How To Throw a Block Party In DC

Let’s throw a party! Block parties are a great way to meet your neighbors and bring old timers and newbies together. It does take a little bit of forethought, but the juice is always worth the squeeze. Here’s how to get it done.

Tips:

• Plan ahead. The permit process takes a month and you’ll need to start planning and collecting signatures well before that. Two to three months is best.
• Get your ANC Commissioner involved. They can help with the permit process, get the word out, and collaborate with local businesses.
• Take advantage of DC Public Library’s “events supplies library” where you can rent out everything from chairs and tables to lights and generators — all for free.

Step 1: Pick a Date

If there isn’t one already, get a neighborhood email listserv going. It makes it easier to plan and you can use this to decide on a date that most people can make. When you have a date, send it out and ask for volunteers to help plan and set up.

Step 2: Fill Out Your Petition

For a successful permit application, you must obtain consent from 51% of households/businesses on the block. You can download the petition at the bottom of this page. Then go door to door with your petition!

Step 3: File For a Permit

Make a TOPS account and submit your application. It must include the completed petition, a traffic control plan (aka where you plan to block off the road), and proof of insurance if you plan to have any fancy mechanical games or blowup houses.

Step 4: Wait

It will take up to one month for your permit application to be approved.

Step 5: Start Collaborating

Now it’s time to call on those minions you asked for earlier! Get a Google spreadsheet going and start delegating tasks. Who’s getting the tables? Is there a grill master? Does anyone happen to be a wannabe DJ? Delegate someone to create and post flyers for the event around the block so that everyone (even the offline folks) know what’s going down.

It’s also a good idea to have people sign up for set up and clean up duties here. Also, get a donation cash pool going to use on things like paper goods, ketchup, and other things people won’t bring.

Step 6: Final Prep

Print out your official no-parking signs at a government kiosk and hang them up three days in advance. Remind your neighbors about the event (and that they’ll need to move their cars). And prep your potluck dish 😋

Step 7: Party

You did it! You’re the neighborhood hero. Now sit back, relax, party, and chat. Enjoy one of things that makes us so uniquely D.C.