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Block Party Basics

If you only see the neighbors when you take out the trash, it's time to rock the block and turn a collection of addresses into a close-knit community.

Related Recipes and Menus

Where's the Party?

Want to block off the street? You'll need a permit, so get on that right away.

You can also rent a large hall or picnic site.

What to Plan For

Food. Pre-assigned potluck, random dishes, or both? Maybe you collect funds for burgers and dogs, and guests sign up to bring side dishes, desserts, and drinks.

Decorations. Keep it simple: balloons, streamers, flags, banners, strings of lights, etc.

Hardware. Everything for seating, eating, and cooking. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold: foil roasting pans filled with ice can chill bowls of salads, and slow cookers work great for baked beans and corn on the cob. Plan for trash and recycling.

Cooking. Man the grills on a rotating schedule so one person doesn't get stuck in front of the fire all day.

Ice. You'll need lots of it and coolers to keep it in. Keep cooling ice separate from drinking ice.

Alcohol. Check if it's legal to serve it and if you need a permit. Make sure no underage drinking is allowed.

Other Details

Theme Party. Optional but fun: Salsa Night, Hawaiian Luau, Summer Carnival, etc. Or build your party around a project like planting trees or digging a community garden.

Entertainment. Hook up a sound system, organize a house band, or hire a band. Have a talent show, hula-hoop contest, face painting, bike and trike parade, water balloon toss, etc. Set up a display of crafts or hobbies--you might discover a knitting buddy or prize-winning gardener.

Who's Who. Family-themed name tags help group guests at a glance: Oh, so you're Joey's dad!

Everyone's In. Help elderly neighbors, shut-ins, and people with limited mobility to join in because block parties should be all-inclusive.

Restrooms. Everyone uses the ones in their own homes.

Washout. Have an alternate date ready if it rains.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

A block party is worth doing even if your "block" is an apartment complex or high-rise condo. It's all about building close ties through food and good times.

People-Pleasing Main Dishes

Salads to Feed a Crowd

Picnic Side Dishes

Friendly Desserts

Thirst-Quenchers

Building Blocks

If you know one or two other folks on your block, get together to brainstorm:

Decide what makes up your "block." Is it just your street, apartment building, or condo association? How large a crowd can you handle?
Sketch out the event date, location, and time
Invite everyone to a general planning meeting. At the meeting, ask for volunteers
Figure at least eight weeks to put it all together--permits and reservations might need lots of lead time

The Next Big Thing

About a week after the party, ask for feedback: what worked, what fell flat, how can it be improved--because a great block party can turn into a fun-filled, community-building annual event.