Editing Block party (section)

{{Short description|Community gathering in celebration}}
{{Hatnote group|{{Redirect-distinguish-text|Street party|[[Street fair]]s or the band, [[Bloc Party]]}}{{For-multi|more uses|Block Party (disambiguation){{!}}Block Party|and|Street Party (disambiguation){{!}}Street Party}}}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}

[[File:Block_party_(Manhattan,_October_4_2008).jpg|thumb|right|A block party on Jane Street west of [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]] in [[Manhattan]] in October 2008.]]
A '''block party''' or '''street party''' is a [[party]] in which many members of a single [[community]] congregate, either to observe an event of some importance or simply for mutual solidarity and enjoyment.  The name comes from the form of the party, which often involves closing an entire [[city block]] to vehicle traffic or just a single street.  Many times, there will be a celebration in the form of playing [[music]], games, [[dance]] and activities with food such as popcorn machines and [[barbecue]]s. When multiple streets become cordoned off, those are referred to as [[street fair]]s. These gatherings are especially popular during holidays or local celebrations and may range from informal get-togethers to large public events.  The tradition has evolved globally, with local variations reflecting cultural, historical, and political contexts. 

Block parties in many countries, particularly in urban areas, require permits and adherence to legal regulations such as street closures, noise control, public safety, and health guidelines.

As a form of [[activism]] street parties are festive and/or artistic efforts to reclaim roadways as public space by large groups of people. They were made known in Western Europe and North America by the actions of [[Reclaim the Streets]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Third Text |url=http://thirdtext.org/reclaim-the-streets |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=thirdtext.org |language=en}}</ref> a widespread "dis-organization" dedicated to reclaiming public space from automobiles and [[consumerism]].