Throw a Block Party

Description

Block parties are a great way to get to know your neighbors, and the City encourages associations to organize these events. A block party is an outdoor public party organized by the residents of a city block or neighborhood, and it gives neighbors a chance to get to know one another face-to-face. 

Whether raising money for neighborhood projects, celebrating something special, or simply wanting to get to know everyone in your area a little better, neighborhood events can bring communities closer together.

When you register your block party on the City’s website, you can request visits from the police and fire departments.

If you plan to use any part of a public street for the party, you must use safety barricades. A list of barricade companies will be emailed to you after you register online.

For information or assistance, contact the Neighborhood Liaisons listed in the resource box to the right.

Steps 

  1. Organize and formally register as a Neighborhood Association with the City of Tulsa. Only registered Associations are eligible for City assistance.
  2. Discuss the idea with your neighbors and form a group that will lead the party planning. Pick a theme, and make or buy decorations.
    • Block party activities include: pool parties, face painting, baking or barbecue competitions, outdoor movie night, a bike parade, live music, porch festivals, bean bag toss, dancing, family games, picnicking, potluck, bake sale, eating contest, basketball, baseball, tennis, or pickle ball tournaments, water balloon fights, a putting contest, and completing a home project for a neighbor in need. 
  3. Get consensus on a good date for the party. Make sure you check the weather forecast in advance, and come up with a backup plan/date in case of inclement weather.
  4. Register the block party with the City through the online form at least two weeks prior to the event.
  5. Promote the event through your Neighborhood Association meetings, Facebook page, Nextdoor, etc. You can also send paper invitations and fliers, and mail them or deliver by hand. If people are bringing food, make sure to organize who will bring which dishes and get contact info.
  6. Secure appropriate barricades if using any part of the street. The city will provide you with a list of vendors when your block party request is approved.
  7. Set up, host your party, and clean up at the agreed-upon times.

Resources 

The City’s Working in Neighborhoods department has Neighborhood Liaisons that can walk you through the process of registering your block party. They can also help with other neighborhood programs, including the neighborhood dumpster program, establishing neighborhood associations, and more.

Neighborhood Liaisons

Alisia Myers
amyers@cityoftulsa.org
918.596.9336

General Contact
918-596-1292
neighborhoods@cityoftulsa.org

Online Registration
cityoftulsa.org/government/departments/department-of-city-experience/community-development/neighborhoods/block-party-registration/

Map of Registered Neighborhoods
https://maps.cityoftulsa.org/neighbors/

Porchfest
Porchfests are small concerts held on front porches. Porchfests bring local musicians and neighborhoods together to celebrate, helping create a sense of community.

Volunteers and other organizations normally facilitate the event by selecting appropriate dates, acquiring musicians, and publicizing the event. Local residents volunteer their porches as a way to support the local music scene and interact with their neighbors. Events can last from a few hours to most of the day.

 

Thanks to Tulsa Area United Way for the use of the image at the top of this page.