Building Blocks BZN

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Building Blocks BZN

Your guide to throwing a block party!

Block parties are fantastic ways of building community, block by block! Our neighborhoods are where we can connect over what we share in common, relate to each other despite our differences, and find ways to work with neighbors across the street and across the city to make Bozeman an even more vibrant and inclusive place to call home. Bringing people together over food, fun, and conversation is the first step!

Check out the info below on permitting and organizing a block party in your neighborhood.

What permits do I need?

Hosting on a City Street?

Apply for a Public Assembly Permit through the Public Works Department and gather signatures of the neighbors who are adjacent to the street being closed!

Find the signature form in the document box at the bottom of this page! Questions? Call 406-582-2273

Fill out the Public Assembly Permit Application and see info below!

PERMISSION FROM PROPERTY OWNERS (For Block Party requests): Organizer must contact in writing all abutting or adjacent property owners and residents (if a property is not owner-occupied) within the area to be closed as well as the property owners on the corner lots immediately across the intersection on the opposite side of the street closure. The applicant shall provide written documentation to the city at the time of application indicating each of the above described property owner/residents consent to or oppose the application.
The insurance requirement is waived for Neighborhood Block Parties IF:
- Alcohol is NOT being consumed in the public right of way (streets and sidewalks)
- The event lasts for no longer than 4 hours
If alcohol will be consumed in the public right of way, please apply for an Open Container Waiver, and submit proof of General Liability insurance

Hosting in a City Park?

Apply for a Parks Special Events Permit through the Parks & Recreation Department.

Find more info on the Parks & Recreation website
Submit materials to recdept@bozeman.net
Questions? Call 406-582-2290

How do I get the word out?

Get the communication flowing with folks you know (and those you don’t!) to bring everyone together. Think of this as an opportunity to have a fun, positive interaction with someone you’ve maybe never introduced yourself to.

Include the basics in your invitations: what, why, where, when, but don’t forget the details like what folks should bring or leave at home (chair, warm clothes, dogs), and who the main point of contact is for questions.

Here are some ways to get the word out:

Social media- Facebook, NextDoor
Phone – old fashioned “phone” tree, group text, groupMe, whatsApp, etc
Post card mailers – contact the Neighborhoods Program for help!
Door hangers
Email
Get creative – send the kids out with a chant, sidewalk chalk, yard signs

What kind of activities are allowed?

Block parties can look different, based on what your team puts together. Consider some options that make the gathering a fun and enjoyable way to come together.

1. Food

Potluck style
BBQ
Chili cook-off?
Food Trucks
Picnic style (COVID-conscious option where everyone brings their own dinner and utensils!)

2. Beverages

It is prohibited to consume alcohol in the public right of way (streets and sidewalks) without an open container waiver. Find the open container waiver!
Will you provide water or other drinks or should folks bring their own?

3. Music

Local musicians
Neighborhood talent
If you are using sound equipment, make sure you’re wrapped up and quieting down by 8:00 p.m. from October 1 through March 30 and by 10:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30 (Bozeman Municipal Code).

4. Games/Activities

Bring lawn games like cornhole or ladder golf
Provide kid-friendly activities like hula hoops, hopscotch, jump rope and sidewalk chalk
Engage BZN! Contact the Neighborhoods Program to talk about what city projects might be of interest that your neighbors can engage in

Fire pits – If a burn restriction is not in place, small, recreational fires in patio fire pits or chimeneas are allowed. Fires cannot be located within 25 feet of a structure (including decks and fences) and cannot be more than three feet in diameter or higher than 2 feet. A fire extinguisher or a garden hose must be available for immediate use. Be a good neighbor and don't use a recreational fire on breezy days that will spread the smoke through the neighborhood.