hill Sees First Snow in Years
For a few hours over the weekend, the greater Chapel Hill community was in a winter wonderland. A winter storm blanketed Orange County and the surrounding area with a thin layer of snow on Friday. Overnight on Saturday, it was later packed down or rinse away by freezing rain, which its own layer of ice […]
UNC: Ridge Road Open to One Lane After Month-Long Closure, Still 2 Weeks From Normal Traffic
Ridge Road on UNC campus is allowing vehicles and pedestrians through once again. But normal traffic patterns are likely still weeks away.
Chapel Hill Police Investigate Pair of Overnight Armed Robberies Reported 8 Minutes Apart
A pair of armed robberies reportedly took place less than ten minutes from each other during the early morning hours of Saturday, according to Chapel Hill Police.
›