38 Block Party Ideas for Event Creators

As an event organizer, you probably see block parties as a low-hanging fruit — after all, they come with a built-in audience.

But to maximize this opportunity, you need to come up with outstanding block party ideas that will make your event the talk of the neighborhood.

If you don't know where to begin, we’re here to help. With over 20,000 events created daily, Eventbrite has plenty of game ideas, food options, and decorations to help get your party rolling.  

Let’s dive in. 

Block party game ideas

Your choice of activities can help the community come out of its shell and encourage attendees to connect with their neighbors. 

Since games are a key element in a block party, you’ll have to allocate an event budget for them. Costs add up quickly when securing the right space, hiring facilitators, or purchasing equipment.

The good news is that there are many ways to manage upfront expenses.

You can tap into your local network to find cost-effective alternatives, community partnerships, or vendor discounts. Or use strategies like early bird ticket sales to secure immediate revenue and draw in more attendees. 

If you’re an Eventbrite user, creating early bird tickets is quick and easy to do in the dashboard. Plus, our built-in tools let you spread the word across multiple channels, maximizing your reach and sales.

Now, let the list of games begin. 

1. Icebreaker bingo

Cost: 💸

Family-friendliness: 👪👪

Accessibility: ♿♿♿ 

Kick off your block party with icebreaker bingo. This entertaining game gets people talking and laughing straight away. 

The goal of the game is for participants to find people who match the descriptions on their Bingo cards and get them to sign or initial their squares. Rather than numbers, the Bingo card contains characteristics or traits that describe a person. 

Find a talented bingo caller with buckets of energy to run the game. You can hire someone or look for volunteers who are excited about the event and want to get involved.

2. Cornhole

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Cornhole makes a great game for block parties, thanks to its simplicity and universal appeal. The game involves two inclined boards — each with a hole near the top — placed opposite each other at a set distance. 

Participants, old and young, can take turns tossing bean bags (or corn bags, as traditionally used) toward the opposing board, aiming to land their bags on the board for one point or in the hole for three points.

You can also host a tournament with teams and prizes for the winners. That’s sure to get everyone involved and having a good time.

Or try IZM Entertainment Events’ way. Their event called Kocktails and Karaoke combines singing and drinks with outdoor games such as cornhole. Everything takes place in a lively bar atmosphere.

3. Scavenger hunt

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A scavenger hunt engages everyone and ignites a sense of friendly rivalry. To get the most out of this activity, set challenging yet achievable tasks for attendees. 

A scavenger hunt can also be a brilliant tool to explore the neighborhood and strengthen bonds.

Foster a sense of community by including clues that point participants to local landmarks and historical sites, as well as challenges that require them to engage with other community members (ex: take selfies with neighbors). 

 💡Pro Tip: Find local businesses willing to sponsor prizes for the winners. It’s a great way to give back to the community while raising awareness for local businesses.

Here’s a complete guide on how to secure some sponsors for your event. 

4. Giant Jenga

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Jenga tournaments are always a crowd-pleaser. The game is easy to set up and the rules are straightforward: Players take turns carefully removing wooden blocks from the tower and placing them on top, attempting not to topple the structure. 

For some inspiration, take a look at how IZM Entertainment Events brings this idea to life every Sunday with Drinks & Drums, which combines live music with outdoor games, including a Giant Jenga.

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💡Pro Tip: Giant Jenga is suitable for all ages, creating a dynamic environment as people cheer each other on. But make sure there’s adult supervision when kids are playing to avoid accidents when blocks come crashing down.

5. Water balloon toss

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Give your guests a hilarious way to cool off during the warmer months with a water balloon toss. 

The Bond Maker uses this block party game idea, along with other outdoor activities, to bring together individuals who struggle to connect with others. Their picnic event called Sunshine & Sizzle also features tasty fare like hotdogs and hamburgers.

💡Pro Tip: Water balloons leave behind scraps of rubber that can be hard to clean up, so it’s best to have your toss on a flat concrete area, like a parking lot instead of a grassy field. Lying a tarp down can also help if there isn’t a better surface available.

6. Hula hoop contest

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Accessibility: ♿

Want to inspire some friendly competition? Include a hula-hoop contest to energize and entertain everyone, whether they’re adults, kids, or even grandparents. 

Put together a feel-good music playlist for the competition. It can help set a fun and lively atmosphere, even for those who would rather skip the hula-hooping. 

💡Pro Tip: You can further engage the rest of your audience through interactive elements such as voting for their favorite performers or running mini hula-hoop challenges with prizes at the end of each challenge.

7. Dance-off

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Dance-offs are a great block party idea for adults ready to let loose and have fun — you can also include a children’s dance-off to make sure everyone gets a chance to take part.

So go ahead and put on some electrifying dance music everyone likes and see who can dance the longest. Or bring in a local DJ to keep the energy up. Make sure the last dancer takes home a prize.

