Neighborfest Host Support Center

Neighborfest 2019

Thank you for your interest in the Neighborfest Program. We’ve filled this year’s allotted block parties but we hope you will join us next year when we announce the application window in June. To be added to our email list contact Russell . Allen@SF Gov.org.

Living in one of San Francisco’s neighborhoods is a source of great pride for residents and there is no better way to celebrate that pride than bringing your neighbors together and having a block party! Now in its 5th year, the Neighborfest Program is 100% committed to supporting the Hosts, and their Host Committee Team, with guidelines, resources and expertise to produce the world’s greatest block party via a process that is fun, thorough and rich in benefits and impacts for all who participate.

As we enter the 2019 Neighborfest Season, The NEN is excited to announce its new partnership with the nonprofit Livable City. Building on its success in managing street activations across San Francisco. i.e. Sunday Streets and Play Streets, Livable City offers Neighborfest hosts with the highest levels of expertise and resources needed to produce an incredible block party.

More Resources For 2019 Neighborfest Hosts! 

• Streamlined Application Process!
  • No need to complete separate SFMTA permit application
  • Sitemap template of YOUR block with pre-approved emergency access lanes and programming areas provided upon Neighborfest program acceptance
  • Step-by-step assistance with additional city permits
• Access to a new suite of block party programming resources (i.e. games and equipment)
• Access to Livable City staff for advice Monday thru Friday, 9am-5pm
• Onsite Training Before Your Neighborfest! Sign up for a special coaching session 6-8 weeks before your event to receive additional support planning your outreach and activities OR simply schedule a 30 minute safety and waste management training before your Neighborfest street closure begins. 

Building a Great Block Party

• For support for your Neighborfest Block Party, contact Neighborfest@LivableCity.org or call 415-344-0489.
• For tips on organizing your Neighborfest Block Party, view and download the Neighborfest Toolkit.
• Many questions can be answered by reviewing the Neighborfest Host Agreement which was signed as part of the Neighborfest Host Application Process.
• Securing the SF Firefighters at your event.
  • At least three weeks in advance, go to this link and follow the guidelines for submitting a Fire Department Request Form. 
  • If you have any questions, please email fireadministration@sfgov.org.
• Securing an SF Police Department Squad Car for your event.
  • When your street closure application is submitted and processed through the ISCOTT Hearing, the SFPD become aware of your block party. We send all Neighborfest Block Party time and locations to the SFPD Community Engagement Division. Depending on availability, a squad car will come out voluntarily. However, we recommend you call and or visit your local district station in order to submit an official request for squad car. You can find your SFPD district station contact information here.
• We take safety seriously. Livable City will provide you an advance safety training 6-8 weeks prior to your block party, or 30 minutes prior to your block party, depending on your selection in the application process.
  • You can set up your advance safety training by calling Livable City at 415-344-0489.
• For Neighborfest Block Party Hosts that indicated “amplified sound” in their application, a One-Time Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit will be emailed to you prior to your event. The Administrative lead should print it out and have it on their person. Please present the permit to any guest or law enforcement personnel that request to see it.
• Securing Temporary Signage to clear the street of cars.
  • If you want to eliminate cars altogether from your street for your block party, apply for a Temporary Tow-Away Sign here two weeks in advance. Fees are the responsibility of the block party host.
  • Alternatively, download the Neighborfest Toolkit for a friendly flyer to place on cars on your block, prior to your event.
• For information about Cannabis use at your block party, please reference the Office of Cannabis’- Know Your Rights Page.
• Livable City will be sending a Neighborfest Table to your block party to provide your guests with an immersive preparedness game and preparedness materials from different City departments.

Neighborfest Partners & Sponsors

Neighborfest Articles

Read NEN Director Daniel Homsey and  Professor Daniel Aldrich (pictured above)’s joint Neighborfest article on Nextdoor and New Geography!

Your Neighborfest Host Toolkit

The toolkit is designed to create a road map for a successful Neighborfest event. It will help identify your goals and objectives while providing a framework of roles and responsibilities. It offers forms, checklists, and a promotional flier to help you plan and execute your event!
Click the orange download icon below to download the brand new 2019 Neighborfest Host Toolkit!

Neighborfest Report

In summer 2017, the NEN offered community leaders across the city the opportunity to partner with us to host Neighborfest Block Parties in their neighborhoods during the fall.

Click the orange download icon below to download the 2017 Neighborfest Pilot report!