The Saturday before Halloween is one of those nights in Austin when 6th Street is even crazier than usual, which is saying a lot because 6th Street is usually pretty crazy.
The Austin Police Department says it will be closing 6th Street at 6 p.m. on Saturday instead of 11 p.m. APD might also shut access ramps onto and off of I-35 between 8th and 3rd streets.
Police also plan to close 6th Street on the actual Halloween, Monday, October 31. The timing of the closures will depend on how big the crowds are.
For the first time ever, APD will be operating almost two dozen crime cameras downtown during Halloween, against the protests of civil liberties groups.
And in case you were thinking it would be an awesome idea to bring a real battle ax downtown as part of your Conan the Destroyer costume, the cops say they won’t allow it. Swords, clubs and sharp or pointed items are all banned downtown on Halloween.
APD are also holding a “No Refusal” weekend starting at 9 p.m. each night this weekend and ending at 5 a.m. the next day. Suspected drunk drivers who refuse a breathalyzer may have their blood forcibly withdrawn.
Here are some event listings for Halloween in case you want to avoid 6th Street.
- CultureMap.com: Saturday event listings
- Austin360.com: Guide to Halloween
- The Daily Texan: Top 10 Halloween Happenings and Fall Festivities
- Do512.com: Saturday night event listings
- City of Austin: Halloween Events