💡Pro Tip: Get volunteers or dance teachers to teach participants a dance routine. Having them around will make your event more polished and well-coordinated, while teaching guests a new skill.

8. Bocce ball

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Accessibility: ♿

Bocce ball is a great way to inject friendly competition into the block party. It's easy to learn, fun, and doesn't take up much space, making it ideal for crowded neighborhoods.

The game is played with eight large balls and one smaller ball, called the pallino, which is thrown into a designated area. Players or teams then take turns rolling, tossing, or throwing their bocce balls, aiming to land them as close as possible to the pallino.

If you’re unsure how to organize a structured social game night, follow Meet IRL's lead.

The social and dating events organizer teams up with professional coaches for their Friday Night Pickleball sessions, which also include Bocce Ball games. 

Recognizing that every participant has their own comfort level and experience with the game, they offer different ticket types: general admission (for off-court activities), beginner (with a coach), and novice or experienced (open play).

💡Pro Tip: Tiered events require proper management to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees. With Eventbrite’s inventory management system, you can create different ticket classes per tier, and display all the information on your event page. 

9. Dunk tank

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Accessibility: ♿♿

A dunk tank is a classic game that people of all ages can enjoy, and it’s sure to draw a crowd.

Make sure plenty of people get dunked. It may be easier to draw a crowd if you have prominent community members, or a school principal, participating (although you may have to do some convincing).

10. Three-legged race

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Accessibility: ♿ 

If you’re planning to add a three-legged race for your block party, organize the participants into pairs and tie one leg of each pair together. Enjoy the hilarity as they all race to the finish line first.

💡Pro Tip: While it’s fun watching the participant's coordinated attempts to reach the end goal, there’s always a risk of someone falling. Have a first-aid responder on standby to treat possible twisted ankles.

Check out this guide on how to make your attendees feel safer at your events.

11. Dizzy bat race

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Accessibility: ♿♿♿ 

Make a simple game like a bat race more fun by adding a twist. Aside from a bat or a long stick, like a broom handle, you'll just need willing participants to spin around with their heads on the stick before completing the obstacle course.

💡Pro Tip: Turn up the silliness a little more by asking contestants to dress up, or provide costumes and props they can use.

12. Frisbee tic-tac-toe

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Accessibility: ♿

To host a frisbee tic-tac-toe contest, you’ll need a giant version of the game made with PVC pipes or chalk on the pavement and plenty of frisbees. 

Make the grid clearly visible and large enough for players to toss their frisbees into the designated squares. Participants can take turns tossing their frisbees in hopes of making three in a row.

💡Pro Tip: Use a tournament structure to add spice to the game. Communicate the rules clearly, decide how teams will advance to the next round, and determine how they will compete for the grand prize.

13. Egg-and-spoon race

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Accessibility: ♿

An egg-and-spoon race is a classic block party favorite for generations. Players race down a designated course while balancing an egg on a spoon in their hand. 

💡Pro Tip: Egg-and-spoon races can get messy if enough people drop their eggs. Boil the eggs until firm to reduce messy splats, or lay tarps on the ground to contain them.

Block party food and drink ideas

What’s a block party without food? Having the right grub and refreshments can make attendees feel welcome and at ease. 

As an event organizer, it also presents a good income stream. Food and beverage sales are the biggest revenue generator after ticket sales.

But choosing the right vendors can be a complex task. Partner with local restaurants, and offer them promotional opportunities in exchange for sponsorships, discounts, or complimentary offerings. We have a complete guide to help you carry out this mission.

In any case, we have a long list of tasty fare to make your block party menu a hit.

14. Potluck buffet

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Effort: 💪💪  

Potlucks and block parties go together like peanut butter and jelly. Invite attendees to bring their favorite dish, and you’ll have a delicious spread without breaking the bank.

Ask guests to share their culinary creations in advance, so you can organize a well-balanced menu featuring various appetizers, main courses, salads, side dishes, desserts, and beverages. It also makes it less likely that you’ll see duplicate dishes on the table.

Complete this block party idea by adding karaoke to the event, like DFW Young & Social’s Karaoke & Potluck Social Party. This event welcomes both homemade and store-bought contributions and lets attendees RSVP for free. 

💡Pro Tip: This event organizer encourages a $5 donation to help cover expenses like cleaning supplies and utensils.

If you’re planning to make your potluck block party donation-based, you can use Eventbrite to create “Donation” tickets. But remember to set up a free ticket option, since donation-based tickets require visitors to enter a payment amount.

By establishing donation options early, you set clear expectations and encourage contributions right away.

Make your event a success with the right ticket options.

15. Homemade pies

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Homemade pies taste amazing, but it’s their warm, inviting aroma that truly enhances the atmosphere of your block party.

