Clarendon Streets To Close For Halloween, Free Bus Rides Offered

ARLINGTON, VA — Halloween celebrations in Clarendon will bring several road closures, parking restrictions and an increased police presence, but residents heading out for the night will also have access to free bus rides and discounted Lyft trips.

Arlington County police announced plans to close portions of Wilson Boulevard, Clarendon Boulevard and North Hudson Street on Saturday, Oct. 31, to accommodate Halloween nightlife and a community event aimed at preventing drunk driving.

The department will partner with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) for a free anti-drunk driving event beginning at 8 p.m. at North Hudson Street and Wilson Boulevard.

The event will demonstrate how alcohol affects motor skills and driving ability while encouraging Halloween revelers to arrange sober transportation.

Clarendon Halloween Road Closures

Police announced the following closures for Halloween night:

Beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31:

• North Hudson Street between Wilson Boulevard and the alley behind CVS.

From 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, until 3 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1:

• Clarendon Boulevard from North Highland Street to Washington Boulevard.
• Wilson Boulevard from North Highland Street to Washington Boulevard.

Police may close additional streets at their discretion, depending on pedestrian traffic and public safety conditions.

Drivers should expect an increased police presence and follow officers' directions when traveling through Clarendon.

Free Bus Rides And Discounted Lyft Trips

Residents celebrating Halloween in Arlington will have several options for getting home without driving.

Arlington Transit will offer free bus rides Saturday, Oct. 31. Riders can check routes and schedules through the Arlington Transit website.

WRAP's Halloween SoberRide program will also offer free Lyft rides worth up to $15 during two overnight periods:

• Friday, Oct. 30, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The program is intended to help people who have been drinking get home safely.

Police encourage anyone planning to drink to arrange transportation before heading out, whether through public transit, a ride service or a designated sober driver.

Halloween Parking Restrictions

Street parking on Wilson Boulevard and Clarendon Boulevard will be restricted beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

Drivers should watch for temporary "No Parking" signs. Vehicles parked in restricted areas may be ticketed or towed.

Anyone whose vehicle is towed can check its location through the county's online vehicle search portal.

Drivers who cannot locate their vehicles or need assistance can call Arlington County's non-emergency number at 703-558-2222.

Police Urge Safe Halloween Celebrations

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 201 people died in alcohol-related crashes nationwide during Halloween nights from 2020 through 2024. Those figures include crashes involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01 or higher.

Adults ages 21 to 34 accounted for the highest percentage of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes during that period, at 54 percent.

Police are urging residents to avoid driving after drinking, help friends arrange safe transportation and watch for pedestrians in busy nightlife areas.

Anyone who spots a suspected impaired driver in Arlington can call 703-558-2222 or 911 in an emergency.

Additional information about impaired driving prevention is available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.