Pre-Planning Meeting — Set A Date

Kick things off by inviting your neighbors to a block party planning meeting to gauge interest, discuss possible dates, set a budget and assign responsibilities. Be sure to choose a date that doesn't conflict with other local activities, such as school picnics or community fairs. Don't forget to set a rain date! Use our checklist to help get you started.

Pick A Location (And A Backup Location!)

Select a location in your neighborhood that can accommodate the number of guests you anticipate. Any outdoor party is subject to the whims of Mother Nature, so you'll want to be ready for anything. Have an alternate indoor or covered venue planned just in case.

Contact City Officials

If you'd like to close off your street for a true block party, make sure to follow local regulations and get any necessary permits. You may need a written okay from every household or surrounding business. Contact your city government or local police department for more information.

Plan Your Entertainment

Are you planning on pony rides, inflatable jumping structures or live music? Make sure you book it well in advance, especially if you would like to invite your local heroes and want them to bring anything specific to their duties, like a fireman's uniform or a police car.

Send The Invites

Earlier is always better, but make sure your invitations go out at least two to three weeks before your party. Include necessary directions or instructions and ask your guests to RSVP regrets only. It will give you an idea of who to expect and keep phone calls manageable.

Use our invitation wizard to make and print your own custom ice-cream or hero-themed invitations.

Stock Up On Essentials

From bowls and ice cream scoops to plastic spoons and napkins, make a list of everything you'll need for your block party. When stocking up, always overestimate quantities. A shortage of anything, from cups and plates to bathroom tissue, can put a crimp in your plans. Don't forget cafeteria-style tables and tablecloths.

Keep It Clean

When you're feeding that many people, you're going to need serious cleanup. Plan for plenty of trash cans and assign a cleanup committee. Ask about scheduling a garbage pickup for the day after your party.

How Much Ice Cream?

A good rule of thumb: Buy one carton for every 10 guests. Have a couple extra cartons on hand to be safe. Offer a variety of flavors and make sure to stock up on favorites like Vanilla and French Silk® ice cream.

Have a big neighborhood and a big party in the works? Ask a neighbor or two to help store all that delicious Edy's Slow Churned® light ice cream.

Get The Decorations

Get the decorations out of the way early and assign a committee to put them up the day of the party. A decorating committee is a great way to get neighborhood teens involved.

Some suggestions:
Put a ribbon around everyone's tree
Line the street with paper bag luminarias
Get a helium tank and balloons for the kids

Pre-Party Meeting

Get committee leaders and volunteers together two to three hours before the party to begin setup and talk about responsibilities.

Registration Table

Set up a registration table where guests can pick up a name tag. This also provides a great place to collect donations from neighbors to help pay for party supplies.

Ice Cream Serving Tables

Use our Flavor Menu printing wizard to print and display a menu of the Edy's Slow Churned® light ice cream flavors you'll be serving at your block party. Keep the cartons on ice in coolers and set up several ice cream serving stations to get everyone served before anything can melt.

Party Games

Games and activities keep a party moving and help your neighbors get to know each other. Our Fun and Games page has plenty of creative suggestions to make your party a memorable one.

Be Neighborly

Start early and finish before 10pm. That way, if you have neighbors not attending or who have gone home early, they can get some sleep.