Halloween on Franklin Street is a tradition that started in the 1980s. It’s not an organized or sanctioned event, but crowds of enthusiastic costumed revelers — UNC students, but residents and visitors as well — descend on Franklin Street in Downtown Chapel Hill to celebrate Halloween.
From 2004 to 2007, an estimated 80,000 people showed up each year, with smaller crowds since.
The Town of Chapel Hill has sought to limit the size of “Homegrown Halloween,” while keeping the attendees as safe as possible. The most common danger is alcohol-related medical issues.
Fall is looking great around the Triangle, whether you’re looking for something spooky or totally kid-friendly! Check out our HUGE list of fall festivals, as well as our list of Raleigh area haunted trails and pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes! We have also put together a big list of Halloween events and Trick or Treat events!
The Town of Chapel Hill announced its preparations for Halloween in a news release.
Road Closures
Several roads will be closed from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on October 31, 2023, to protect people walking, biking and moving around downtown Chapel Hill.
- Franklin Street: Raleigh Street to Church Street
- Columbia Street: Rosemary Street to Cameron Avenue
Roads that feed into those closed areas may also be closed.
Prohibited items
Prohibited items include:
- Open containers of alcohol
- Weapons (or items that look like weapons or could be used as weapons)
- Drones
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Halloween Events in the Triangle
Check out our big list of Halloween events and ideas in the Triangle, or see a quick list here:
