Last Fall, despite blistering hot weather, about 16 residents hosted National Night Out block parties under NWACA sponsorship in their neighborhoods. All told, over 500 individuals participated. Overwhelmingly, participants enjoyed the events so much that they wanted more.
NWACA is therefore encouraging and supporting party hosts (both past as well as new ones) to hold block parties again this fall, on dates that are convenient to hosts and their neighbors – and hopefully in milder weather. These block parties stimulate neighborhood comradery and caring for our neighbors which in turn helps to keep our neighborhoods safer.
If you are interested in being a host, here are the specifics:
1) Parties are to be organized by volunteer party hosts. Suggested venues are neighborhood lawns, cul de sacs, or nearby parks if available.
2) Dates are determined by the hosts, to be most convenient to their block residents – but before November 15, 2025
3) Entertainment, snacks, drinks, and logistics are all at the discretion of the block party hosts. Some past parties have featured BYO snacks to share, host-supplied drinks and snacks (pizzas, tacos, etc.), sidewalk chalk for entertaining children, bouncy houses, etc.
4) While hand-written invitations are fine, electronic invitation apps can help to keep the information organized: invitations, RSVPs, event info, volunteered plates-to-share, etc.
5) In return for organizing the events branded as a “NWACA National Night Out Block Party,” NWACA will provide each registered party host a $100 cash gift card (to offset expenses) after the event, upon receipt of event photos and a completed party feedback survey.
6) To register as a 2025 party host, or for more information, please contact Kevin Kott at [email protected] as soon as possible. Be sure to specify:
• Planned date and time of your party
• Location of your party
• Organizer/Host Name
• Organizer/Host email and or phone number (indicate preference for email or text)
Block Party background information was published in the November 2024 edition of Northwest Austin News on page 16. the issue here.