Want to start a tradition on your block? 

Here’s what works for us:

Keep the food simple. We provide burgers and hot dogs, and everyone brings sides, desserts, and drinks.

Make it a communal effort. Neighbors contribute tables, chairs, tablecloths, and tents. You don’t need to own or organize everything yourself!

Check with your city about closing the street. We contact ours ahead of time to request barriers so the kids have room to ride, run, and play. Ask early about your city’s process and timing.

Let go of making it perfect. The point is to spend time together. Pizza and beer or lawn chairs and morning coffee can be just as meaningful.

Knowing the people around us has made living in our home so much more special. A block party is a simple way to turn familiar faces into friends and build a little village right outside your front door.

We hosted our third annual block party in September, and I’m pretty sure it’s my kids’ favorite day of the year! Most of our block (about 24 houses) comes out for an evening of food, catching up, and kids running around like it’s a ’90s summer.

 Our neighborhood was built in the ’50s and ’60s, and some of our neighbors are original owners or grew up here and later took over their parents’ homes. They’ve shared stories about how close everyone used to be, including the block parties that hadn’t happened in years. When we moved here four years ago, we wanted to help bring that tradition back.

 Now, our driveway and the street in front of our house become one big gathering spot, with neighbors of all ages and kids ranging from four months to 12 years old. We truly have THE BEST neighbors, and everyone helps make it happen.