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The city has launched the 2026 Block Party Bonanza, sponsoring 250 block parties between May 23 and October 3 with Life, Liberty, and Happiness Kits filled with decorations, giveaways, and other items along with a $250 Shoprite gift card to help cover food and essentials, facepainters, and DJs. To be considered, you must first apply for a block party permit normally. After applying, residents will receive the Block Party Bonanza application to secure their neighborhood's date.
The city notes that participation is first come, first served. More specifics will be announced soon. In addition to the 250 block parties, the initiative will also promote 25 “Super Block Parties” for the most beautiful blocks in the city, as organized by block captains.
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How can I get a permit to close my street for a block party or other event?
To get a permit for a block party in Philadelphia, go to stsweb.phila.gov/blockparty for an application and more information.You Should Know:
The Streets Department handles permit applications for block parties and street festivals. City departments will work to review and approve applications on a rolling basis as expeditiously as possible.
| All permitted events are subject to the Department of Public Health’s guidance in effect on the date of the event, including crowd size limits. Depending on the size and type of event, organizers will now be required to either certify they will follow all local COVID-19 public health guidance or (for larger events) submit a COVID-19 safety plan for approval. |
Further Information:
Block Party hours are 8 am - 8:30 pm on weekends, Approved Holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day ONLY.Non-Block Party events including birthday celebrations, weddings, proms, serenades, etc. have a maximum of six hours and there are no rain dates for these types of events.Fees:
If your event includes a bounce house, PA requires that the owner carries insurance, but no further permits are required specifically for it.
Applications for block parties must have a petition signed by 75% of the households (including 75% of an apartment complex) on the block and non-block party events must have a petition signed by 90% of the households (including 90% of an apartment complex) on the block.
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If the event is being held on a street that doesn't have any residents, a copy of an insurance certificate to cover the cost of any damages from the event must be submitted with this application.
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All applications must be received and processed within a minimum of 5 business days before the event.
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Street events will only be approved for five (5) dates a year, per block.
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The applicant must be a resident of the block being closed.
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Rain dates should occur within one (1) week of the original event date. No rain dates will be permitted on holidays.
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If the street closed for an event is the only entrance/exit to another street (a T street), a petition to close the T-street is also required.
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The residents will assume responsibility for the proper disposal of all trash and recyclables associated with the event.
Application Process
The Streets Department and Police Department announced a streamlined process for residents applying for block party permits. Applicants will now have one less step in the approval process as they no longer need to visit their local Police District to submit an application in-person or by mail. The Departments will now manage this step of the process internally, saving residents extra time and added process.
The online block party application process remains unchanged for residents and continues to grow in popularity by applicants. A recent change allowed block party applications submitted through the online process to be sent directly to the local Police Districts for approval. Once approved by Police, the system sends the applicant an email requesting payment and awaits Streets Department approval.
The Streets Department continues to accept paper applications and will now allow submissions with or without the Police pre-approval form that was previously required. Applications without the Police pre-approval form will be entered into the system by the Streets Department and Police will be notified automatically. Applicants will be notified within five (5) days of submitting an application on their application’s outcome and can select to be notified by email or mail.
Residents applying in person or online for a block party must adhere to the same standard protocols. To submit payment and complete the review process, block party applications must have 75 percent of the households on the block sign off on the petition. If a permit is not approved, payment will be returned. |
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