Office of Special Events

Welcome to the Office of Special Events

COVID-19 Updates

• MDHHS Emergency Order
• MDHHS FAQ Page
• Governor Whitmer's Latest News
• Kent County Health Department COVID-19 Update
• City of Grand Rapids COVID-19 Updates
• CDC: Gatherings & Community Events

• Social Zones 

The Office of Special Events (OSE) is committed to high-quality events that display our community’s vibrancy and diversity. Event organizers and attendees can find the latest updates for Special Events and General Information on COVID-19 under the 'COVID-19 Resources' tab below. If you’re postponing or cancelling your event, please contact the OSE at specialevents@grcity.us. Be sure to send your notice with a link to your posting so we can share it on our social media and post it on the City’s website. Thank you.

Update

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the MI Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) has issued an Emergency Order. Orders are subject to change at any point in time. Please connect with our office for the most up to date information.

(AS OF 04/19/21)

General capacity limitations at gatherings -

Gathering and capacity restrictions that apply to outdoor festivals, fairs, parades, etc. are as follows:

1. 1,000 or fewer persons are gathered.
2. As a condition of hosting a gathering under this order, organizers and facilities must design the gathering to encourage and maintain physical distancing, and must ensure that persons not part of the same household maintain 6 feet of distance from one another to the extent possible.
3. All persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask.

This order remains in effect through May 24, 2021. OSE staff is available by e-mail or phone to assist in planning: Office of Special Events specialevents@grcity.us or 616-456-3378 (option 3). 

Capacity Limits Fact Sheet

FAQs for Gatherings & Face Mask Order

ASL Videos

Events + People = Community & Vibrancy

We have year-round activities and entertainment options for all Grand Rapids residents and visitors to enjoy. Browse through our upcoming events to find something fun to do.

We issue permits to promote unique, fun and creative events for all to enjoy. We permit events in the city to make sure they're accessible, safe and community focused. Want to check out the events we permit? Click here.

Need to permit your next event? View the 'Forms' section below to see which application you'll need.

Want to chat with us about details before submitting your application? We're happy to help! Email us at the email address in the Contact Us section of this page to schedule a time to talk.

Join us to experience the vibrant Grand Rapids community!