The best way to host a successful event is to involve your neighbors from the start. A small planning team of 3–5 people can share the load, while a larger group (around 10) can help with setup, canvassing, and cleanup.

Try to include neighbors of different ages and backgrounds, and use the opportunity to start a neighborhood email list or group chat if you don't already have one!

The planning team will need to decide on when to throw the party. A weekend is usually best to avoid most work schedules, heavy traffic, and waste pickup routes, but that's up to your neighborhood!

Before you can have a Block Party, you need to fill out the Block Party Application Form and submit it to the Burlington Police Department at least three weeks before you want to have the event.

Using the Burlington Police Department Permit Waiver Form or with a virtual form, you must collect signatures from 75% of households on the street being closed, as well as along any streets whose travel will be severely impacted by the road closure. Signatures acknowledge that neighbors agree to festivities and waive car access during the event.

We recommend you canvass in pairs, split streets clearly among the planning team, and take notes to avoid duplicate visits or remind yourself about houses you missed.

Depending on how big you want this Block Party to be (just your immediate neighbors, people on nearby streets, or the whole neighborhood) you should:

• Advertise your event on Front Porch Forum (2 weeks, 1 week, and 1 day in advance)
• Announce at your local NPA meeting (if you can't attend, you can send the NPA Steering Committee an email with details for them to share out)!
• Flyer-ing in Community Spaces such as cafes, corner stores, and utility poles. You could also consider sharing flyers with each residence, too!
• Put up Door Hangers at each residence, especially those on the street being closed.

Think about food and beverages (who is bringing food, how is it being served and eaten?), tables and chairs, music, and activities (street soccer or a local garage band are great ideas!). Consider safety and accessibility: barricades to stop cars, shade and seating for vulnerable neighbors, plans for emergency vehicles, and comfortable spaces for all ages.

Check resources like Fletcher Free Library lawn games, NPAs for tables or funding, and reach out to us at Local Motion for temporary road barriers (though a row of trash and recycling totes work surprisingly well).

When the Block Party finally rolls around, set up barricades or cones to block off the street and make sure there is signage to alert drivers that the street is closed for an event.

Ensure you have a plan for emergency vehicles and any residents who absolutely must reach or leave their homes (though we recommend you ask neighbors to plan ahead and find alternative parking locations)! Clear signage and volunteer monitors can help keep the closure safe and respectful.

Celebrate your community, enjoy the food, and connect with neighbors! Use this opportunity to strengthen relationships and spark ideas for future events. Take photos to document the day and share with the neighborhood.

Plan ahead for garbage and recycling collection. Recruit volunteers from the planning team and beyond. Return any borrowed items and thank everyone who helped. A smooth cleanup ensures neighbors look forward to next year’s event.