Cortland Ave Goes Full Ghoul: Inside Bernal Heights’ Favorite Halloween Tradition
If you’ve lived in Bernal Heights for more than a minute, you already know Cortland Avenue is the neighborhood’s living room — the strip where you grab coffee, run into three neighbors before you make it to the corner, and catch the pulse of the hill. On October 31st, it transforms into something else entirely: a candy-fueled, costume-clad street party called Halloween on Cortland.
A Young Tradition With Old-Neighborhood Heart
Halloween on Cortland is only a couple of years old — it was founded in 2024 by Greening Projects, the local nonprofit behind much of Bernal’s push for more green, communal public space. But it’s already become one of those events that makes you remember why you love this hill. The idea is simple: give every kid on the block a safe, joyful, car-free stretch of avenue to trick-or-treat on, and give the grown-ups a reason to linger outside and actually talk to each other.
That mission — using shared outdoor space to build real neighborhood connection — is baked into the event’s DNA. Halloween on Cortland isn’t just decorations and candy; it’s a small, sweet experiment in community-building, one glow stick at a time.
What to Expect on October 31st
Mark your calendars: this year’s event takes over Cortland Avenue on October 31st. Here’s the rundown of the evening:
- Trick-or-Treating Kickoff
- Costume Contest
- Monster Mash Dance Party
Trick-or-treating stations are spread up and down the avenue, so little goblins can fill their bags without a long trek. Between rounds, there are carnival-style games with prizes, live performers, and music that’ll have even the grumpiest mummy dancing.
The whole event is designed to be stroller-friendly and accessible to all ages and abilities — organizers ask that anyone with accessibility needs reach out in advance so they can help make the night work for everyone.
Getting There Without the Drama
Cortland Ave sits right in the heart of Bernal Heights, so it’s an easy walk for most of the neighborhood. Street parking is available but fills up fast, so the organizers’ advice is sound: carpool, bike, or take transit if you’re coming from outside the hill.
Safety Tips Straight From the Organizers
Because it’s a family event first, the Halloween on Cortland team shares a few reminders every year:
- Trick-or-treat in groups with an adult along for the ride
- Add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes so everyone’s visible after dark
- Cross at corners and stick to well-lit paths
- Inspect the candy haul before anyone digs in
- Look for volunteers if you or your little monster need a hand
Want to Help Make the Magic Happen?
Halloween on Cortland runs on neighbors helping neighbors. If you’d like to pitch in, Greening Projects is actively looking for volunteers to help staff stations, run games, and keep the evening running smoothly — a great option for local businesses looking to get involved too. Donations also go directly toward keeping the pumpkins glowing and the event free for families year after year.
Learn more, volunteer, or donate: halloweenoncortland.com
Halloween on Cortland is organized by Greening Projects, a Bernal Heights nonprofit dedicated to expanding green, accessible public space throughout the neighborhood.
Author: Mike Doherty: Bernal Connect
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas that benefit communities and the environment.
