Pending some city approvals, Halloween in the Castro will return for the third time this year as a tamer version of the long-gone legendary block party, though perhaps a bit more festive with a street closure this time.
It's been nearly 20 years since Halloween in the Castro was officially canceled in 2006, and neighborhood leaders are looking to bring back the Halloween spirit.
For the past two years, local leaders and community groups have revived the once-popular and infamous party with smaller community-based events.
For this year's family-friendly version, the party will pivot to a night market.
Halloween in the Castro (2005). | Photo: Shu Wu/Flickr
Since March, the monthly Castro Night Market has happened on the third Friday. Come October, organizers will shift the date to fall on Friday, October 31.
Plans are still being developed, but Castro Merchants President Nate Bourg wrote in his monthly newsletter that attendees can "expect a spectacularly spooky Castro Night Market."
According to the SF Chronicle, permitting is currently underway. As in past Castro Night Markets, the event will include vendors, food trucks, stages, and a dancing area in the Walgreens parking lot.
Adore Delano performs at Pride Month Castro Night Market. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The Castro Night Market is funded in part by the Civic Joy Fund, co-founded by Manny Yekutiel and Mayor Daniel Lurie, and produced by CG Events co-founders Chris Carrington and Greg Sroda.
The Castro Night Market footprint is relatively small compared to other night markets around the city. 18th Street is closed from Hartford to Castro streets and from Castro to Collingwood. Castro Street remains open throughout the evening.
Organizers are hopeful to expand the footprint in October, resembling a similar larger footprint for the June Pride Month night market.
With the Castro being designated an Entertainment Zone, alcohol can now be consumed within the footprint of the event. Castro Night Market typically starts at 5 p.m. and is wrapped up by 10 p.m. While the block party will end, Halloween revelers are likely to continue to party late into the night.
SFFD ambulance arriving on-scene in the Castro on Halloween 2006. | Photo: Jeremy Francis
Castro residents will recall that the block party was officially canceled in 2006 after 10 people were injured when someone shot into the crowd. Nine people were shot and one was trampled in the chaos.
Safety concerns have long been an issue with bringing Halloween in the Castro back. In response, Bourg stated, "Rest assured, we’re working closely with partners to ensure it’s festive, safe, and seamless."
