Halloween and Mifflin Street Block Party
Madison is well-known for several large annual events, particularly Halloween (held on the Saturday closest to October 31) and the Mifflin Street Block Party, (traditionally held during the first weekend in May). If you decide to attend, keep the following in mind:
- Go out with friends. Stay in a group and return home with that group. Walk in well-lit areas. Check in with each other throughout the night. Designate a meeting time and place in case you get separated.
- If a friend can’t walk home on his or her own or passes out, don’t leave your friend alone. Call 911 if you are uncertain of his or her condition.
- Balconies and alcohol don’t mix. Always leave a balcony that seems overcrowded.
- If you accept a beverage from someone, make sure that you know the person, you’ve observed the drink’s preparation and that you never leave it unattended. Exercise caution in any public setting with any beverage.
- If you plan to host a party, control who enters your residence. Don’t hold an “open” party. People who have access to your residence should be guests who are known to you, and not just anyone who walks in off the street.
- Remember to wear closed-toed shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops in case there is broken glass on the street.
- Open intoxicants are not allowed on any city street, sidewalk, terrace, alley or other public property, even if you are of legal drinking age. The Madison Police Department will forward any citation information back to the Offices of the Dean of Students and you could face sanctions that could impact your student status.
- Weapons or realistic facsimiles of weapons as part of costumes are not allowed by Madison police.
- On Halloween, don’t wear a costume that inhibits or restricts your ability to see or run. Some people may take advantage of being unrecognizable in a Halloween costume.
- Make sure that you are in an environment where you can easily get help or get away from someone who is threatening your safety in any way.
- If you see a crowd incident begin to occur, leave the area immediately. If you remain in the area, you may be held responsible for what occurs, or accidentally become involved in a situation.
- If you don’t feel like going out in the crowds, numerous other parties and events typically take place around campus. Visit the Wisconsin Union Web site for more information.
- Honor everyone’s right to live and feel safe in the Madison community, including fellow students, campus neighbors and downtown business owners. Look out for your friends and fellow students. If someone is in trouble, reach out to help him or her.