Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett stopped short of an outright ban on trick-or-treating, but that’s really the city’s official stance due to COVID-19. Social distance, wear masks (easy on Halloween), and all that jazz.
The mayor has also discouraged Halloween parties due to COVID-19, and that we’ll have additional police patrols on the streets (as always, and highly unlikely to disrupt any festivities since, you know, it’s not an actual law and we’re not really enforcing actual felony laws this year).
That said, here’s the updated Indianapolis Trick-or-Treating scoop for 2020 based on 2019 (and most previous years).
2019 Indianapolis Trick-or-Treat Hours (updated for 2020)
Trick-or-treat hours in Indianapolis will be from 6 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) will have extra patrols and enforcement in neighborhoods during these times to protect the safety of residents during Halloween festivities.
If you are joining in this year’s trick-or-treating fun, please consider the following safety tips:
- Wear light-colored clothing short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape
- Wear fire-resistant costumes
- Make sure children can see well through face masks
- Don’t wear masks or disguises into businesses
- Adults should accompany young children and children with special needs
- Go out in daylight hours if possible or carry a flashlight if you’ll be out after dark
- Motorists are reminded to slow down and be aware of their surroundings
- Only give and accept wrapped or packaged treats
- Examine all treats before allowing children to eat them. If you find a suspicious item, contact police as soon as possible at 327-3811; if an injury is involved, dial 911
- Avoid props such as toy guns, which can look real
- Consider block parties instead of trick-or-treating
- Don’t fire guns – not only is this illegal but what goes up, must come down
- Check the weather and have appropriate dress under costumes in the event of cold temperatures
SOURCE: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department