Organizing a Neighborhood Block Party: A Guide for Colorado Mamas

Written by Marybeth Heckler on . Posted in Homeowner.

There’s nothing quite like summer in Colorado: warm evenings, kids riding bikes until dusk, and neighbors gathering outdoors to enjoy the season. One of the best ways to build community and create lasting memories is by hosting a neighborhood block party.

If you’ve ever thought about bringing your street together for a good old-fashioned get-together, here’s your step-by-step guide to making it fun, easy, and memorable.

Get Your Neighbors on Board

First things first: talk to your neighbors!

  • Float the idea to see who’s interested.

  • Create a small planning committee so you don’t carry all the work alone.

  • Choose a date that works for most families—weekends in July are perfect.

A collaborative approach helps spread the workload and builds excitement before the party even begins.

Check Local Rules and Permits

If you’re closing your street (even partially), you may need to get a permit from your city. Denver and many other Colorado towns offer block party permits that:

  • Allow street closure for a set time.

  • Require signatures from neighbors to show approval.

  • Often come with free or low-cost barricade rentals.

Check your city’s website or call your local government office to see what’s needed. Better safe than sorry!

Plan Food and Drinks

Keep it simple and family-friendly:

  • Potluck Style: Everyone brings a dish to share.

  • Grill Masters: Coordinate who can bring grills or smokers.

  • Drinks: Encourage BYOB while also having plenty of kid-friendly options like lemonade and water.

  • Dessert Table: Invite families to bring homemade treats.

Tip: Label dishes with ingredients for allergy safety.

Set Up Fun Activities

A good block party has something for everyone. Ideas include:

  • Sidewalk chalk and bubbles for little kids.

  • A bounce house or inflatable slide if budget allows.

  • Lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or water balloon tosses.

  • Bike and scooter decorating contests.

  • A simple playlist or even live music if a neighbor plays!

Colorado evenings cool off nicely, so think about setting up fire pits (if permitted) for s’mores once the sun goes down.

Don’t Forget Safety and Comfort

Make sure your event is safe and welcoming:

  • Clearly mark street closures with cones or barricades.

  • Encourage everyone to bring chairs, blankets, and shade tents.

  • Have a first-aid kit on hand.

  • Designate someone to keep an eye on littles who may wander.

A little planning goes a long way toward helping everyone relax and enjoy themselves.

Build Community that Lasts

The best part of a block party isn’t the food or the games – it’s the connections you make.

  • Share contact info to stay in touch.

  • Start a neighborhood group chat or Facebook group.

  • Talk about making it an annual tradition.

Especially for families with young kids or people new to the area, a block party can turn neighbors into friends.

So gather your planning crew, pick a date, and get ready to celebrate summer Colorado-style! A neighborhood block party isn’t just a fun event – it’s an investment in the community that makes your street feel like home.

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homeowner, neighborhood, summer