Everyone Needs a Brooklyn Block Party
I live on a wonderful, tree-lined street in Brooklyn. And I feel so lucky to be here because of the wonderful people. Every year, neighbors on our street pull together for a block party. And by pull together, a small group of neighbors volunteer their time to organize and coordinate a wonderful day each of us looks forward to. I grew up in the suburbs with no block parties. It’s special, and you can bring some of this neighborhood magic to your own neck of the woods.
We get a pop-up park for 1 day! The street closes and people move their cars. We get up in the morning, as is our tradition, and clean our stoops. Sweep the sidewalk. Clear the street of leaves. My kids love helping out. And other families are doing the same. We start the day by caring for our block and letting its beauty come through, and it’s a special feeling because for that day alone, it’s our front yard! And we all take part in it. One neighbor even coordinates with the city about getting bulbs we can plant out front every year. And it’s fun to put the kids to work digging and planting.
A day for the kids to feel freedom. Living in the city as a kid means you can’t just run to your backyard and let loose. Little kids need someone to take them to the playground. Walk them to the library, etc. and I bet even in the suburbs things require lots more planning and structure. So a day when they can run up and down the street with relative freedom is such a huge gift to them. And they feel such excitement in reading the schedule of activities, and being in charge of their own fun. And the activities, where each neighbor agrees to host something, from cupcake decorating, to learning to make origami animals, to decorating a box so it looks like a car to use at our outdoor “drive in” movie theater, are so fun. Each neighbor pitches in. The block even has a talent show where the kids get up and share their pogo stick chops or singing skills.
We break bread. Literally. We set up chairs and tables and hangout. And at the end of the day, we gather in the middle of the block and do a potluck dinner. It’s crazy how you can live 100 feet from someone, and never get to stop and have a conversation because we all get so busy. So the pot luck has been really special to me. I am always a fan of tasting people’s food. Such a treat! And I get to catch up with people I otherwise never get a chance to chat with.
I get that not everyone has a stoop or a block they can get a permit to close to throw a big neighborhood party. But I do think this tradition of reaching broader than your immediate circle, and creating a sense of belonging and joy, is something we all could use more of. It takes a ton of work, and I’ll admit I am not one of the core amazing organizing crew this year so it’s easy for me to recommend you do it, but the experience is something that is cherished by my family. Finding ways to connect with community, to create a communal space where people can feel pride could be something you do with your own community. Think of ways to connect the generations, and give kids agency to be kids. Share a meal and some laughs with your neighbors, even if you don’t know them well. The sense of belonging and connectedness you gain, that you invite people into, is something that has such a lasting impact. I hope everyone gets out there and and explores and discovers—this time close to home to make new friends, new memories, and new experiences right in your front yard!