Pies are versatile, so you could give the food a more personalized flair by incorporating local or seasonal ingredients your attendees will know and love. 

You could purchase premade crusts to save time, or have volunteers bring their own tasty treats. Or better yet, hold a pie-baking contest. You get to cover food and entertainment with this simple block party idea. 

16. Barbecue cookout

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​​Nothing says block party like a barbecue cookout! You can use charcoal or gas grills to create a wide range of delicious food like burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and steak. 

Don’t forget to prepare plenty of sides and the condiments.

If you want to pair this with a block party game, try a hotdog eating contest. That way, everyone can get involved and interact with one another while having a great time. 

💡Pro Tip: Include options for vegetarian, pescetarian, and vegan attendees. Here are some excellent ideas.

17. Lemonade stand

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Sweeten up your block party with a lemonade stand. Serve this refreshing drink in custom mason jars or cups with your event's logo for extra flair (they also make for a perfect giveaway!). 

Partner with a local beverage company to reduce costs and add local flavor. They can help supply syrups, herbs, or other elements that make your lemonade stand out.

18. Local food trucks

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Food trucks are a delicious way to bring some fun and flavor to your block party. Besides providing premium food experiences, the right vendors can also increase attendance. 

Our TRNDS report showed 70% of eventgoers enjoy trying new flavors and food. 

Invite a diverse mix of food trucks to give attendees a wide selection of flavors and cuisines. Consider featuring specialty trucks for desserts, drinks, or local favorites to transform your block party into an unforgettable neighborhood food festival.

💡Pro Tip: When negotiating, always maintain professionalism and focus on creating a mutually beneficial partnership.

Building strong relationships with your vendors is key, especially if you plan to turn this into a recurring event.

19. Taco bar

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Taco bars are a great way to feed a crowd, and they're incredibly easy to set up. All you need is a source of protein (like chicken, pork, or soya mince), taco shells or tortillas, cheese, lettuce, salsa, onions, tomatoes, and any other toppings you want to provide.

If there’s a local taco place, ask them to give a demonstration to show neighbors how to level up their taco recipes. 

20. A keg or cocktail pitchers

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To ensure everyone has plenty of drinks accessible to them, you can provide kegs or cocktail pitchers for guests to enjoy. Offer beer and wine if you’re having an adult-only event. 

But you can also make this block party idea family-friendly by preparing special non-alcoholic drinks for the underage crowd.

💡Pro Tip: Keep in mind that excess alcohol consumption can pose liability issues. With snacks and water stations available, there’s less chance of this happening. You should also provide bar staff with training so that they can more easily handle guests who keep coming back for more.  

21. Popcorn machine

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Popcorn machines add enticing aromas and sounds to events, as well as offer fuss-free setup and use. 

Use classic ingredients like kernels, oil, and salt, or experiment with sugar and spices for unique flavors.

For a more branded experience, create custom popcorn boxes with your event’s logo or colors. Attendees can also take them home as a keepsake. 

22. S’mores station

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Nothing says summer like s’mores. They’re easy to make, taste amazing, and are universally loved. 

To keep things interesting, offer different kinds of chocolate bars and even some unique marshmallow flavors for variety. Just invest in a fire pit that’s big enough for everyone to use. 

💡Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check local fire regulations for safety and legal compliance.

23. Ice cream station

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Ice cream is a classic summer treat, so why not provide an ice cream station with all sorts of cool flavors and toppings to make your block party stand out?

SE2 SILENT DISCO, for example, incorporates this idea to add a fun, frosty treat to their Silent Disco at The Beach event. A scoop of Ice cream offers the perfect cool-down between lively dance sessions.

If you want to serve a unique experience at your block party, make your own ice cream flavors using local ingredients. But be sure to try them first — you don't want to discover that your fantastic idea wasn't a delicious one after all.

24. Hot dog cart

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Rent a hot dog cart and offer different condiments and toppings, so attendees can customize their own.

A good example of how to do this? Perreo Party combines this classic street food and good music at their event, Glizzy Reggaeton Brunch.

Look for a vendor who offers different types of sausages, including some vegetarian options, and lots of toppings like chili or jalapeños for those feeling adventurous.

25. Veggie platter

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Veggie options balance out all the rich foods at a party, plus some attendees may prefer a lighter snack. 

Offer bowls of fresh cut-up vegetables with dips like hummus and ranch dressing to satisfy a variety of cravings. 

💡Pro Tip: Impress your guests with an artistic vegetable arrangement for your centerpiece. Take interesting Instagram photos of it to post on social media pages or ads. 

Doing so can help you get more visitors for your next event. Our 2025 TRNDS report found social media drives event discovery, especially for younger generations.

With Eventbrite’s marketing platform, you can easily create Facebook and Instagram ads and even sell tickets directly on TikTok.

Block party decoration ideas

Decorations can turn a party from a local gathering to an official event. Your themes, goals, and the neighborhood's style when deciding how to decorate.

