Planning to host an event in Grand Rapids? We help you to check venue availability and plan your event.
Check out our Special Event Planning and Resource Guide for timelines, specifications, instructions and templates. We recommend you use this guide to create your site plan (see step 3).
You'll need a Special Event Permit if you have an activity or series of events or activities planned for a specific time and place. Typical special events include festivals, parades, races, concerts and neighborhood fairs. This is due no later than 70 days before your event start date.
For events on private property, complete the Private Property Event Permit Application.
Still putting your plans together? No problem! Complete the Special Event Permit Reservation Form and we'll pencil you in. If you know all your plan details, complete the form in step 7.
To create a comprehensive site plan:
You'll need to include details for the following plans in this application:
Be prepared to pay the $100 non-refundable, non-transferrable application fee. We accept Visa and MasterCard for online payments.
Note: Due to COVID-19 we are encouraging all event planners to have a back-up plan and be ready to pivot as necessary. Events are able to hold one back-up date, this date can be noted in the application or it can be e-mailed to us.
If your event is less than 100 people and does not need city services (i.e. trash/recycle carts, street closures, GRPD, etc.), you'll want to complete our Fast App. If your event is 100+ people and will need city services, please complete our standard Special Event Permit Application(PDF, 481KB).
We'll check the availability for your event and follow up with you via e-mail in 1-2 business days. Submitting this application doesn't mean your event is approved. We recommend that you do not announce your event date or location until we send you written approval.
Check out our Special Event Planning and Resource Guide for timelines, specifications, instructions, and templates. We recommend you use this guide to create your site plan (see step 3).
Still putting your plans together? No problem! Complete the Special Event Permit Reservation Form(PDF, 426KB) and we'll pencil you in. You'll be able to complete the full application when your planning is done. Keep in mind we won't issue a permit until the permit application is completed in full.
Be prepared to pay the $100 non-refundable, non-transferrable application fee. Make checks payable to The City of Grand Rapids. We can also email an invoice upon request to allow for debit/credit payment online (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).
Complete the application
If your event is less than 100 people and does not need city services (i.e. trash/recycle carts, street closures, GRPD, etc.), you'll want to complete our Fast App. If your event is 100+ people and will need city services, please complete our standard Special Event Permit Application(PDF, 558KB).
We'll check the availability for your event and follow up with you in 1-2 business days. Submitting this application doesn't mean your event is approved. We recommend that you do not announce your event date or location until we send you written approval.
Still putting your plans together? No problem! Complete the Special Event Permit Reservation Form and we'll pencil you in. You'll be able to complete the full application when your planning is done. Keep in mind we won't issue a permit until the permit application is completed in full.
Be prepared to pay the $100 non-refundable, non-transferrable application fee. We accept check or debit/credit (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).
Call us at the number listed in the Contact Us section for help completing the application.
Download and print or scan the application to submit.
Download English Application(PDF, 558KB)
Don't have a printer? Don't worry! You can come to our office for a printed copy.
Note: due to COVID-19, our office is not open to walk-ins. Please call our office with any questions you may have 616-456-3378 (option 3)
Come to our office located on the second floor of the building address listed in the Contact Us section.
Special Event Planning and Resource Guide
Special Event Resource Guides
TULIP Program Application
Reserve Parking Meters
Request Parking Validation Tickets for Special Events
Starting and Running a Business in Grand Rapids
Have feedback? Let us know about your experience getting a Special Event Permit.
Permit Feedback Form