We’ve heard that some are blaming recent traffic issues on a band of trolls visiting Seattle. It is true there are more collisions in Seattle during October than in any other month, but it is more likely due to changing weather and shortened days rather than mean-spirited trolls. The Seattle Department of Transportation advises people to keep safety in mind as they prepare for Halloween fun this weekend.

Drivers beware: on Friday night, trolls and other strange beings will parade around the Fremont business district at the annual Trolloween, event, while in the SODO area costumed party-goers will be headed to Freak Night festival dance at CenturyLink Field. In Magnolia, kids will be out for the Magnolia Village Halloween Trick or Treat.

At the Seattle Center this weekend, the Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival on Saturday and Sunday afternoons is expected to draw 5,000 people, and on Saturday night, nearly 9,000 fans will attend the Black Keys concert at Key Arena. Also on Saturday night, Freak Night will again draw costumed merry-makers to CenturyLink Field. On Sunday morning, around 2,000 people wearing purple will take to the streets, trails and sidewalks in Magnuson Park to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, and in the afternoon about 67,000 fans will be on streets leading to CenturyLink Field to see the Seahawks face the Oakland Raiders.

Pedestrians beware: Stay alert for traffic and remember that drivers may not see you. Trick-or-treaters and trolls alike can make themselves more visible to drivers by wearing light colored costumes or reflective material and carrying a bright light. Costumes or masks that restrict a person’s sight-lines should be reserved for in-door use.

Consider scaring the traffic trolls away by taking public transportation to weekend events—Metro Transit, Link Light Rail, the Sounder, or the South Lake Union Streetcar.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

Magnolia Village Halloween Trick or Treat:
· Magnolia business district

· 4 to 6 p.m.

· Estimated attendance: 1,000

· West McGraw Street will be closed between 34th and 32nd avenues from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

http://magnoliachamber.org/event/halloween-trick-or-treating-in-the-vil…

Freak Night festival dance
· WaMu Theater at CenturyLink Field

· 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.

· Estimated attendance: 20,000

· Expect traffic congestion around the area

http://freaknightfestival.com/

Trolloween 2014
· North end of the Aurora Bridge in Freemont

· 7:30 to 10 p.m.

· Estimated participants: 350

· The “Haunt of Fremont” procession will begin at 7:30 p.m. starting at North 36th Street and Troll Avenue North (under the Aurora Bridge). Participants will travel west on 36th to Phinney Avenue North, south on Phinney to North 35th Street, east on 35th to Evanston Avenue North, north on Evanston to North 36th Street, and east on 36th to Doric Hall (619 North 36th Street).

· Street closures: North 36th Street will be closed adjacent to the Troll between Linden Avenue North and Whitman Avenue North from approximately 5:30 to 9 p.m.

· Police officers will escort the procession.

https://www.facebook.com/events/142537079436/

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Black Keys Concert
· Key Arena

· 8 to 11p.m.

· Estimated attendance: 9,000.

http://www.keyarena.com/plan-your-visit/public-transportation

Day of the Dead Festival
· Seattle Center

· 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

· Estimated Attendance: 5000

http://seattlecenter.com/festal/detail.aspx?id=19

Freak Night festival dance
· WaMu Theater at CenturyLink Field

· 4 p.m. to midnight

· Estimated attendance: 20,000

· Expect traffic congestion around the area

http://freaknightfestival.com/

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

PurpleStride Puget Sound 2014
· Magnuson Park in Northeast Seattle

· Walk/run begins at 9:50 a.m.

· Estimated participants: 2,400

· Expect slow traffic and congestion around the area

http://purplestride.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1102311

Day of the Dead Festival

· Seattle Center

· 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

· Estimated Attendance: 5000

http://seattlecenter.com/festal/detail.aspx?id=19

Seahawks vs. Oakland Raiders
· CenturyLink Field

· 1:25 p.m. kickoff

· Estimated attendance: 67,000

· Expect slow traffic and congestion around the area

http://www.seahawks.com/gameday/transportation-guide/index.html