Athens will hold trick-or-treat on Friday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and organizers issued guidance asking participating households to turn on porch lights and follow safety and accessibility practices.

The guidance is intended to reduce traffic risks and make the event more accessible, noting measures for visibility, mobility limitations and dietary restrictions.

Officials advised participating households to leave front porch lights on to signal participation; they said houses without lights should be assumed not to be taking part. Residents were urged to make children visible by adding reflective tape or stickers to costumes and bags and to carry glow sticks or flashlights. Pedestrian safety recommendations included using sidewalks or paths, crossing at corners and watching for turning or reversing vehicles; drivers were asked to slow down and exercise extra caution.

The announcement included age guidance for supervision: if a child is 12, a parent or guardian should join them for trick-or-treating. For older or mature children going out with peers, staff recommended preplanning a route and designating a meet-up point. To accommodate mobility limitations, households with porches that have steps were asked to consider distributing treats from a driveway, garage or front yard.

Organizers encouraged offering non-food items such as small toys or stickers for children with allergies or dietary restrictions and emphasized patience for children who may take longer to communicate or use assistive devices.

The notice combined safety, accessibility and etiquette recommendations rather than announcing any permit changes or street closures.