Apply for a Special Event Permit

Step 1.Review the Planning and Resource Guide

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 map (see step 3).

Step 2.Check your eligibility

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 (like a business parking lot), complete the Private Property Event Permit Application. 

Step 3.Develop a site map

To create a comprehensive site map: 

• Create a site map using a program of your choice such as Google Earth or our Special Event Resource Guides. You can submit a rough draft and provide updated maps as you continue to plan.
• Write out a timeline including set-up, tear-down, delivery and retrieval times

Step 4.Make your plans

You'll need to have details ready for the application. Some of these include:

• Walk/run route and written directions (for races)
• Refuse and recycling plan
• Event timeline
• Event Action Plan
• Amplified sound extension request

You can view other details we'll need to know by viewing our guidelines & timeline checklist (not all tasks may apply).

Step 5.Have payment ready

Be prepared to pay the $100 non-refundable, non-transferrable application fee. We accept Visa and MasterCard for online payments.

Step 6.Submit application 

Applications without a site map or application fee will not be accepted. If you're an organization that needs to be invoiced for the application fee, please connect with our office.

Step 7.We'll review your application

We'll check the availability for your event and follow up with you via e-mail in two business days. Submitting this application doesn't mean your event is approved. View our Timeline Checklist in the meantime to stay on track.

We recommend that you do not announce your event date or location until you receive an email from us stating that your event has been accepted. Keep in mind that some details may take longer to approve, such as a street closure request or race/walk route.

Click here to apply online

Step 1.Review the Planning and Resource Guide

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).

Step 2.Check your eligibility

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 (like a business parking lot), complete the Private Property Event Permit Application. 

Step 3.Develop a site map

To create a comprehensive site map: 

• Create a site map using a program of your choice such as Google Earth or our Special Event Resource Guides. You can submit a rough draft and provide updated maps as you continue to plan.
• Write out a timeline including set-up, tear-down, delivery and retrieval times

Step 4.Make your plans

You'll need to have details ready for the application. Some of these include:

• Walk/run route and written directions (for races)
• Refuse and recycling plan
• Event timeline
• Event Action Plan
• Amplified sound extension request

You can view other details we'll need to know by viewing our guidelines & timeline checklist (not all tasks may apply).

Step 5.Have payment ready

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).

Step 6.Submit application 

Applications without a site map or application fee will not be accepted. If you're an organization that needs to be invoiced for the application fee, please connect with our office.

Step 7.We'll review your application

We'll check the availability for your event and follow up with you in two business days. Submitting this application doesn't mean your event is approved. View our Timeline Checklist in the meantime to stay on track.

We recommend that you do not announce your event date or location until you receive an email from us stating that your event has been accepted. Keep in mind that some details may take longer to approve, such as a street closure request or race/walk route.

Download the Special Event Permit Application in English

Our PDF option is temporarily unavailable to download. Please use the online version. You may call our office with any questions or for further assistance at 616-456-3378

Step 1.Visit our office 

Come to our office - our address listed in the Contact Us section. 

Step 2.We'll review your application

We'll check the availability for your event and follow up with you via e-mail in two business days. Submitting this application doesn't mean your event is approved. View our Timeline Checklist in the meantime to stay on track.

We recommend that you do not announce your event date or location until you receive an email from us stating that your event has been accepted. Keep in mind that some details may take longer to approve, such as a street closure request or race/walk route.