The City of Green Bay Neighborhood Division encourages neighbors to get to know one another in the fun and relaxed setting of a neighborhood block party.

How to Organize a Party on Your Block

Getting Started

Start talking with your neighbors about having a block party.
Invite a few neighbors over to plan the party. Think of the planning process itself as an opportunity to have fun and make some lasting friendships. Be sure to print the Block Party Permit and Grant application>> so you know what you’ll need to do to prepare. (Any street, sidewalk, curb, terrace closure, or blockage requires a block party or obstruction permit from the City of Green Bay Department of Public Works.)
Choose a date and time (1-2 month’s notice is good).
Create and distribute a flyer>>.
Go door-to-door to get the name, address, and signature of each household affected by the requested closure. Signature is required only if that household’s driveway would be within the closure. If a lot is vacant or the household residents are or will be gone, note that fact. A ruling will be made by the person authorizing the permit.
Bring the Block Party Permit and Grant application with your request for street closure signatures to Room 300 of City Hall for approval at least 48 hours prior to street closure. Please be advised that block parties cannot be held on any arterial street (heavy traffic route) or on a commercialized street as determined by the City Traffic Engineer.
Barricading is picked up at the Cherry ramp and the deposit is $50.00. The phone number and hours of operation for the barricading are noted on the Block Party Permit>>.
Distribute a reminder flyer>> with particulars of the party.
On the day of the party, ask people to bring out their chairs, tables, grills, etc.
Have fun!

Recommendations for a Successful Block Party

Choose a shady spot on the street.

Have a barbecue or potluck.

Have games with prizes for children and adults. Chalk art is great to draw on the street.

Are their talents among you? Feature entertainment by residents.

Take lots of photographs!

Have a sign-in sheet for participants.

Invite your Community Police officers or Community Service interns to attend.

Budget and Block Party Costs

1. Barricade rental - $50/barricade, refundable if returned in good condition.

2. Food and beverages.

3. Entertainment and decorations.

4. Games. A Block Party Grant of $25 is available from the Mayor’s Neighborhood Leadership Council. Grant dollars can be used to purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages for the party. You may not use the money for any alcoholic beverages.

Gift cards will be available from the Neighborhood Division when you turn in your Block Grant Permit application.

Bigger Than a Block Party?

Special Events

Block party permits are intended for “direct” use with neighborhood activities within street right-of-way (i.e., block parties, kids' carnivals, neighborhood kids' parade, or other private nonprofit organized events directly associated with that neighborhood). They are not intended to facilitate the closure of a street for any other purpose. If your party or event is bigger than a neighborhood get-together, you may need a Special Event permit. Examples of events that require a Special Event permit are parades and run/walks. Use the following link to fill out an application for a Special Event permit>> or call the City of Green Bay’s Risk Management office at (920) 448-3125.