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Events on Madison Streets - Neighborhood Block Party

Neighborhood Block Party Permit

Residential Street Closure

A Neighborhood Block Party Permit, which is a type of Street Use Permit, is required for any neighborhood gathering event or activity taking place on residential streets in Madison that meets the following criteria:

  • Event is requesting to close no more than 2 blocks.
  • Street(s) requested has a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
  • Street(s) requested is not located on a Metro bus route.
  • Street(s) requested is not located in the Mall/Concourse area.
  • Expected event attendance is less than 100 people.
  • The majority of people attending are residents or guests of the block(s) to be closed.
  • Event cannot be promoted or advertised to the public.
  • Event cannot have vending or sales of any kind.
  • Event cannot place temporary structures in the street, such as tents, inflatables, stages, or anything that is not easily moveable should emergency vehicles need access through the street.
  • Noise must be kept to a minimum. No loud amplified sound is allowed.

If you are requesting anything listed above that is not allowed with the Neighborhood Block Party permit, you may need a Street Use permit instead.

If you are unsure if your event qualifies for a Neighborhood Block Party permit, please contact madisonevents@cityofmadison.com or 608-264-9289 to inquire.

Application

Completed application, resident petition, and application fee due at least 14 days prior to your block party.

RESIDENT PETITION - all Block Party applications must be submitted with a petition signed by an adult resident/occupant of at least 75% of all residential and/or non-residential units on the street(s) for which closure is requested.

  1. Online - Click here to complete your reservation. Attach the resident petition to complete the application.
  2. Paper Application - Fill out the application, email, snail mail, or drop off to the Madison Parks Administration office at 330 E. Lakeside Street, Madison, WI 53715 or email to madisonevents@cityofmadison.com.
  3. Fees - The application fee for a block party is $50.

Additional Information

  • Your approved permit will have information on picking up/returning barricades and No Parking signs.
  • Official Type II barricades must be used to close a City of Madison street. The City of Madison offers 8 free barricades for Neighborhood Block Party permits.

Questions?

Phone 608-264-9289 or email Madison Events.

Helpful Resources

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