How It All Started
In 2023, our 12-year-old daughter joined us for trick-or-treating with our neighbors. Fortunately, in our community, merchants come together to hand out candy on Cortland Avenue, Bernal Heights' main business corridor. While it gave us a central place to gather instead of wandering distant streets, it had its challenges. It was crowded, traffic was heavy, the 24 Muni line was running, and most of us were crammed onto narrow sidewalks, often losing our group in the crowd. There had to be a better way, but no single person could change the night alone.
Taking on the Challenge in 2024
So, in 2024, our nonprofit, Greening Projects, decided to see if we could shut down the street. Sounds reasonable, right? As it turns out, securing a permit, rerouting the bus, posting no-parking signs, and coordinating traffic control and safety logistics is a massive undertaking. Yet, the moment we asked for help, the community stepped up:
Baukunst became our first sponsor, covering essential permitting costs.
The BBAA coordinated directly with local merchants, who generously offered prizes for the costume contest.
Seeing how dark the corridor became at night, Laurie Kanes of the BBAA spent months coordinating grants with Avenue Greenlight to install permanent lighting along the corridor.
Thanks to a true village effort, we survived that first year, learned a lot along the way, and created a safe, car-free environment for little ghouls and goblins. There was simply no turning back.
Growing Stronger in 2025
Last year, Halloween on Cortland returned even stronger. Avenue Greenlight stepped up to help underwrite the event, while merchants provided gift certificates and costume prizes. The BBAA funded a DJ, allowing everyone to do the Monster Mash late into the evening (or at least until 8:00 PM, since it is a kids’ event after all!). Crucially, neighbors from every corner of Bernal Heights came out to cover traffic control shifts and keep everyone safe.
Looking Ahead to Halloween 2026
Now, we are back for 2026! Civic Joy Fund has stepped in as our sponsor, our local merchants are ready, and the BBAA is once again supplying the DJ. Events like this happen because of the collective spirit of our partners and neighbors. This year is especially exciting because Halloween lands on a Saturday. We will be closing Cortland Avenue from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and we cannot wait to see what frightening little creatures show up.
We Need Your Help to Make the Magic Happen
Bringing a neighborhood event of this scale to life takes a dedicated team. Traffic and intersection monitors are especially vital to keep our streets secure for every family.
Volunteer Opportunities
Here is where you can lend a hand:
🚧 The Crypt Keepers of the Gate (Barricade & Signage Team): Set up the barricades and signs that close the street to vehicles.
👻 The Safety Ghouls (Traffic & Intersection Safety Monitors): Keep intersections safe and ensure traffic stays where it belongs.
🎃 Wandering Wranglers & Spirit Guides (Roaming Ambassadors & Crowd Stewards): Welcome visitors, guide crowd flow, and keep the festive mood alive.
🔓 The Curse Breakers & Gate Openers (Barricade Removal & Traffic Reopening Team): Clear the street and restore normal traffic once the festivities end.
Join the Village
It takes a village to build a safe, joyful Halloween on Cortland. Join your neighbors and sign up to volunteer today at halloweenoncortland.com!