Block Party Application Process

Block Parties are recreational street closures for residents to hold an annual event for their neighborhood.  In order to hold a block party, you must obtain a permit from the Department of Transportation to close your street. Street closures can occur from 8 am to 10 pm on the day of your event and applications can be obtained from our office. We allow up to two block parties per year, per block. Applications are on a first come, first served basis. In order to submit a Block Party Application, please do the following:

  • Collect 25 signatures from neighbors on your block agreeing to a block party using ward signature template, must be signatures for at least 7 different addresses on the block

  • Submit the permit application and the signatures at least 15 days in advance of the block party date by dropping off at our office (4544 N Broadway) or sending it to info@46thward.com

  • Printable Signature Collection Form

  • Printable Block Party Application Form

Our office will honor signatures collected for Block Parties for 3 years. You will not have to collect neighbor signatures every year, only the first year you host a Block Party. If you have already submitted signatures in years past, please indicate that when you drop off or email you application. We keep previous signature collection forms on file for reference. Signatures are tied to the individual applicant, not the block.

You may also visit our office in person to pick up an application and signature collection form.

You may also request that a fire engine and crew from the Chicago Fire Department come by the Block Party.  As other priorities may arise for the Chicago Fire Department, we cannot guarantee their presence even if they have confirmed their attendance.

Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) may provide an inflatable playground for your block party. The Jumping Jack Application is available through May 25th-September 1st and is limited to Saturday or Sunday residential block parties. Please check for jumping jack availability here. Requests are on a first-come-first-serve basis and fill up very quickly. Consider planning a Sunday Block Party if having a jumping jack is important to you.

To request a block party email a completed Block Party Permit Application and Signature Collection Form to info@46thward.com