Apply for a Special Event Permit

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).

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. 

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

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).

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).