Neighbourhood events are terrific ways to build connections with your neighbours. For help planning a neighbourhood event, check out the helpful how-to guides, gathering spaces map, and connect with neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca

Looking for event inspiration? Check out some ideas listed below.

Events

Host an outdoor social event
Consider hosting an ice-cream, freezie, lemonade, or coffee/tea social in your local park. Set up a table and tent, and invite neighbours to enjoy a treat and connect. This is a great opportunity to meet new neighbours and share information (for example promote an upcoming party or share details about a neighbourhood Facebook page). 
 Throw a neighbourhood party
Good times and great music are even better when enjoyed with neighbours! Host an event to bring neighbours together with food, entertainment, local musicians, talent show, or games for a fun outdoor event or block party. 
 Plan an outdoor movie night
Work with the neighbourhoods team to plan an outdoor movie night in your community. Neighbours, an age-friendly movie, and popcorn, all combine for a great event. Engage with your neighbours to pick a movie that appeals to everyone. 
 Host a food-centered event
Food brings people together! Invite neighbours to a potluck, picnic, or barbeque. When planning to serve food, make sure you are being safe and following health guidelines. Consider notifying neighbours to bring an ingredient list for their dish. Also, make sure the food is inclusive for all neighbours attending. 
 Plan a grand opening party
Has your community recently installed an art project, playground, or another placemaking feature? Host a grand opening party to celebrate the new addition to your neighbourhood.
 Organize a bike rodeo
Promote bike safety, physical activity, and encourage youth involvement in the community. To learn more about hosting a Bike Rodeo, visit CAA’s webpage.
Organize a workshop or learning session
There are many opportunities for neighbours to learn and grow together. Consider hosting events like, a gardening workshop, a session focused on diversity and inclusion, or a skill-sharing afternoon where neighbours can share their unique talents with a group. 
Accessible trick-or-treating

This Halloween, create an inclusive environment! Think about creating a map of the neighbours who will take part in accessible trick-or-treating. Or check out Treat Accessibility for a full list of inclusive tips!

Plan a neighbourhood craft
Gather with neighbours and get creative. Some craft ideas include: paintings, welcome signs, door mats, bird feeders, and window decorations. 
Host a games night
Whether in-person or virtual, games are a fun way to bring neighbours together. Consider trivia, bingo, board games, cards, or other great games! 
Organize a neighbourhood clean up
Work with neighbours to clean up litter from around your neighbourhood. Learn more about Earth Day clean up support on the City of Waterloo environment webpage
Walking tour
Enjoy the outdoors while learning about your neighbourhood. Work with a local provider or with neighbours to lead a walking tour in your area. Some examples are Jane’s Walk, a tree walk, or a neighbourhood history walk.
Plant swap
Grow neighbourhood connections and plants. A plant swap is a fun way to connect, share plants, or learn about gardening. For multi-unit buildings, consider swapping potted plants for patios and balconies.
Neighbourhood decorating contest
Celebrate holidays and events in your area! Encourage neighbours to decorate their front door, lawn, or patio. Offer inclusive opportunities that allow neighbours to show off their own traditions, such as a Winter theme, to allow for a variety of holidays in this season.

 

Programs

Neighbourhood trails program
Explore different trails, greenspaces, or streets together in your community. Host a weekly event for neighbours to walk or roll in the outdoors to get to know each other and the neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood hobby clubs
Get together with neighbours that have similar interest to start a hobby club! Examples include a book club, knitting and crocheting club, quilt club, or board game club.
Host a sporting event
Get active and connected. Host a sports program in your area based on neighbours’ interests. This could include a neighbourhood Olympics, Amazing Race, yoga in the park, or a sports tournament. Use the gathering spaces map to find sports spaces near you.

 

Thinking about hosting a different type of neighbourhood project? Visit the Get Involved webpage or connect with neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca for other ideas and opportunities.