Plan a block party

A neighbourhood party (block party) is an opportunity for neighbours to get together, meet one another, have fun and work on a common activity. It usually takes place on a street that has been closed, but it can also take place in a neighbouring park or at a community facility. Activities can include barbecues, picnics, games, dancing and music.

Looking to plan a neighbourhood block party? Approval must be provided by the City.

Use our Neighbourhood Block Party Guide for information on planning and implementing a block party.

Ten reasons to have a block party

Have fun — no excuse or reason is needed to celebrate
Meet your neighbours and celebrate your community
Increase your sense of belonging to the community
Organize initiatives such as a block parent program
Make connections
Meet a neighbour who can help you with gardening tips
Organize a babysitting co-op or share walking to school duties
Take action/share ideas to plan a campaign for traffic slowdown, better lighting, a new neighbourhood park or other residents' concerns
Use the street for the day to rollerblade, play hockey or dance
Meet some of the long-term residents in the neighbourhood and learn about its history

Planning your block party

The idea of a neighbourhood block party is to bring people together; invite some neighbours to help out with the planning
Decide what type of party would be best: barbecue, picnic, potluck or catered
Start with a smaller event and grow it over the years
Use natural neighbourhood boundaries (such as end of the block or everyone in the cul-de-sac) when determining who to invite
Figure out a location. If you choose to host it on the street, or in a park or alley, you will need to complete a Neighbourhood Block Party Application form Contact Dari Lang at 403-948-8804, ext. 8864 for more information.
Distribute a notice requesting feedback on the date and time. Once the committee decides on a date, distribute another notice with all the details
You may want to post signs the day before the event to remind everyone to remove cars for street closure
At the event, name tags are great for helping everyone to get to know each other

For more information on planning a neighbourhood block party, contact Community Development.