| |  | |  | | Block Party Kit |
| Throwing a block party is a terrific way to meet your neighbors, build a sense of neighborhood, and just plain have fun! The City of Walnut Creek encourages neighbors to throw block parties and has put together this packet to make planning Block Parties easier. Click on any of the links below to find out more about: | | | Step 1. Have a Planning Party. Invite a few neighbors over to plan the party. Think of the planning process itself as an opportunity to have fun and make some lasting friendships. Try to involve neighbors you don't know well who may know other neighbors you don't know well. Don't stress over planning the perfect party sometimes the most casual events are the most fun.
Step 2. Choose a Location. You may be able to close off the street in front of your block if you want to hold activities right in the street. If you want to close a street, you will need to get a free Block Party Street Closure Permit from the City. See Cutting the Red Tape. You will also need to obtain insurance. If you want to hold the party in yards and don't want to close a street, the City doesn't require permits or insurance. Despite these requirements, closing the street does have the advantage of making your party feel like a true block party rather than a private event.
Step 3. Choose a Date. Try to pick a date 4-6 weeks in advance to allow plenty of time for planning, notifying neighbors and obtaining a Street Closure Permit if needed.
Step 4. Decide on Food. A party isn't a party without food and any other activities are just gravy. See Menu & Recipes.
Step 5. Decide on Activities. To spice up your party, you may want to include some games and activities. Some block parties come at the end of a block cleanup, a block garage sale, or a day of tree-planting; others have a theme such as Fourth of July or celebrating some real (or made up) neighborhood anniversary. See Fun and Games for ideas. The City would also like to support and be a part of your party see City Resources.
Step 6. Deliver Invitations. Deliver invitations at least a month before the party to allow people to plan and as a courtesy to neighbors with special needs (e.g. daytime sleepers, expecting deliveries) who may need to communicate with you. Invitations are most effective if they are personally delivered. You may want to put reminders under people's doormats about a week before the party.
Step 7. Set Up. If you will be closing a street, the City will deliver barricades prior to the party.
Step 8. Observe Neighborhood Courtesies. Remember to make your block party a positive experience for all of your neighbors, even if they choose not to attend. Make it easy for neighbors to get out of their driveways and through the street. Keep noise levels low after 10:00 p.m.
Step 9. Have Fun!
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