Take advantage of the warmer weather this spring or summer and get to know your neighbors with an exciting block party!Luckily for you, we put together a list of creative and fun block party ideas, as well as a handy party planning checklist, to make hosting a breeze.
While you’re busy organizing the potluck spreadsheet and recruiting neighbors for the planning committee, let us supply everything else you’ll need including the block party food ideas and entertainment, decor inspiration, and block party game ideas. Get ready to mingle and soak up the magic of your neighborhood coming together with these unique and exciting ideas for a block party.
Here are all the block party ideas you'll need for a neighborhood celebration:
The key ingredient to the recipe of a successful block party is entertainment. If you and neighbors work together, you’ll be able to make the event even more magical. Speaking of magic, we’ve got neighborhood block party ideas and entertainment options that will make this party the best one the street has ever seen.
Balloon Twister
Vendor: Wally's Balloons N'More
Don't get it twisted, a block party is no place for basic entertainment. Booking a balloon twister is the perfect way to entertain the kiddos, and even some of the adults! A professional balloon twister will add some color to your event and even serve as a fun keepsake for guests to take home. If you want to stick with the classics, you can also hire a face painter for interactive entertainment.
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Carnival Rentals
Vendor:
If dunk tanks don't immediately come to mind when you think of a block party, then you might be missing out on a fun and refreshing way to bond with your neighbors. Consider this as well as other carnival games and rides that will take your block party to the next level.
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Clown
Vendor: Dimples The Clown
Unless you have some neighbors with a fear of clowns, these fun and vibrant characters are a great way to guarantee some laughs at your block party. Browse a variety of local clowns on The Bash for a hilarious addition to your block party.
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Live Musicians
Vendor: Yacht Rock Band - YACHTY BY NATURE
Elevate the mood at this neighborhood get-together by hiring anything from a DJ to a 90s cover band for memorable entertainment. Finding the perfect musical group is sure to bring the high energy for guests of all ages. Start your search for local singers and musicians on The Bash.
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Bounce House
Vendor:
On a hot summer day, the kids are sure to have a ton of energy during the block party, so make sure you are prepared. A bounce house is just the way to create amazing memories for them, while also letting them bounce out all that extra energy. Plus, the adults can have their turn jumping afterwards!
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Photographer
Vendor: Pop-Up Parties HTX
You’ll definitely want to capture this event, so consider booking a photographer or renting a photo booth for the occasion! This way you can look back on memories but also allow yourself to sit back and enjoy the block party while it's happening. Plus, they’ll be great on the holiday card you’ll send to your neighbors!
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Block Party Food Ideas
The food is always the center of the celebration, so whether it is a potluck or you’re hiring a catering team, the menu is a big part of the block party. With a smorgasbord of delicious options, keep reading for block party food ideas that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Pasta Salad
Photo: Jacob Blount/shutterstock.com
With all of the planning and preparation, you’ll want to make food in advance that can also serve a large group of people. Pasta salad is a delicious way to do just that! Its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature makes it an ideal dish for block party food ideas. Get creative by serving chicken caesar pasta salad, mediterranean inspired, or even southwestern.
Individual Seven Layer Dip
Photo: Elena Veselova/shutterstock.com
Everyone will be on the go, so portable snacks are a perfect addition to any block party spread. This individual seven layer dip recipe by The Girl Who Ate Everything is the perfect snack to grab, go, and avoid any double dippers.
Grill Master
Photo: New Africa/shutterstock.com
On a gorgeous summer day, with tons of hungry people, your best bet is to grill up some summer classics. With hot dogs and hamburgers on the menu and all of the fixings, everyone will be happy. Consider having a designated grill master from the neighborhood, or hire a caterer to prepare the barbeque favorites!
Grilled Sweet Corn
Photo: Viktoria Hodos/shutterstock.com
Grilled sweet corn is another fantastic addition to your block party menu since its handheld and complements the BBQ classics. The smoky charred flavor of the corn combined with its natural deliciousness is that sweet summer feeling all wrapped up in cob form. If you’re feeling fancy, jazz up your corn street style by making elote.
Pizza Muffins
Photo: Pramio Garson/shutterstock.com
These handheld treats combine all the delicious flavors of pizza in a convenient and portable muffin form. Pizza muffins are another easy block party food idea for guests to enjoy while mingling and socializing.
Food Trucks
Photo: Josep Suria/shutterstock.com
A true summer classic that needs to be at your block party is ice cream. Book an ice cream truck so everyone can properly cool off in between the block party excitement. You can also hire a variety of food trucks to take the menu planning off your plate, literally.
