Reclaim the Streets often stage non-violent direct action street reclaiming events such as the 'invasion' of a major road, highway or freeway to stage a party. While this may obstruct the regular users of these spaces such as car drivers and public bus riders, the philosophy of Reclaim the Streets is that it is vehicle traffic, not pedestrians who are causing the obstruction, and that by occupying the road they are in fact opening up public space. RTS events are usually spectacular and colourful, with dancing, traffic disruption and occasionally violence. The style of the parties in many places has been influenced by the rave scene in the UK.
These "street parties" have been held in cities all over Europe, Australia, North America, and Africa.