How to Host a Block Party

BY LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Executive Director

Block parties are a summer tradition in Issaquah Highlands. Each neighborhood was planned with this in mind—all have a park, a courtyard or an alley that is perfectly suited for neighbors to gather.

Are you feeling like you’d like to host a block party but don’t know where to begin? Here are a few starter tips. And remember that the staff at Highlands Council are happy to help you along the way.

Besides that, Highlands Council has a trailer filled with everything you need to host an outdoor party! We call it the Party Wagon and it’s FREE to reserve for your block party when everyone in your neighborhood is invited. Find details and a reservation form at issaquahhighlands.com/party-wagon/.

Block Party Planning Tips

Plan to shut it down by dusk and mind the noise. All parks in Issaquah Highlands close at dusk. Issaquah Police Department enforces laws that limit noise from neighbors. This is less of a problem if all the neighbors are at the Block Party, but please be considerate to those who do not attend.

Get the word out early. The earlier you start to promote your party, the better. Use social media such as Facebook, Instagram or Evite. You can distribute door-hangers, but make sure they are affixed to the door or door handle. Track the RSVPs and follow up! Neighbors need reminders, too!

Make it a potluck. Spread the burden of putting on a party and welcome neighbors to share their family-favorite foods by making your block party a potluck. All you have to provide is tables, plates, silverware and utensils.

Plan to be welcoming. Prepare to have name tags for everyone. Have someone (or a team) greet new arrivals.

And welcome help! Hosting a block party can feel overwhelming if one person takes on the entire event. And it’s more fun to plan with a small team. Engage your neighbors early on. Involve teens and older kids, too!

See a complete guide to organizing a block party at issaquahhighlands.com/for-residents/getinvolved/block-parties//

Reserve the Party Wagon!

Invite all your neighbors to your Issaquah Highlands block party, and you can reserve the Party Wagon for free. (It’s not available for private parties.) The trailer is available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be unavailable if used for community events.

The Party Wagon has everything you need for an outdoor neighborhood block party:

• Tables

• Chairs

• Canopy tents

• Trash cans

• Outdoor games and toys

Please fill out the form at issaquahhighlands.com/party-wagon at least two weeks in advance to request the Party Wagon for your neighborhood.

Remember: Street closures must be permitted through the city of Issaquah. Highlands Council can guide you in the process, but the fees incurred and all conditions of the permit are the host family’s or host neighborhood’s responsibility. You may never close any street without permission from the city of Issaquah.