• Street Closures: Permitted from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on your event day.

• Frequency: Up to two block parties per year, per block.

• Application Process: Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

1. Collect Neighbor Signatures:

   • Use the Ward Signature Template to gather at least 25 signatures from neighbors on your block.

   • Signatures must come from at least 7 different addresses on the block.

   • Residents interested in hosting a block party for the FIRST TIME on your block will submit the application (below) and e-mail us a petition signed by 60% of the buildings on the block.

2. Complete the Permit Application:

   • Download and complete the Block Party Permit Application Form.

3. Submit Your Application:

   • Submit the permit application and signatures at least 15 days before your event date by:

     • Dropping it off at our office: 4544 N Broadway

     • Emailing it to: info@46thward.com

4. Printable Forms:

   • Download the Block Party Application Form

Once signatures are submitted, they are valid for 3 years.

• If you’ve already collected signatures in the past, simply indicate that when submitting your application, and we’ll reference the forms on file.tion text goes here

1. Request a Fire Engine Visit:
   You can request a fire engine and crew from the Chicago Fire Department to visit your block party. While they often confirm attendance, availability is subject to emergency priorities.

2. Jumping Jack Program:
   The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) offers the Jumping Jack (inflatable bounce house) program free of charge to residential block parties within city limits from Saturday, May 23 through Sunday, September 6. To apply, complete the online application here.

   Please note the following regarding the Jumping Jack Program:

   • The Jumping Jack Program is limited to residential block parties within the Chicago city limits. Events on private property, in parks, in forest preserves, at schools, libraries or churches, private parties, birthday parties, community events and festivals are not eligible to apply.

   • Jumping Jacks are only available on Saturdays and Sundays. Requests are typically highest on Saturdays – applicants should consider Sundays.

     • The Jumping Jack Program will NOT operate on Saturday, July 4th.

   • Applicant must reside on the block where the Block Party is taking place.

     • Only one request per block, per season will be honored.  Multiple requests from the same block will be denied.

     • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older AND will be required to present a valid Driver’s License or State ID to sign for the inflatable upon arrival. Failure to meet these requirements will result in Jumping Jack being cancelled. ANY damages to the unit during use will be charged to the applicant.

   • When completing the application, if all information is input correctly, the applicant will receive an immediate auto-reply confirmation message containing the request.  If applicant does not receive the auto-reply message, the request WAS NOT received.

     • To avoid errors, applicants should:

       • Complete the application on a computer using Google Chrome.

       • Be sure to manually fill in each of the boxes on the application; errors can occur when the fields auto-populate.

       • Try putting a “.” (period) after the letter used to denote the street direction (i.e., N., S., E. or W.) of the block party address.

       • Press “SUBMIT” at the end of the application.

       • Applicants will receive APPROVAL or DENIAL emails once their application is processed.

   • Approved block parties will receive one (1) Jumping Jack for four (4) hours on the approved day. The Jumping Jack will be delivered between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will be picked up between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Jumping Jack provider cannot accommodate specific time requests or deliver/pick-up outside of the times listed above.

     • If the incorrect date is selected in error, applicant MUST email JumpingJack@cityofchicago.org for further instruction.  Last minute date changes will not be honored.

     • Requests must be made through the Registration Portal – emails will not be accepted.

     • Requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

   • Jumping Jack applicants MUST receive a permit from their Aldermanic Ward office in order to hold a Block Party.  

     • Reach out to our office for a permit by emailing info@46thward.com with subject line “Block Party Permit Request” with the completed steps outlined under “Steps to Apply for a Block Party Permit” on the our website: https://www.46thward.com/block-parties.

   Pro Tip: Apply early and plan your block party on a Sunday for better availability.

• Email your completed Block Party Permit Application and Signature Collection Form to info@46thward.com.

• Visit our office in person to pick up forms or ask questions.

Hosting a block party is an exciting way to connect with neighbors and strengthen your community. Start planning today!