Guide to Annual Halloween Activity in Greenville, NC
Doctors, nurses, pimps, movie stars, super heroes- all of whom you will see strutting along the streets of downtown Greenville on Halloween night.
Halloween festivities attract tens of thousands of people to Greenville each year. Many of those are local East Carolina University students, but others are visiting from other colleges or interested individuals from surrounding cities.
So why is it so popular? Well, the Greenville Police Department closes down a 6 block area of 5th Street, the central bar and restaurant row downtown. As soon as it starts getting dark, it begins to look like Mardi Gras!
I went to Greenville’s Halloween celebration three years in a row. My husband and I were living in Wilmington at the time. He is a graduate of ECU and always partook in the festivities as a student there. He told me crazy and fun stories, so I asked him if we could go one year. We drove the two hours to get there, and it was awesome! Needless to say, we made it an annual trek for the next 3 years.
In order to find a good parking spot, it’s necessary to go a little early. My husband and I always got downtown at around 6pm not only so we could get close parking, but to also skip the long lines into Buffalo Wild Wings, one of the more popular hang outs. We were always able to get a booth upstairs by the windows which overlook the street. It’s the best seat in the area!
If anything, the costumes will definitely give you something to laugh at. Some are very creative and unique. One year, there was a guy carrying a booth around his body that said “Kissing Booth.” Another guy was wearing a male’s genital inflatable. Costumes can be hilarious! Many young girls wear very slinky costumes like sexy cop outfits, short skirted nurse apparel, and belly and bust-revealing Superwoman outfits. Of course you also have the traditional witches, doctors, pimps, and President look-alikes.
From 7 or 8pm to 2 and 3 in the morning, the street is packed with people! You are shoulder to shoulder and slowly make your way around. Like I said before, the streets are like Mardi Gras in New Orleans each year. Most are in costume, but a few spectators in street clothes make it out to watch.
Each restaurant and bar has great food and drink specials. Like any college-town, alcohol is a main attraction. So, expect extremely long lines into the bars. But, it’s worth the wait to get in anywhere!
There are police at each end of the block checking for weapons and your ID as you enter, as well as policemen on horses patrolling the area in and around 5th Street. If part of your costume involves anything resembling any sort of weapon, real or fake, leave it at home because the cops will take it. Also, a word to the wise, if you see what appears to be water in the street, step over it!
If you’ve been drinking, please take advantage of the continuous flow of taxis that roll by all night long. They will safely get you and your friends home for just a few bucks.
I will be honest here – if you are between 21 and 30, you will greatly enjoy yourself in Greenville for Halloween! I recommend Buffalo Wild Wings and the Mexican restaurant on the corner. They both have good views, good deals, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can sit back and enjoy your crazy Halloween night.
