Joliet, IL Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Section 5-36 defines a block party narrowly as a social gathering that disrupts or blocks pedestrian or vehicular traffic on any public right-of-way, distinguishing it from an open air meeting, defined as an outdoor congregation of more than 10 people gathered to hear speakers or discuss a matter of common interest, and from a parade, defined as any march, ceremony, show or procession in or upon a street. All three share one permitting article. Section 5-37 requires a written permit from the City of Joliet before anyone participates in a parade, open air meeting or block party, and requires everyone in attendance to comply with applicable ordinances once the event is underway.

, with numbers of people and vehicles kept low enough that they do not unreasonably obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Section 5-39 resolves scheduling conflicts by priority: if the city receives more than one application for an event at the same time and place on the same day, the first application filed takes precedence, with 'same time' meaning starting within two hours of another event and 'same place' meaning within 2,000 feet, measured in a straight line, of another event's route. Section 5-40 exempts funerals, peaceful picketing, school athletic events, Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park events sponsored by the park, and the Fourth of July celebration at Joliet Memorial Stadium from the whole article.