Block Parties

Are you looking to set up a Block Party for your neighborhood? Fantastic! Block Parties are the best way to get to know your neighbors, your local community, and your neighborhood resource staff.

Neighbors clustered around a table of food during a block party.

Block Parties vary from a simple gathering of a few folks in a front yard sharing food and drink, to elaborate, highly organized events involving dozens of neighbors. Whichever type suits your area, we encourage you to use this time to renew neighborhood awareness, exchange greetings, and celebrate the importance of neighborhood relationships.

Fostering Community Relationships

Block Parties are a way for neighborhoods to come together, get to know each other, and form relationships that:

  • Promote a stronger sense of community
  • Promote higher safety within the neighborhood
  • Provide opportunities to meet face-to-face with city officials and service providers in order to better understand what resources are available, and how to address concerns, questions, or suggestions

For more ideas about how to plan and organize a block party, check out this block party toolkit.

Three children sitting on the curb eating ice cream.

Submitting Requests

To submit a block party request, please fill out this form. If you do not hear back from us within 72 hours, please call the department of Community & Neighborhood Services at
616-355-1330.

Important information to note when making requests:

  • A minimum TWO (2) week notice is required if requesting a visit from the Fire Truck and/or a Community Police Officer. 
  • A minimum one week notice is required for street closing only. 
  • Due to barricade availability, no block parties can be held during the week of Tulip Time.