Citywide Event Coordination and Management311Search all NYC.gov websites
Permit Types
Block Parties
A block party is a community sponsored, public event where there are no sales of goods or services. Block parties are limited to one block and one day. If you are interested in hosting a block party, read below for more information or apply here.
When hosting a block party, keep in mind the following:
- Applications must be submitted 60 days prior to the event
- Applicants must be a member of a block association and given permission by their neighbors
- Event is limited to 9 consecutive hours on one day and one block
- Rain dates are not permitted
- Event must be open to all neighbors on the block; not a private party (e.g. a birthday party)
- Cannot charge a fee to participate or fundraise
- You may not sell food or other goods and services
- If you would like to fundraise, sell food or other items at your event, read more about hosting a single block festival
- Alcohol, vendors, commercial branding and sponsorships are not permitted at block parties
- If your event has branding or includes vendors like a food truck or a health screening van, your event may be categorized as a street event or a single block festival
- You may require additional permits. All other agency permits must be obtained before we can grant your street activity permit Examples include:
- Rides and inflatables, such as truck mounted rides and bounce houses require a DOB Inspection Certificate and insurance. The ride company that you hire should provide this documentation
- Petting Zoos or other non-domesticated animals require a permit from the Department of Health and insurance. The stable or farm where you rent the animals should provide this documentation
- Raffles or donations require a permit from the Human Resources Administration
- All amplified sound, such as background music, musical performances or speaking programs, requires a permit from the New York Police Department
- Generators require a certificate from the New York Fire Department. When generators are over 40kw they also require a certificate from the New York Department of Environmental Protection
Permit Types
A community sponsored event requiring the closure of a single block for a single day
A limited, 4-hour street closure event held for the purpose of neighborhood improvement/beautification
A nonprofit sponsored open air market on a sidewalk for the sale of local farm fresh products
A community sponsored event where health vendors provide in-kind services and require closing one block or a portion of a street for one day.
The staging of a vehicle(s) for religious purposes while serving a benefit to the community
An activity held within a pedestrian plaza that interferes or obstructs regular use of plazas. Application deadlines vary by each plaza level.
A public convening for media and press held on street or pedestrian plaza with minimal impact on the area for one day.
Activities without branding that occur on a sidewalk or curb lane. The activities may include pick-up or drop-off and set up or break down of events with no impact for pedestrians or vehicles.
A public convening held on street or pedestrian plaza with minimal impact on the area for one day.
An act of public worship serving a benefit to the community for a single day
An activity held on a public street, curb lane or sidewalk that interferes or obstructs the locations uses by pedestrians or vehicles. Event size determines its application deadline.
Nonprofit sponsored festival with vendors requiring closing one block or more for multiple days
Nonprofit sponsored community festival with vendors requiring closing one block for one day