Build a One-Block Festival

What you need

• Site permission and permits
• Insurance as locally required
• Power, toilets, waste stations
• First aid, water, shade
• Performers, makers, food plan, volunteers

Do it, step by step

1. Form a five-role core

   Name leads for site/safety, program, volunteers, money, and neighbors. One person cannot safely hold all five.

2. Listen before branding

   Speak with residents, businesses, access advocates, and the owner. Ask what would make the day useful.

3. Set non-negotiables

   Water, toilets, shade, accessible route, clear hours, local artists, and a weather decision time.

4. Map the site

   Mark entrances, emergency lane, stage, power, food, toilets, children’s area, quiet space, and waste.

5. Program in waves

   Alternate music, demonstrations, comedy, meals, and participatory activities. Avoid constant amplified sound.

6. Recruit shifts, not favors

   Write 90-minute roles with start, end, supervisor, task, and break. Train leads together.

7. Run a tabletop drill

   Walk through lost child, heat illness, severe weather, power failure, and conflict.

8. Close the loop

   Leave the site cleaner, pay promptly, publish spending, thank neighbors, and debrief.

Copy-and-use template

FESTIVAL DECISION SHEET
Purpose: ______  Capacity: ______  Hours: ______
Site owner/permit lead: ______
Emergency lead and meeting point: ______
Weather decision time: ______
Accessible route/toilets/water: ______
Maximum spend and signer: ______