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We are excited to brew up another spellbinding family-friendly event for you to enjoy! Keep your crystal balls tuned as we conjure up more information about our magical trick-or-treat event.

Join us for a spellbinding adventure on Hillsborough Street!

Event Info | Parking Info | Event Map | FAQ

EVENT INFO

Who: You! Though designed to be family-friendly, we welcome all those young at heart! Costumes encouraged but not required.

When: Sunday, October 19th, 2025 from 2-5pm

Where: The central zone of Hillsborough St (2300 to 2600 blocks of Hillsborough Street). Check-in tables will be located at both ends of the event area: near the intersections of Hillsborough Street & Pogue Street and Hillsborough Street & Logan Court. Grab your comic books and trick-or-treat bags while supplies last.

What: From Pogue Street to Logan Court, enjoy candy stations galore, and don't miss the bubbling trunk-or-treat cauldron in the Car Park by the "Welcome to Hillsborough St" mural. Dive into magical games and activities at Compiegne Park, but hurry—it won't last forever! 🎃✨

Now there’s double the trouble with our expanded footprint. We will be shutting down Horne St. from Hillsborough Street to Vanderbilt Ave to provide even more space to trick or treat, create crafts, and have a bubbling good time. 🧙‍♂️✨

Once again we're thrilled to present an exclusive Trick or Treat comic book by Jake Berlin from The Portal HQ. Join Starboy and Arvad, who’s been turned into a frog, on their magical mission. Create your own witch or warlock persona, collect sweet treats, and embark on enchanting activity creation.📍

Why: There's something for everyone along Hillsborough Street - college students, professionals, families or anyone else. We hope you'll take the time to walk along the street, pick up some fun treats with your friends & family and maybe stop in to visit our businesses who are ready to serve you.

EVENT MAP

Please note that our event map is an illustration showing the 2500–2300 blocks of Hillsborough Street. The check-in points are located at the intersections of Pogue Street & Hillsborough Street and Logan Court & Hillsborough Street.

You can stop by either check-in table to pick up a goodie bag and our exclusive Trick or Treat comic book (while supplies last).

The event footprint stretches between both check-in points and features fun activities at every stop:

  • City Plat Site (next to Target): Snap some photos at our themed photo ops and collect custom stickers to decorate your comic book.
  • Horne Street: Enjoy craft activities, meet a variety of community partners, and take a break in our chill zone.
  • The Car Park Lot (between Grk Yeero and Moge Tee): Check out the Trunk or Treat zone and have fun with our inflatable games.
  • Compiegne Park: Get creative with pumpkin painting, unwind in our relaxation areas, and play a few family-friendly games.

Directional signs will be posted throughout the event area, and our staff—wearing lanyards—will be happy to help if you have any questions.

PARKING INFO

Free parallel parking is available along Hillsborough Street on weekends. Additional parking can be found in nearby NC State lots, which are typically free on weekends, including:

  • North Hall Lot – 18 designated spaces (ParkMobile only)
  • Ferndell Lot – 68 spaces (Pay Station & ParkMobile)

Neighboring streets off Hillsborough Street also offer free 2-hour parking.

If free parking is full, paid options are available at the Old Wells Fargo Lot (2600 Hillsborough St) and in a portion of the Car Park Lot (23 Logan Ct).

FAQ

1. Is this event free to attend?
Yes! The event is completely free and open to the public. Some activities or food from local businesses may require purchase, but all event programming is free to enjoy.

2. Do I need to register in advance?
No registration is required—just show up ready for fun! Stop by one of our check-in tables when you arrive to grab your goodie bag and exclusive Trick or Treat comic book (while supplies last). If you reserve a ticket for your child on eventbrite, and show it at one of our event check in tables we will add a special spooky surprise in their goodie bag (while supplies last)!

3. Where should I check in?
You can check in at either end of the event area—near Pogue Street & Hillsborough Street or Logan Court & Hillsborough Street.

4. What’s the best place to park?
Free parallel parking is available on Hillsborough Street and on nearby side streets, however these have a 2-hour limit. NC State’s North Hall Lot and Ferndell Lot are also typically free on weekends. If those fill up, there’s paid parking at the Old Wells Fargo Lot (2600 Hillsborough St) and part of the Car Park Lot (23 Logan Ct).

5. What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, and your Halloween spirit! Costumes are encouraged but not required.

6. Is this event family-friendly?
Absolutely! The event is designed for kids, families, and anyone young at heart.

7. Will there be candy or treats for everyone?
Yes—there will be plenty of candy stations along the route and a Trunk or Treat area, but other goodies and comic books are available while supplies last, so it’s best to arrive early.

8. What activities can I expect?
Each zone offers something unique:

  • City Plat Site: Photo ops and comic book stickers
  • Horne Street: Crafts, community partners, and a chill zone
  • Car Park Lot: Trunk or Treat and inflatable games
  • Compiegne Park: Pumpkin painting, games, and relaxation areas

9. Are pets allowed?
Friendly, leashed pets are welcome—just keep in mind that there will be crowds and children present.

10. What happens if it rains?
The event is rain or shine unless severe weather creates unsafe conditions then our backup event location will be the West Raleigh Presbyterian Church. Updates will be shared on our social media channels and our website.

11. Is there food or drink available?
Many nearby Hillsborough Street restaurants and cafes will be open during the event—stop in to grab a bite or warm drink between activities.

12. Who can I contact if I have questions during the event?
Event staff wearing lanyards will be available throughout the event area, or you can visit a check-in table for assistance.