Ain’t no party like a block party, are we right, Boston? The City of Boston is helping level up your block party with two new party kits available to community organizations in the Greater Boston area.
You might be wondering, how can I host a block party for my community?
First things first, start with applying for a city permit — depending on the types of activities on the agenda, you might need more than one. The good news is there is a helpful guide (available in seven languages) to walk you through the planning process.
Pro tip: give yourself time to apply since it takes ~15 business days to approve a Play Street Closing permit. The permits won’t block traffic or move parked cars, so you’ll have to prepare + let the community know.
Once your party has checked all the boxes, request a Block Party Kit. The new civic program was created by the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics and Office of Civic Organizing in partnership with Somerville-based CultureHouse.
Here’s what you’ll find in the party packages.
🏀 The “Game Kit” includes jump ropes, hula hoops, a “Goodminton” game, a Slam Ball set, and one chalkboard. There are also bubbles, chalk, corn hole, and four mini balls for various games.
💧 The “Cool Kit” includes a splash tower, mister, hose, and a bamboo mat, in addition to a few games + water balloons.
Apply here for one of the kits and the Civic Organizing team will reach out to coordinate the details.
If you’d rather attend a party without the planning, here are a few upcoming community events to attend.
🗓️ Boston Calling Block Party | Thurs., July 21 | 5-8 p.m. | Dewey Square Lawn | Free | Listen to local tunes, play a game or two, and sip on refreshments available for purchase.
🗓️ Wenham St. Cinema Summer Concert | Sat., July 23 | 3-7 p.m. | 23 Wenham St., Jamaica Plain | Free | Spend the day in Jamaica Plain listening to local musicians and shopping a vinyl pop-up — donations to the musicians are encouraged.
🗓️ Boston Women’s Market at the BYOBlanket Block Party | Sun., July 24 | 12-5 p.m. | Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave., Brighton | Free | Bring your own blanket for this courtyard picnic party and shop over 30 local women-owned businesses.