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Block Party Drink Ideas
In order to keep the neighborhood fun going all day long, you’ll need to make sure everyone is hydrated. From refreshing co*cktails to classic kid-approved beverages, there's a drink for every taste bud with these block party ideas.
Patriotic Punch
Photo: Rimma Bondarenko/shutterstock.com
For a patriotic twist at your block party, consider serving up some refreshing Patriotic Punch! This flavorful drink not only adds a colorful touch to your gathering but also will keep everyone cool and hydrated on a warm summer day. Check out this recipe by Crafty Morning.
Tropical Pineapple co*cktail
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with a refreshing tropical pineapple co*cktail at your block party! This Tropical Pineapple Confetti co*cktail recipe by CommuniKait just might be the highlight of the event.
Tea and Lemonade Stand
Photo: Pixel-Shot/shutterstock.com
Tea and lemonade are a summer classic and great beverage options for guests of all ages. To involve the younger partygoers, let them take charge of squeezing fresh lemons, mixing up batches of sweet tea, and serving up icy cold glasses to neighbors and friends.
Hydration Stations
Photo: Elena Veselova/shutterstock.com
Hydration stations are essential, especially in the summer heat. Consider setting up a refreshment oasis with everything from soda and beer, to wine, water, and Gatorade. Providing smaller personalized bottles is a great way to avoid waste!
Block Party Themes
Deck out your neighborhood with everything from balloons to banners for this celebration! Encourage everyone to get into the spirit by dressing to a theme and adding some fun decorative elements with these neighborhood block party ideas!
Around the World
Photo: Monkey Business Images/shutterstock.com
A great way to learn more about your neighbors is to incorporate an around the world theme! Each house can select a country or state with meaning to them and prepare decorations, food, and other creative elements that represent that part of the world. If closing your road is out of the question, then open your doors and get ready to house hop!
Around the World Themed Party Guide
Luau
Photo: Deborah Kolb/shutterstock.com
With everything from leis to Hawaiian shirts, a luau block party theme is the way to go, especially for the summer. No matter where you’re located, that summer sun paired with tropical decorations like palm leaves, tiki torches, and vibrant flowers will transport you and your neighbors to block party paradise. You can also book exciting entertainment like fire dancers, ukulele players, and traditional Hawaiian dancers.
Luau Themed Party Guide
Carnival
Photo: Enrico Della Pietra/shutterstock.com
Step right up and experience the excitement of a carnival themed block party! With pennant banners, popcorn and cotton candy machines, colorful tents, and circus acts as entertainment, your block party will become the highlight of the season!
Carnival Themed Party Guide
Picnic
Photo: Roman Samborskyi/shutterstock.com
Lay out the checkered blankets and prepare the wicker baskets because it's time for a picnic themed block party! Embrace the charm of the outdoors with rustic decor, like picnic tables, sunflowers, gingham tablecloths, and mason jar centerpieces.
Picnic Themed Party Guide
Block Party Game Ideas
There is nothing like some friendly competition with your neighbors! Unlock a whole new level of fun for everyone at your get-together with these block party game ideas and other fun activities!
Cornhole
Photo: Rawpixel.com/shutterstock.com
Cornhole, the quintessential block party game, promises hours of entertainment and friendly competition for all ages. Set up the cornhole boards in a central location, and let the games begin! If you’re feeling extra competitive, create a bracket and watch your neighborhood form teams and go head to head.
Sparklers
Photo: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/shutterstock.com
Add another touch of magic and excitement to your block party with sparklers! As the sun sets, gather everyone for a sparkling display to keep the festivities going. Sparklers also create a great photo opportunity.
Tug of War
Photo: Rawpixel.com/shutterstock.com
Test your strength and flex your muscles with a classic game of tug of war! Gather your neighbors into teams, grab hold of the rope, and prepare for an epic showdown.
3 Legged Race
Photo: Pair Srinrat/shutterstock.com
Test the teamwork in the neighborhood with a three-legged race! As duos are tied together and forced to move in unison, expect hilarious wipeouts and plenty of laughter as they hop and wobble their way to the finish line.
Chalk It Up
Photo: Tatevosian Yana/shutterstock.com
You can never go wrong with the schoolyard classics like hopscotch, four square, or even just some fun chalk coloring! Whether the kiddos are jumping between blocks, bouncing a ball, or letting their creativity flow on the sidewalk, these block party game ideas add an extra layer of playful nostalgia to your celebration.
Water Balloon Fight
Photo: Tatiana Gordievskaia/shutterstock.com
Cool off and amp up the excitement at your block party with an epic water balloon fight! The water balloon fight is not just a game but a refreshing way to beat the summer heat and create unforgettable memories with your neighbors.
Find more inspiration and ideas for your next event here on The Bash.
