Host a Block Party

Block parties are a great way to build social connections with your neighbours and have fun. To host a block party, please fill out and send a Block Party Application Form to the Block Party Committee at neighbourhoods@surrey.ca.

For additional support, apply for a Neighbourhood Enhancement Grant to help cover the costs (up to $500) for food, insurance costs, and other expenses.

Planning Successful Block Parties

Follow these steps to make sure your event is successful:

1: Pick a location

Block parties can take place in a variety of spaces, but the location of your block party will determine the steps you need to take.

On a street

• Suitable for larger gatherings
• Must be on local road or cul de sac and not a busy road
• You will need to have $2 million in liability insurance. You can use your own provider, or purchase insurance starting at $30 through the City of Surrey. Check the box on the Block Party Application Form if you need us to call you to arrange for insurance.
• To host your party on a street, you will need to get permission to close your street (see below).

In a park

• Suitable for large or small gatherings. Learn more about hosting an event in a city park.
• You will need to have $2 million in liability insurance. You can use your own provider, or purchase insurance through the City starting at $30.
• Check the box on the Block Party Application Form if you need us to call you to arrange for insurance.

On private property

• For smaller gatherings, a lawn party can work well.
• No permits are required.

2: Pick a Time and Date

Pick a time and date that will allow the most people to attend. Give yourself enough time to organize and advertise your event. If you are hosting it in a park, get confirmation from the City before advertising your event.

3: Get a Team

Get help from friends and neighbours to make the block party happen. If people have specific tasks such as planning a game to play, taking care of food, or dropping off invitations to neighbours, it makes it much easier. Don't forget to ask people to help with set up and clean up.

4: Plan Activities

All sorts of things can happen at a block party! Ideas include:

• Casual meeting of neighbours
• Lawn games such as bocce or croquet
• Sidewalk art projects such as chalk art
• Potluck food
• Music
• "Get to know you" games
• Include name tags to help with introductions

Why not add a Neighbourhood Clean-Up to your next block party? If you are planning on organizing a block party, let us know you want to do a Clean-Up, and we can arrange the pickup of litter picking equipment.

Contact neighbourhoods@surrey.ca for more information.

Temporary Health Permit

If you are selling food at your block party, you will need to apply for a Temporary Health Permit through Fraser Health. You do not need a permit if you are having a BBQ or potluck with your neighbours.

5: Invite Your Neighbours

Make a flyer or invitation to send around to your neighbours to let them know about the event. It is also helpful to send out reminders closer to the date.

6: Get Support

The City can offer some support that can help your Block Party be successful. Apply for a Neighbourhood Enhancement Grant to help cover the costs for food, insurance costs, and other expenses. Your block party may be eligible for up to $500 in funding.

For more suggestions, download the Block Party Tool Kit.

Closing Off Your Street 

When you are wanting to host a block party, it is best to apply for a street closure at least three weeks beforehand. Here's how:

1. Involve your neighbours
   When inviting your neighbours, share your idea for closing the street, and record their support with the sign-off form. 100% of households must support the road closure. Talk to everyone on your block, including those across the street from each end of the block. Download the sign-off form.
    
2. Provide a map of the area
   You can use COSMOS, our interactive map, or Google maps to create and print a map.
    
3. Insurance
   You will need to have $2 million in liability insurance. You can use your own provider, or purchase insurance through the City of Surrey with a credit card.
    
4. Road Closure Permit
   The Block Party Committee will submit your Road Closure Permit application on your behalf to the Engineering Department and they will contact you directly once received. There is no cost to you.
    
5. Barricades
   Renting barricades is free. Contact neighbourhoods@surrey.ca to coordinate the rental.

Contact

For more information on hosting a block party, contact neighbourhoods@surrey.ca​​​​​​​.