Halloween on Cortland: A Neighborhood Tradition

Halloween on Cortland is an annual community celebration that transforms Bernal Heights into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly festive hub. Founded and hosted by Greening Projects, this event reimagines urban space by temporarily closing Cortland Avenue to vehicles, creating a safe and inclusive environment where neighbors of all ages can connect and celebrate.

Halloween on Cortland: A Neighborhood Tradition

Event Highlights

Safe Trick-or-Treating: A car-free Cortland Avenue lets families enjoy traditional trick-or-treating at local businesses and community stations without worrying about traffic.

Community Stewardship: The event serves as a platform for local engagement, bringing together residents, business owners, and volunteers to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

Creative Expression: Attendees are encouraged to showcase their imagination through costume contests and festive decorations that light up the corridor.

Supporting Local Economy: By drawing thousands of visitors to the heart of the district, the event highlights and supports the diverse small businesses along Cortland Avenue.

Our Mission in the Streets

While Greening Projects is widely known for creating permanent gardens and green infrastructure, Halloween on Cortland represents our commitment to “social greening.” We believe that vibrant public spaces and car-free initiatives are essential for:

Pedestrian Safety: Demonstrating the potential of streets as safe, shared community spaces.

Environmental Health: Reducing local vehicle emissions and promoting walkable neighborhoods.

Social Cohesion: Building trust and discourse across diverse groups through shared joyful experiences.

Get Involved

As an annual tradition, this celebration relies on the spirit of our community. There are several ways to support the magic each year:

Volunteer: Join our crew as a Safety Ghoul, Decor Wizard, or Activity Host to help the night run smoothly.

Participate: Bring your best costume and join the parade of neighbors filling the street.

Donate: Contributions help cover the costs of permits, safety equipment, and activities that keep the event free and accessible for everyone.

By reclaiming our streets for an evening of community joy, we continue to cultivate a healthier, more connected San Francisco.

Halloween on Cortland: A Neighborhood Tradition