Hold a Block Party in Your Neighborhood This Summer

Summer is here; and that means it’s time to get outside to enjoy that bright Iowa sunshine. Why not build up your neighborhood, too? By getting to know your neighbors and creating better relationships with the people living around you, you’ll feel closer to your community, and a block party is the perfect way to get started.

If planning a block party for your neighborhood in Greater Des Moines (DSM) sounds like fun, you’ll most likely need to fill out an application for a block party permit, and possibly a noise permit. In some instances, you can request an educational visit from the Fire Department or Police Department, which is a big hit with the kids! Consider hiring a local company to provide inflatables or reserving a food truck to provide on-site food and drinks — that way you’re supporting local businesses, too!

The City of Bondurant has its own Rec -N- Roll Trailer for block parties, with reservations accepted as early as March 1 in the calendar year, while the City of Marshalltown also has a special events trailer stocked with barricades and cones. There’s no reason to delay a block party another year! And it’s easy to plan in most cities, thanks to a quick application process.

Block Party Information + Permits Across Greater Des Moines

Find your city in the list below to apply for a permit and get your own block party started.

• Adel
• Altoona
• Ankeny
• Bondurant
• Clive
• Des Moines
• Indianola
• Johnston
• Knoxville
• Marshalltown
• Newton
• Norwalk
• Oskaloosa
• Pella
• Pleasant Hill
• Urbandale
• Waukee
• West Des Moines
• Windsor Heights

Have we missed your community? More information for block parties may be listed at city websites here.

With the #7 Lowest Cost of Living in the U.S. and a Top Metro for Number of Economic Development Projects (among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million), Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a region where you can have it all. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.