I’m a big supporter of walkable cities. I truly believe that we are happier and healthier when we can get outside in the fresh air and explore our neighborhoods. You also feel much more connected to a city, and specifically with the people, when you can traverse a city on foot, bike, skateboard, or scooter. It’s easier to develop a sense of place. A sense of belonging.

This October, residents and guests will have the opportunity to experience downtown St. Pete in an all-new way – from the street. Car-Free St. Pete is collaborating with the City of St. Petersburg, Grand Central District, EDGE District, and Open Streets St. Pete to shut down 22 blocks of Central Avenue, from Dr. MLK Jr. Street to 31st Street, on October 31st, 2021 from 12 pm to 5 pm.

The event, called ‘Halloween on Central’, will showcase a vision for what a car-free Central Avenue could look like for locals, businesses, and visitors to enjoy. Attendees can stroll and roll along nearly 2 miles of the city’s largest open spaces and experience the heart of St. Pete from a unique perspective that will allow them to rediscover their favorite local businesses and interact with the community in fun, healthy ways.

“Central Avenue is already an incredible pedestrian corridor and this will give people the chance to explore it without cars,” said Jason Mathis, CEO of the Downtown Partnership. “We are excited to help reimagine our urban center as an even more walkable and healthy community.”

Halloween on Central will be a free event for people of all ages. There will be fun Halloween-themed activities fit for the whole family, such as trick-or-treating, costume contests, entertainment, local business vendors, and more. Pets are welcome, too.

So get ready to zoom down Central Avenue on your bike, skateboard, roller skates, one wheel, hoverboard, or e-scooter. However, leave the large motorized vehicles, like golf carts, slingshots, and motorcycles at home.

“The reality is that closing down Central Avenue to cars shouldn’t be such a revolutionary idea,” said Cesar Morales of Open Streets St. Pete. “In Europe, people don’t use their cars as much as we do in America. They are really more dependent on the transportation system. Some of us still have that deep-seated idea that we still need our car, but that’s simply not the case.”

Follow Open Streets St. Pete and Car-Free St. Pete for more information on vendors, street performers, and events taking place at Halloween on Central on October 31st from 12 pm to 5 pm.