While it might seem overwhelming at first, you can narrow things down by talking to neighbors and learning how block parties typically look in their neighborhood. You might notice recurring themes, favorite color schemes, or design elements that reflect the neighborhood’s character. 

Or if you need more inspiration, take a look at the list below for creative ways to spruce up your block party.

26. Inflatable decorations

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Inflatable decorations are a versatile and visually appealing way to elevate any event. Thanks to their lightweight, segmented design, they’re perfect for block parties that may need to relocate quickly due to weather conditions or other unexpected changes. 

Plus, their bold and oversized look makes your party more visually festive.

If you have the budget, you can add a multi-age inflatable play zone (such as obstacle courses or interactive bounce attractions). Get inspired by how Bounce Empire incorporates these giant inflatables into their All-Day Pass event, creating a fun experience for the whole family:

27. Balloons

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When planning a block party, balloons are one of the first décor considerations. 

Match the balloon design to your block party vibe. For example, the National Landing Business Improvement District hosts a family-friendly event called Pink in the Pool to celebrate the cherry blossom season. Adding balloon twisters is in keeping with the theme.

💡Pro Tip: Instead of traditional latex balloons, opt for vinyl. Vinyl balloons are colorfast and weatherproof, making them a durable, reusable option for multiple events.

Latex, on the other hand, oxidizes and loses its shine when exposed to outdoor elements for long periods. 

28. Chalkboard signs

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Chalkboard signs add character to events, providing welcoming messages and directions. 

Work with local artists or graphic designers to create unique and eye-catching designs.

💡Pro Tip: Barter with local suppliers offering them free admission or an opportunity to advertise their business at the event.

29. Shaded areas

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Sun exposure, especially in summer, can cause discomfort and dampen party mood. If you’re hosting your block party outdoors, make space for tents, tarps, or shaded seating areas to ensure everyone stays cool and comfy.

For example, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. provides tents at their Fest Family VIP Experience, which takes place on open grounds without tree cover. 

VIP guests even get access to exclusive hospitality lounges for additional comfort.

30. String lights

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Hosting your block party at night? String lights are an affordable and easy way to enhance the vibe. 

Consider what ambiance you want to create when choosing a bulb style. Clear bulbs lend a more elegant and traditional look, while colored bulbs provide a brighter, more festive atmosphere.

31. Paper lanterns

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Paper lanterns come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, making them easy to match your party’s theme. Customize them well to create an Instagram-worthy atmosphere.

32. Photo booth backdrop

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A photo booth can provide a fun activity and help boost your event’s presence on social media. Make sure attendees use an event hashtag when sharing their photos to boost your event’s online visibility.

💡Pro Tip: Go one step further as Bar Crawl USA does with their annual Birmingham Taco Tequila Bar Crawl. This type of photobooth offers an immersive and dynamic experience that is more likely to hook in new attendees for your next event. 

33. Flags and pennants

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Are you hosting a block party in a vibrant and multicultural community? Putting up flags and pennants can help you promote unity and celebrate diversity. 

Alternatively, look for flags with a long history of local meaning and encourage people to bring their own.

34. Flowers

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Are you going for a more refined block party idea? Adding flowers to the decor is a good idea. 

You can get an excellent deal by working with local flower wholesalers and being flexible about flower choices.

35. Outdoor rugs and pillows

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Make your block party a lot cozier by providing lounging options like outdoor rugs and pillows. These additions are great for small festivals and boho-style block parties.

Choose acrylic and olefin fabrics so your outdoor furniture won't absorb liquids or wear and tear. Keep them clean as soon as possible to extend their lifespan.

36. Table centerpieces

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Impactful table centerpieces combine aesthetics with practicality. They’re great options for banquet-style gatherings and themed block parties. 

Choose centerpieces that facilitate easy conversation. Maintain clear sightlines across tables, keep essential items such as food, drinks, and event schedules close at hand, and provide enough space for personal belongings. 

37. Themed plates and napkins

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Want to strengthen your event’s branding and aesthetic? Custom-themed plates and napkins tick both boxes.

However, getting personalized options tends to be pricey. To cut costs, reach out to multiple vendors for the best deal or collaborate with other event organizers to place a bulk order.

38. Welcome sign

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All block parties need a good welcome sign. A strong, well-placed sign increases brand recognition right at the entrance.

Consider investing in high-quality event signage since you can always reuse it for future block parties. Make it prominent, easily visible, and include your event’s branding or logo. 

Put your block party ideas into action

Now that your block party playbook is packed with awesome ideas, it’s time to make your event more official.

Start by setting up a dedicated event page on Eventbrite. We can help you reach your target audience with a customizable event page and well-targeted social media ads and email campaigns. 

An online presence paired with a great marketing strategy will ensure that neighbors turn out and join in the fun.