How To Plan The Perfect Canada Day Block Party

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The first rule of planning the perfect Canada Block party is simple: you can’t do this alone. Link up with your closest friends, or the neighbours who aren’t totally weird, and split up the to-do list. Don’t be afraid to let your Type-A personality show, and embrace the D-word: delegate. Teamwork makes the dreamwork, and if you share the workload, your party will be better for it. 

If you want to make your Canada Day block party legitimate, we have bad news for you—you’re already too late. In Toronto, permits to close your street need to be filed eight weeks in advance. But, you’ve still got options, fam. Go the non traditional route and host your party in a park, backyard, or if you’ve got a chill neighbour, a series of adjoining properties in your ‘hood. 

Nah, we’re not talking about wine. Show your Canadian pride by prompting your guests to adhere to a red and white dress code. If they need some convincing, tell them there will be complimentary rum punch for anyone who participates. You can even award prizes to the best dressed. In certain circumstances, Canadian tuxedos will be permitted. Oh, and don’t forget: miniature Canadian flags for all!

What’s a block party without some crowd-friendly grub? A BBQ is always a safe bet, but if you’re into doing something a little more on-theme, consider a poutine station. It’s uniquely Canadian, and it’s bound to be a crowd pleaser. If that seems a little ambitious, pssssst, here’s a pro-tip: Smoke’s Poutinerie caters. 

Whether you’ve got a Bluetooth speaker setup, or a full-on DJ with a PA system ripping tunes, make sure you pack your playlist with Canadian artists. Drake, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, and Alessia Cara are all safe bets, but don’t forget to throw in some throwback Can-con classics like Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, and Shania Twain. You can even include some guilty pleasures from the ‘90s, like Len, b4-4, Bran Van 3000, and Love Inc. if you’re nasty. 

Refreshments can make or break your party, so make sure you have a fully-stocked bar at the ready. Cocktails are a must, and if you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out these refreshing Bacardi rum recipes. 

Planning an outdoor party is always a gamble. If the weather doesn’t break up your shindig, an early noise complaint could. Be ready to improvise. On a moment’s notice, you should be able to move the party indoors, or to a bar that will accommodate the crowd. A backup plan will ensure all of your hard work doesn’t go to waste.