Special Events Permit Process and Resources
What are Special Events?
The Special Events Office coordinates the event permitting process to support the safe, successful planning and execution of complex special events.
Special Event permits may be required if your event: requires planning and permitting from several City, County, and/or State agencies; has a significant impact on a park, public, or private space; involves selling alcohol in a park or public space; or requires coordinated City resources.
We permit many types of events, including festivals, block parties, neighborhood celebrations, walks and runs, concerts, parades, demonstrations/marches.
If you're applying for a permit, we're here to offer guidance on date selection, location, routes, and other event details. Contact us to set up an appointment six months or more before your proposed event date.
Planning and Permitting Your Special Event
Special Events Committee & Related Required Permits
The Special Events Committee reviews all special event applications, facilitates additional permitting/licensing requirements, and determines terms and conditions for issuing permits, setting fees, and administering the special events permitting process.
Learn more about the agencies on the Committee and contact representatives directly on our Special Events Committee Boards and Commissions page.
Additional permits or licenses may be required directly from Special Events Committee agencies for certain features of an event, such as:
- Serving alcohol
- Using a park
- Cooking on site
- Vendor sales on site
- Outdoor amplified noise
- Building large stages or structures
Based on your event plan, see what related permits or licenses are required on our Additional Permits page.
Concertgoers enjoy a live outdoor performance with confetti and lighting effects at Capitol Hill Block Party, 2019.
Community members wait for the start of the Rainier Valley Heritage Parade, 2011. Credit: SDOT
A live DJ plays music during Columbia City Beatwalk, a recurring community event series featuring local vendors and food. Credit: SDOT
A vendor serves fresh grilled hot dogs at a Ballard Summer Streets event, 2014. Credit: SDOT
An emcee speaks to the crowd at a Juneteenth celebration in Jimi Hendrix Park.
Concertgoers enjoy a live outdoor performance with confetti and lighting effects at Capitol Hill Block Party, 2019.
Community members wait for the start of the Rainier Valley Heritage Parade, 2011. Credit: SDOT
A live DJ plays music during Columbia City Beatwalk, a recurring community event series featuring local vendors and food. Credit: SDOT
A vendor serves fresh grilled hot dogs at a Ballard Summer Streets event, 2014. Credit: SDOT
An emcee speaks to the crowd at a Juneteenth celebration in Jimi Hendrix Park.
Related Departments
Don't need a special event permit for your event? Other types of permitting may be required depending on your activities.