Block parties are a wonderful way to create better relationships with your neighbors and create a stronger-knit community.
Block Party Season: May 24 to Oct. 31, 2024
The online application portal is moving to a new portal Friday, Sept. 27. The link to the portal will be posted on this page. Visit this link to view online portal instructions on how to apply online for a block party permit quickly and easily. The last day to apply for a block party permit in 2024 is Oct. 24, and the last day that a block party may occur is Oct. 31.
Two different households on the block must apply for the permit. Permit applications must be submitted at least 14 days in advance of an event.
Block party permits are only required if neighbors want to block off a city street or cul-de-sac with barricades for a neighborhood event. Block party permits are not intended for private parties or events related to political affiliations, commercial or religious organizations, or for neighbors who host a party on their private property.
Street barricades will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis to approved applicants to ensure parties may be held safely. Applicants must pick up the barricades from the contracted vendor, Colorado Barricade, 2295 S. Lipan St., Denver. Only a limited number of barricades are available each week.
Groups who want to hold an event at a city park can request a permit by emailing [email protected].
For more information, email [email protected] or call the Permit Center at 303.739.7420.
The city could pay for your neighborhood gathering with the Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program.
Successful Block Party Ideas
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Get everyone involved. Ask your neighbors to join in on the planning. They will provide great suggestions for the block party.
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Help get the word out on the block. Build up interest by handing out flyers and recruit people to help get the block party set up.
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Get the word out early. Advertise early and often. Give your neighbors adequate notice so they can schedule their activities around this date.
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Tell your neighbors the kind of planned activities on the flyer to make it exciting and spark their interest, such as free food, face painting, bicycle rodeo, sidewalk chalk painting, and raffles. Find out more about the new Aurora Movie Kit Program.
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Invite a representative from the police and get to know your Police Area Representative (PAR). Invite your ward council member. This may be a great opportunity to start a Neighborhood Watch group. Your Police Area Representative can help. Contact information for these individuals can be found on the Property Information page.
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Solicit donations from local businesses. This is their chance to make their advertising dollars work for them. Goodwill goes a long way. Many businesses are willing to provide gift certificates, donate store items that can be raffled, offer coupons for refreshments.
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Create a block map. Make a master copy of your block map for everyone on your block to collect contact information so neighbors can keep in touch. Find out about the talents and resources of the neighbors on your block.
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How to organize your own block party
Block parties are great fun and a terrific way of getting to know your neighbors. Block parties have been recognized as a very positive and powerful way for people to connect on their blocks to build stronger, healthier, and more cohesive communities. One of the most important things to remember when organizing a block party is that it should be visible. The best way to do that is by closing off the street to traffic and having it in the street or having the party in someone's front yard or a series of front yards.
Tips for Getting Started
- Start talking to your neighbors about having a block party.
- Canvass the block and find one to two other people to help you. Kids are great resources!
- Have a planning meeting with others who are interested.
- Choose a date, time and place.
- Create a flyer.
- Email [email protected] or call 303.739.7420 to find out if you need to apply for a block party permit or have other questions.
- Identify volunteers to pick up permits, barricades, food, etc.
- Invite your neighbors and consider inviting PAR officers, city council members, county commissioners, and/or other elected officials.
Recommendations for a Successful Block Party
- Choose a shady spot in the street.
- Have a barbeque; potlucks are great, too!
- Have games with prizes for children and adults, i.e., chalk art is great to draw in the street.
- Feature entertainment by residents.
- Take lots of pictures.
- Have sign-in sheets for participants.
Potential Costs
- Food and beverages
- Entertainment and decorations
- Games
- Fundraising Ideas
- Take up a collection on your block.
- Ask area businesses and supermarkets to contribute.
Quick Tips to Remember
- Permits are not intended for private parties (birthdays, graduations, etc.) or events related to political affiliations, commercial or religious organizations
- Don't organize a party alone. Instead, ask a few neighbors for suggestions and tell them how they can help with as little as one hour of their time for delivering flyers or party set-up/clean-up.
- Advertise early and often; give people the opportunity to schedule their other activities around the date.
- Announce there will be free stuff (food, music, face painting, prizes) to help boost attendance.
- Visit the businesses in your neighborhood to ask for donations. For example, grocery stores often give free food or supplies.
- Have a few small but nice door prizes from local stores, restaurants, theaters and flower shops.
- Invite neighborhood kids to help plan the party. They can provide information on what kids want to do, what they'd enjoy eating, and what they can contribute to the event.
- Take pictures.
- Have a party theme to make the party memorable.