State Street Halloween Information

The City of Madison will not be sponsoring a Freakfest Halloween event this year. Historically, this event would occur on the Saturday evening prior to Halloween. This year that date is Saturday, October 30. This also coincides with University of Wisconsin Homecoming weekend.
 
Although no formal event will exist, it is highly likely that very large crowds will converge in the State Street and University Avenue corridor on Saturday. In anticipation of large crowds, the Madison Police Department, collaborating with other City agencies, will be implementing a comprehensive public safety plan.

The public safety plan includes the following on Saturday:

• Metro Transit will detour all buses from State Street all day. Specific details and maps are available here.
• North Broom Street will be closed between West Johnson Street and State Street starting at 4:00 p.m. Access will be maintained to all residential properties and local businesses.
• West Gilman Street will be closed between University Ave and Lisa Link Peace Park starting at 4:00 p.m. Access will be maintained to all residential properties and local businesses.
• A contingency traffic plan will be utilized when and where needed. For example, if State Street becomes very crowded, cross streets like West Gorham Street and West Johnson Street may be closed.
• The Buckeye parking lot located between West Gilman Street and West Gorham Street will be closed to the public starting at 4:00 p.m.
• State Street pedestrian access to and from both sides of North Frances Street and Hawthorne Court will likely be limited to exit only.
• Lisa Link Peace Park lawns will be fenced off, and the sidewalks used for emergency exit if needed.
• City benches, bike racks and planters will be temporarily removed from State Street.
• All bicycles parked on State Street will be removed.
• All State Street area sidewalk cafes will close and be removed by 6:00 p.m.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!