City Cancels Halloween Court Street Block Party 2021
Halloween in Athens Ohio is special.
In most years, people from all over the Midwest visit Athens to enjoy the popular street party. The city usually closes Court Street and Ohio University students and their guests fill Uptown Athens with costumes. Halloween parties are also often held at Athens Ohio student rentals all across the city.
The party will be a little different in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is what you can expect this year for the annual party.
No official party this year
For the second straight year, there will not be an “official” Halloween party sanctioned by the city. The city is not planning to close the streets. In addition, the city will not set up stages for bands. This due to recommendations from public health professionals.
But there still will be a celebration – The Halloween party will continue, but in different ways again this year. First of all, expect to see plenty of costumes at off campus housing in Athens Ohio. Ohio University students will still hold their own Halloween parties in their homes.
Uptown Athens will still be full creative costumes
The bars will be costumed and crowded – The uptown Athens Ohio bars are usually packed on Halloween weekend. This year should be no exception, as students and area residents will still want to celebrate.
The streets may close after all – For many years before the city officially sanctioned the celebration, Court Street closed anyway. In most years, the partiers filled the sidewalks and simply took over Court Street. This may happen this year as the evening continues. It may be wise to not park or drive on Court Street late in the evening.
The city will still likely receive a lot of visitors – Even with no official party, expect to see college students and other people from around the region in Athens.
Halloween in Athens Parking – Visitors from out of town will need to find authorized parking. Cars can park on city streets with no parking meters for up to 24 hours. Many places often rent out parking spaces just for Halloween weekend. The Athens County Fairgrounds traditionally rents spaces. With the party officially cancelled this year, though, it is unclear if parking will be available at the fairgrounds. Visitors definitely should not park illegally on the Ohio University campus. Their cars likely will be ticketed and possibly towed.
Large police presence – The Ohio University and Athens police departments will be out in full force. In addition, officers from nearby law enforcement agencies will be in town to help to keep everything calm.
Be safe and smart – Whatever you do this Halloween in Athens, be sure to stay safe. Stay with your friends, have fun and please be smart.
For more information on the plans for Halloween 2022, as well past Halloween parties, see AthensHalloween.com. For information on the best places to live in Athens Ohio, talk to University Rentals today. Video from Youtube/ The Post, Featured Image by Lucia Foster, Inset Image by Joel Prince at ACCVB / Wikipedia.