Select a date. Here in Wilton, we have designated the two weekends bookending the summer as block party weekends, one in June and the other in September. If one of those weekends won’t work for you or your neighbors, don’t worry, as any date will do. The goal is to make it happen.

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Decide on a location. Some favorite block party spaces are the road, a common area, the end of a driveway, or adjoining yards. Nothing fancy is necessary. In fact, the more informal the gathering space, the less intimidating the event and the more people will come.

 

Check in with your municipality to understand local ordinances. You may be required to secure a permit up to a month in advance. Some municipalities offer free block party supplies such as street barricades, music and PA systems, tables, chairs, and games. You may be asked to submit the signatures of neighbors with your permit application. This is another opportunity to knock on doors and connect in person!

 

Invite your neighbors the old-fashioned way by dropping off flyers to each home. Handmade flyers created by children will help set the tone that the block party is an unpretentious event where everyone is welcome. The flyer should include the date, time, location, your contact info, and a food plan.

 

Speaking of food, it’s often a block party highlight. There’s a reason the term “breaking bread” has lasted for centuries and spans cultures. Research from the University of Oxford found “that communal eating increases social bonding and feelings of well-being,” Take the potluck approach and encourage your neighbors to bring a favorite dish from their family table, past or present. Be mindful of possible allergies, and label accordingly. Other casual food options include rolling out grills for a barbeque, throwing an ice cream social, or just filling up coolers with drinks and gathering curbside to watch the sunset.

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Most importantly, keep it simple! Block parties should not be elaborate, costly, or staged for social media consumption. Block parties are about putting away phones, meeting and enjoying neighbors, and fostering more free play for children.