Boston Residents Can Apply for $300 Grants to Throw Spooky Street Parties

Boston neighborhoods are about to get a little spookier — and a lot more fun. Applications are now open for the Spooky Streets Grant Program, which gives residents and community groups $300 mini-grants to help cover costs for Halloween and Fall block parties.

The money can go toward candy, pumpkins, decorations, face paint, and other essentials to bring the block alive with costumes, music, and community vibes. The idea is simple: help neighbors throw safe, festive, and free parties for families across the city.

Last year, residents used the grant to turn their streets into traffic-free zones filled with food, lights, and Halloween giveaways. “Our block party definitely elevated our typical Halloween—it gave neighbors a chance to connect, enjoy public spaces and strengthen our sense of community,” said Philip Cheng of Dorchester, who hosted one of the grant-backed events.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must apply for a Play Street Closing Permit first. Once approved, you can apply for the $300 Spooky Streets mini-grant.

• All block parties must be free and open to the public — no selling or charging allowed.

• Parties can’t be hosted in parks or private lots; they have to be on a public street.

• Events should happen between Friday, October 24 and Sunday, November 2.

• Your block party doesn’t have to be Halloween-themed — fall and harvest parties count too.

The deadline to apply is Monday, September 22 at 5 p.m. Residents can find the application and details at boston.gov/spooky-streets.

So whether you want to deck out the block in spiderwebs, hand out glow-in-the-dark favors for trick-or-treaters, or just give your neighborhood a reason to come together — Spooky Streets is helping make it happen.