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As an IT project manager-turned-meeting planner, I work closely with my clients to understand their needs and objectives, then develop creative solutions that deliver results. 

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Summertime Magic: 5 Must-Try Summer Community Event Ideas for a Memorable Season

Summer Summer Summer Time….. 

It’s finally summer and time for outdoor events!  

From outdoor movie nights to ice cream socials, there are plenty of fun summer events that will make for an unforgettable summer season for your neighborhood or community. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large event, these ideas will help make your summer community event a success. 

We are sharing our top five summer community event ideas that your residents will not want to miss, along with some helpful tips to help make them a hit! 

Benefits of Hosting a Summer Neighborhood Event

Community events are a wonderful way to bring residents together and foster community engagement. The summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the weather.   Summer outdoor events create the perfect opportunity for neighbors to socialize and get to know one another in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. These events can also strengthen the bond between neighbors, promoting a sense of community and cooperation. Additionally, hosting a summer community event can bring positive attention to the neighborhood, improving its reputation and boosting property values. So why not take advantage of the warm weather and plan a memorable summer event for your neighborhood? Here are some ideas to get you started!

Neighborhood Block Party 

Finding the perfect location for your block party is important. The event location needs to be able to hold the anticipated guest count with space to roam around.  Also, consider the permitting requirements for your area. In many cases you may need to obtain a Zoning and Building Permit as well as a Tent Permit.  Traffic control and security requirements should be considered during the planning process.  Think about providing activities for all age groups.   Another important aspect of planning your summer block party is choosing the right theme and activities. Think about what types of summer outdoor events are popular in your community, such as carnival games, face painting, or live music. Don’t forget to include food and drinks as well! Consider bringing in a variety of food trucks including sweet and savory options. A successful block party can bring your community together and create lasting memories for all who attend. So, make sure you plan ahead and involve your neighbors in the planning process to ensure a successful and enjoyable event.

Outdoor Movie Nights

Outdoor movies remind us of the time where drive-in movies were the rage.  This is a perfect event to hold on warm summer nights when the sun sets later. The movie doesn’t have to be brand new or a blockbuster hit, but it should be something family-friendly and suitable for all ages. There’s something special about watching movies under the stars, and it’s a great way for the community to come together. With outdoor movie nights being one of the most popular summer outdoor events, it’s sure to draw a crowd and create lasting memories. Encourage residents to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to get comfortable.  Provide concessions and even a movie-themed red carpet for residents to take photos and make memories.   

Picnic in the Park

One classic summer event idea that always brings people together is a picnic in the park. With warm weather, green grass, and sunshine, a picnic is a fun and simple way to enjoy time with friends and family. To start planning your picnic, you’ll want to choose a park that has plenty of open space, shaded areas, and maybe even a playground for kids to play on. Make sure to get any necessary permits or permissions from the city or park authority before you start setting up.

Next, decide what food and drinks you’ll serve. Easy picnic foods like sandwiches, salads, and fruit are always a hit. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and maybe some iced tea or lemonade to stay hydrated.

You can also bring some fun outdoor games like frisbee, soccer balls, or even board games. This will keep kids and adults entertained throughout the day.

If you want to take your picnic to the next level, consider having a theme for your event. For example, you could have a Hawaiian Luau or a Country Western BBQ picnic. Encourage guests to dress up and decorate accordingly.

Overall, a picnic in the park is a classic summer event idea that is easy to plan and fun for everyone. Just be sure to have enough food, drinks, and games to keep the party going all day long!

Water Fun Day

Splish splash!  Water day fun is always a big hit.  Plan a fun event at the local community pool or splash pad.  If your neighborhood doesn’t have access to a pool or splash pad, consider setting up a few kiddie pools and sprinklers in a park or someone’s backyard. Set up games like water balloon toss or relay races with water cups. Make sure to have plenty of towels and sunscreen on hand. Water Fun Day is a great way to cool off and have fun during those hot summer days. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to build community and bring neighbors together for a fun event. Don’t forget to have plenty of refreshments like lemonade or ice pops for everyone to enjoy.

Parade 

Hosting a parade is a great way to bring your community together for a fun-filled event. A parade can include floats made by neighborhood kids, local businesses, and community organizations. Encourage people to decorate their bikes or wagons and join the parade. It can also be fun to have a marching band or community group play music to accompany the parade.

Tips for Hosting a Successful Summer Event

Location is key… finding a location that can accommodate a large number of people is essential.  When planning your summer event, always have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat. Consider having a tent or indoor space available for guests to cool off or seek shelter. Providing water or other drinks to stay hydrated is also important during hot summer months.  Another key factor in hosting a successful summer event is promoting it to your community. Utilize social media, flyers, and word of mouth to spread the word about your event and attract more attendees. Remember to also include details about parking, any admission fees, and what to bring or wear. 

By following these tips and implementing some of the summer event ideas listed above, you can create a memorable season for your neighborhood or community.

Happy Summer!

As an IT project manager-turned-meeting planner, I work closely with my clients to understand their needs and objectives, then develop creative solutions that deliver results.