Get Social with Creative Neighborhood Parties!
You see them every day – getting their mail, mowing their lawns, washing their cars. They’re your neighbors, but how well do you really know them? If you’re like most people, you can never have too many friends. Planning a fun neighborhood event is a great way to bring people together, build community, and make memories right where you live.
At Ernest Homes, we love seeing our homeowners turn their streets into real communities. For more ideas and to explore new home communities across coastal Georgia, visit ErnestHomes.com.
Yard Sale Mania
Almost everyone has items they’re tired of, bored with, or simply no longer use. And often, they’re cluttering up closets, garages, and spare rooms. A neighborhood yard sale is the perfect solution.
- Check with your homeowner’s association for approval, if needed.
- Choose a date (and a rain date, just in case).
- Promote the event with flyers, social media posts, or a community bulletin.
Spend the day browsing your neighbors’ treasures while someone “mans” your table. Your trash might be someone else’s favorite new find!
Handy Day – When the “Honey Do” List Goes Viral
Everyone has those “around the house” tasks they put off: yard work, gutter cleaning, small repairs, and more. Turn it into a community event and get things done together.
- Pick a day for everyone to tackle their home projects.
- Encourage neighbors to share their skills (like painting, trimming trees, or light handiwork).
- Help elderly or busy neighbors with items on their to-do lists.
Wrap up the day with a neighborhood potluck lunch in a common area, clubhouse, park, or playground. You’ll bond with your neighbors and finally cross those projects off your list.
Sports, Anyone?
If your community has a baseball field, basketball court, pickleball or tennis courts, consider starting a small neighborhood league.
- Host Thursday night softball or Saturday morning basketball.
- Create separate teams for kids and adults, or mix them for family fun.
- Plan end-of-season celebrations or trophy nights.
Holiday Bashes – Tried and True
Holidays are the perfect excuse to come together. Consider:
- Halloween costume parades or trunk-or-treat events
- Easter egg hunts
- Christmas caroling or hot cocoa nights
- Neighborhood 4th of July cookouts or parade
- Cinco de Mayo fiestas or fall harvest gatherings
You can also organize volunteer projects, like serving at a community Thanksgiving meal or collecting holiday gifts for families in need.
Gold Medal Fun – Neighborhood Olympics
Plan your own community Olympics and focus on fun, fitness, and friendly competition.
- Create age groups for kids, teens, and adults.
- Host races, relay games, obstacle courses, swimming or diving (if you have a pool).
- Design t-shirts, medals, or ribbons for participants.
- End the day with a neighborhood victory party.
Create a Volunteer League
If you love helping others, chances are your neighbors do too. Start a neighborhood volunteer group and put your energy to work.
- Assist elderly neighbors with errands or yard work.
- Organize beach or park cleanups.
- Tutor children or help with homework clubs.
- Collect coats, food, or toys for seasonal drives.
- Knit scarves, blankets, or hats for local charities.
- Start a neighborhood watch program for added safety.
Everyone Loves to Eat!
Food is one of the easiest ways to bring people together. Try:
- Ice cream socials
- Wine or craft beer tastings (adults only)
- Hot sauce or chili cook-off challenges
- Neighborhood burger or taco bars
- Cookie swaps – not just for the holidays, but back-to-school or game day, too
Your Neighborhood’s Got Talent
Even if you feel like you have no talent (or especially if you feel that way), a talent show is guaranteed fun.
- Invite singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and “brave” participants.
- Offer prizes for best performance, funniest act, most original, and most courageous.
- Make it a family-friendly event everyone can enjoy.
The Arts Have It!
Bring out the creative side of your community with:
- Outdoor movie nights
- Karaoke evenings
- Arts and crafts Saturdays
- Knitting, crochet, or quilting circles
- Children’s art shows or sidewalk chalk days
Have teens who love music? Invite them to perform for the neighborhood as a mini outdoor concert.
You’ve Got Game…
Game nights are an easy way to gather people of all ages.
- Host card game nights, board game evenings, or Scrabble tournaments.
- Plan Twister, charades, or Pictionary championships.
- Rotate hosts so different neighbors can welcome the group.
The possibilities are endless—and so are the opportunities to reach out, connect, and build a stronger community. Talk with your homeowner association leaders to brainstorm even more ideas or to help organize your next neighborhood event.
If you’re dreaming of a neighborhood where it’s easy to know your neighbors and build lasting friendships, explore our new home communities at ErnestHomes.com. We’d love to help you find a place where community feels like home.
