QVNA's Guide to Block Parties & Pool Openings

Throw a Block Party

Nothing brings neighbors together like a good block party. If you’d like to organize one for your street, remember that block party permits are only for residential streets where a closure doesn’t require police presence or significantly affect SEPTA routes.

Submitting a Residents’ Petition

Applications must be accompanied by a block resident petition.

■■ Approval of 75% of households on the block required (including 75% of any apartment complex).

■■ If a closed street is the only entrance/ exit to another street (a “T” street), a “T” street petition is also required.

■■ Each signing resident must be an adult living on the block; only one signature per household.

Event Dates

■■ Permits are granted only for Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

■■ Street events will only be approved for five (5) dates a year, per block.

Block Party Application Fee

■ ■ $25 fee – if received by the City 21+ days in advance

■ ■ $60 fee – if received by the City less than 21 days in advance

■■ Online payment fees: $1.95 with a debit or credit card; $0.35 if made using a checking account.

Apply and Pay Online

The complete application and payment process can be made online. Start the process here: http://bit.ly/Phila-Block-Party-App

Allowable Block Party Hours:

■■ As early as 8:00 a.m.; concluded by 8:30 p.m.

■■ Street must be left in a clean and safe condition and opened to traffic no later than 8:30 p.m.

Party Drinks, Music, and Games:

■■ Alcoholic beverages may not be sold.

■■ Excessive noise violations are enforceable by police.

■■ Organized gaming devices/tables are not permitted.

Street Access

■■ You may use yellow caution tape to block off the street. Vehicles may not be used.

■■ Commercial vehicles can make deliveries, as well as vehicles for normal daily activities.

■■ Physically challenged motorists should have access to the street.

Trash and Recyclables

■■ Block residents are responsible for holding recyclables and bagged trash until the next scheduled collection day.

■■ For early collection of the block’s recyclables and trash, contact the Streets Department, 215-537-2130. Reservation required 5+ days in advance; additional $50 fee.

What if it’s not a block party?

■■ To plan rides or a carnival, or to raise money by selling merchandise and/or services, or charge admission, contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections, 215-686-2489, for permits.

■■ For a religious ceremony or a nonblock-party event, submit an application to the Streets Department online at http://bit.ly/Non-Block-Party-Event.

■■ The application fee is $150 for events including birthday celebrations, weddings, proms, serenades, and other non-block-party events.

Take a Dip

Photo by Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation

Looking to cool off? Philly's outdoor pools are opening on a rolling basis from June 17 - 28. Check out these nearby pools:

■■ Sacks Playground (400 Washington Ave., 19147)

■■ Ridgway Pool (13th & Carpenter streets, 19147)

■■ Marian Anderson Recreation Center (740 S. 17th St., 19146)

■■ Chew Playground (1800 Washington Ave., 19146)

■■ Northern Liberties Recreation Center (321 Fairmount Ave., 19123)

Take a Stroll

If your co-pilot is still in floaties and better suited for dry land fun, here are some local spray grounds to keep them cool:

■■ Weccacoe Playground (4th & Catharine streets, 19147)

■■ Shot Tower Rec Center (101-31 Carpenter St., 19147)

■■Herron Playground (250 Reed St., 19147)

■■ Seager Playground (1020 Lombard St., 19147)

■■ Dilworth Park, City Hall (1 S. 15th St., 19102)

Summer doesn't get better than this.