STARTING IN 2017: Block party and other permits can be applied for and paid for online! See this press release from the Mayor's Office for more info, and refer to the City's block party policies published through the Office of Special Events.
THINKING ABOUT A BLOCK PARTY?Block parties are a great way to get to know your neighbors, increase the sense of belonging in a community, and have fun! Here are some basic planning tips for organizing your own Point Breeze block party. And, get a first-hand glimpse of Card Lane's block party--over two decades and counting--on the Breeze Blog!
Planning Tips: Who/What/Where/When/Why Who? Planning an event can be more fun when you work on it with others, and many hands make light work. So, consider inviting a few neighbors to help with the organizing. Or, keep it simple and do it yourself. When deciding whom to invite to the block party, use natural neighborhood boundaries whenever possible (e.g., end of the block). Consider asking attendees to RSVP via email, so that you can alert them if there are any changes due to weather, etc. Give your neighbors plenty of notice, so that many can plan to attend. Here is a flyer template, created by PBO volunteer Amelia Williams, for you to personalize, print, and distribute--or create one of your own! (Black & white version here.) What? Your block party can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Some common set-ups include:
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Use a fun flyer like this one to distribute to your neighbors! Customizable Word doc here (black & white file here).
Don't forget to post pictures on the PBO Facebook page! #pbblockparties |
You will likely want to encourage attendees to bring chairs and tables and, in case of rain, pop-up tents.
A block party can also be coupled with a street/neighborhood project, such as a litter clean-up, neighborhood garden planting, food drive, garden harvest exchange, or bake sale to benefit a local charity. It is up to you/your planning committee to decide if you'd like to incorporate such an activity.
To keep a potluck eco-friendly, encourage neighbors to bring their own reusable plates and utensils. Otherwise, have disposables, and garbage bags, on hand. You can ask a few volunteers to bring these, in lieu of a potluck dish.
It's great to have some party activities on hand for children, such as bubble-blowing equipment or sidewalk chalk drawing, and/or for adults, like neighborhood trivia or water balloon throwing contests. Bring nametags for everyone! And, look for ways to welcome any new residents to the neighborhood.
Where? When selecting where to hold the party, look for a portion of the street that will be convenient and accessible. Sometimes a side/connecting street or alley is more convenient. To close off the street, request a block party permit at least 7 days ahead of time via the Office of Special Events. The cost for a permit is $25, and once obtained, the City will allow the street to be blocked and will provide barricades. We recommend asking neighbors to throw a few dollars into a collection, before or at the party itself, to pay for the obstruction fee and other general expenses.
A block party can also be coupled with a street/neighborhood project, such as a litter clean-up, neighborhood garden planting, food drive, garden harvest exchange, or bake sale to benefit a local charity. It is up to you/your planning committee to decide if you'd like to incorporate such an activity.
To keep a potluck eco-friendly, encourage neighbors to bring their own reusable plates and utensils. Otherwise, have disposables, and garbage bags, on hand. You can ask a few volunteers to bring these, in lieu of a potluck dish.
It's great to have some party activities on hand for children, such as bubble-blowing equipment or sidewalk chalk drawing, and/or for adults, like neighborhood trivia or water balloon throwing contests. Bring nametags for everyone! And, look for ways to welcome any new residents to the neighborhood.
Where? When selecting where to hold the party, look for a portion of the street that will be convenient and accessible. Sometimes a side/connecting street or alley is more convenient. To close off the street, request a block party permit at least 7 days ahead of time via the Office of Special Events. The cost for a permit is $25, and once obtained, the City will allow the street to be blocked and will provide barricades. We recommend asking neighbors to throw a few dollars into a collection, before or at the party itself, to pay for the obstruction fee and other general expenses.
When? No matter what date is chosen, not everyone will be able to attend, so choose a time that is best for you/your planning committee. Block parties are often summer events, but some Point Breeze residents hold winter or holiday block parties as well! You may wish to avoid dates when there are other large events happening in the neighborhood, or in the city at large (for example, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, or events related to holiday weekends). Just be sure to request the street closure permit at least a month or more in advance of your desired date.
Why? Bringing neighbors together is where community building begins. Today, fewer than half of American adults know most or all of their neighbors, and about ONE-THIRD of Americans report that they have never interacted with their neighbors. Studies have shown that people who know and trust their neighbors are more likely to report higher rates of health and well-being than those who don’t. So you can skip your kale salad for dinner, and just plan yourself a block party (or even better, bring that kale salad along to the gathering).
In summary, planning a block party can be easy! Just:
The Point Breeze Organization is here to help you! If you have questions about planning your block party, contact us!
Why? Bringing neighbors together is where community building begins. Today, fewer than half of American adults know most or all of their neighbors, and about ONE-THIRD of Americans report that they have never interacted with their neighbors. Studies have shown that people who know and trust their neighbors are more likely to report higher rates of health and well-being than those who don’t. So you can skip your kale salad for dinner, and just plan yourself a block party (or even better, bring that kale salad along to the gathering).
In summary, planning a block party can be easy! Just:
- Choose your date
- Request your permit
- Make a food plan
- Distribute a flyer to your neighbors
- Show up, make new friends, and have a good time!
- Make sure everything is clean at the end of the day, and street barricades have been moved to the sides of the road (if applicable)
The Point Breeze Organization is here to help you! If you have questions about planning your block party, contact us!