Block Party Bonanza

Photograph by Byron Purnell III/City of Philadelphia

Block Party Bonanza

Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, Block Party Bonanza is a citywide initiative designed to ensure that all Philadelphians have a chance to be a part of the Semiquincentennial celebrations. The summer-long program combines Philly’s love of community and celebration with a commitment to civic action and will reach every neighborhood with a spin on a cherished Philly tradition: the block party.

As part of the Block Party Bonanza, Philadelphia250 will “2026-ify” 250 block parties across the City of Philadelphia with special “Life, Liberty, and Happiness” kits, echoing the famous line from the Declaration of Independence, and designed to spark celebration and civic pride with giveaways, decorations, games, and activities for all ages. In addition to the kits, each block will receive a $250 grocery gift card, donated by ShopRite, to purchase food and refreshments. All elements of Block Party Bonanza will be completely free for residents.

Apply for a City Block Party Permit

In order to be considered for the Block Party Bonanza program, first you need to apply for a block party permit through the City of Philadelphia’s block party permit process.

After you receive an approval email from the Streets Department for your block party permit, you will receive a subsequent email that will include a link and form to register your interest in the Block Party Bonanza program. Participating block parties will then be selected and notified individually.

Apply for a Block Party Permit

the words block party bonanza framed by rowhomes

Learn more about Block Party Bonanza

Every block of Philadelphia that is eligible for a block party permit is eligible to participate in the Block Party Bonanza. Any block that applies for and receives approval for a block party permit through the City’s Streets Department will receive an email with a link to apply for the Block Party Bonanza through Philadelphia250.

Based on those who complete the application, Philadelphia250 will select participating blocks to ensure equitable representation across Philadelphia’s ten City Council districts.

Blocks will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis based on location and event dates between May 23 and October 3, 2026.

Click Here for the Block Party Bonanza FAQ

Ice cream bar vendor serves two children

Call for Local Vendors

As part of the citywide celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Philadelphia250, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, is supporting an expanded season of neighborhood block parties and corridor festivals across Philadelphia. We are building a list of local vendors interested in participating in 2026 community events and we’d appreciate your help spreading the word.

We are seeking a range of local vendors, including:
• Food & beverage vendors (e.g., food trucks, sweets, specialty beverages)
• Entertainment (e.g., DJs, live music, performers)
• Kids & family activities (e.g., face painting, bounce houses, STEM/art stations)
• Event décor, installations, and rentals
• Photo/video and interactive event services (e.g., photo booths)

Submitting the form does not guarantee participation but ensures businesses are included in our vendor database for upcoming opportunities. This is a non-exclusive RFQ, and inclusion in the vendor pool does not guarantee selection for a specific event.

Click Here for the Vendor Form