Special Events

A special event permit is required for all planned and promoted public activities conducted on public property that meet any of the following criteria:

• When the expected number of participants and spectators totals 50 or more people; and/or
• When using tents, structures and/or sound amplification; and/or
• When providing, selling or distributing alcohol and/or food to the public; and/or
• When using public right of ways (e.g., city streets, multi-use paths and sidewalks), and/or impacting vehicle, bike or bus traffic.

Submitting a Special Event Permit Application is free. However, facility fees vary by event, location, staffing, and services. A performance deposit may be required to reserve a venue, cover cleanup/damage, or ensure compliance with permit terms. Refunds may be issued after the event. after all required fees are paid in full and any after-action review is complete, if required.

Yes, you can still apply. Please reach out to us at specialevents@bouldercolorado.gov before finalizing your event or applying. Early communication with city staff can save time and provide valuable guidance. While we can sometimes expedite an application, certain aspects may not be approved due to departmental or state deadlines. For example, events involving alcohol require submission at least 60 days in advance for licensing, and road closures also require a minimum of 60 days’ notice.

For special event permits, general liability insurance coverage, in the amount of $1 million per occurrence with a $2 million aggregate, must be acquired before an event and maintained throughout the duration of the event, including set-up and dismantle periods. If you don’t currently have insurance, you can obtain affordable one-time policies from the providers listed below. Please note, these companies are provided as a resource and are not endorsed by the City of Boulder. You may select any provider that meets the city’s insurance requirements.

• American Specialty 
• RVNA/Fireman’s Fund
• Markel Insurance 
• K&K Insurance   

Please reach out to us at specialevents@bouldercolorado.gov and we can connect you with the proper staff at the University of Colorado.

The Boulder County Community Planning and Permitting Department handles special events on Boulder County property. Please contact se@bouldercounty.gov.

The 29th Street Mall is a private property manage by Macerich. Please contact Heather Drake at Heather.Drake@macerich.com.

Yes. All businesses and organizations attending special events in the City of Boulder are required to obtain a license prior to the event start. Even if no sales are made, a license is required. Special Event licenses are free for all out-of-city vendors. Please note that businesses based in Boulder are required to maintain a business license.

The City of Boulder is proud to host a variety of Special Events that contribute to the social, economic, and environmental health and well-being of our community. Many of these events are organized by external producers who apply for permits to host their events in our public spaces. Here are some links to city-sponsored community events that frequently include food service – you can contact the event organizers directly: 

• Boulder Parks and Recreation Community Events   
• Boulder Creek Festival  
• Boulder County Farmers Market  
• Downtown Boulder Community Events  
• Boulder Taco Festival  

The Glen Huntington Bandshell is managed by the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department. Light Requests should be submitted 14-days prior to start date. Additionally, our policy requires that the request be aligned with a position demonstrated by our elected officials, the City Council, via a declaration (or as part of a recognized city holiday). Submit a request. Once you have received confirmation of the declaration, please contact Josh Benedict (BenedictJ@bouldercolorado.gov) to schedule the lighting request. 

The City of Boulder has determined that competitive events and races held on multi-use paths, including the Boulder Creek Path, pose an unreasonable impact to those who would otherwise use these facilities, paths and right of ways. As a result, the City of Boulder does not recommend approval of competitive activities on multi-use paths, including but not limited to activities that are timed, numbered, chipped and/or offer any awards, placements, or rankings. 

If you are interested in hosting a “Fun Walk / Fun Run” under 50 people, consideration shall be determined by Parks and Recreation Department. Consideration of events over 50 people shall be determined by the Office of Special Events and Transportation Department, taking into consideration the public safety of participants, spectators, and those who would otherwise use public right of ways. Factors to be considered shall include, but are not limited to, the anticipated number of participants, the volume of route traffic, the most efficient use of the ROW, balancing the frequency of events with the public’s desire to use public property without the interference of events, and any other factor related to the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. 

Special event permit holders may not charge admission unless it is a city sponsored event (BRC 8-3-13). Event organizers can generate revenue through sponsorship sales, vendor booth sales, food and beverage sales, and pre-approved activities or amusements within the special event footprint. 

No. Special events hosted on private property do not require a Special Event Permit from the Office of Special Events. Depending on the event size and scope, a Temporary Sales or Outdoor Entertainment permit from Planning and Development Services might be required for events on “private property.”  

• Temporary outdoor entertainment refers to an outdoor use open to the public, such as a carnival, amusement rides, fair, outdoor theater, promotional event, musical performance, or dance for a limited duration.  
• Temporary sales involve sales from a tent, canopy, trailer, temporary structure, or parked vehicle, or sales on a vacant parcel of land or any parking lot, regardless of location. This does not include sales from push carts or mobile food vendors, which are subject to different regulations and licensing. 

A Special Event Permit (SEP) from the City of Boulder’s Regulatory Licensing Division may be required if alcohol will be served at the event.

The Office of Special Events is in the process of developing a sponsorship program for 2025. Additional details will be available soon.

The Boulder Arts Commission offers a Cultural Grant Program. In 2025, over $1.4 million dollars in grant funds will be distributed to the community, with new applications open for community projects, arts education projects, professional development scholarships, grant writing support, and more. Grants are available for organizations, individuals and classrooms.

Yes. Film Applications must be submitted at least 14-days before your project start date. You can find more details about the Film Permit Application process and timeline online. If you are a University of Colorado student, a permit is still required, but the insurance requirements will be waived.

Drones are permissible with a City of Boulder film permit, provided that you follow the drone use requirements. Use of a UAS/UAV or "drone" requires an aviation specific endorsement or policy. Please note, drones are not allowed in Open Space and Mountain Parks managed properties.

No, but we strongly suggest submitting a Advocacy Reservation Request. This form should be submitted 14 days prior to gathering start date. You can learn more about our Advocacy Reservation process and timeline on the City of Boulder Office of Special Events website. This request process is not intended to limit any advocacy groups from exercising their First Amendment right to free speech. Its sole purpose is to improve city support for and coordinate with advocacy groups. For advocacy permits the Pearl Street Mall, please visit the Activity Permits Page. 

No, unless you have specific written permission. Stormwater can carry pollutants from your event site directly to creeks. Avoid dumping liquids or materials outside, as this can lead to "threatened discharges," which are illegal and can result in fines up to $25,000 per violation. The goal is to ensure only rainwater and snow melt enter storm drains. Do not paint, chalk, mark, or deface any public property without prior authorization. For more information, contact the Storm Water Quality Manager, Kevin Koryto, at korytok@bouldercolorado.gov.

Yes, however all use of propane heaters must be indicated on the final site map and used in outdoor areas with the following restrictions:

• It must be located at least 20 feet from any combustible materials.
• It must be securely attached to the ground.
• Portable LP-gas containers used in connection with the heater and with a capacity of 500 gallons or less shall have a minimum separation between the container and structure not less than 10 feet.
• An ABC-type portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 40-B rating with a current inspection tag attached must always be on-hand and easily accessible.
• An unvented kerosene or fueled heating appliance cannot be used within a room, building or tent.

Depending on the event duration and public restroom availability, you may need to rent portable toilets. The City of Boulder recommends one toilet per 100 participants, with at least 10% being ADA-compliant (minimum of one accessible toilet required). The number of toilets is based on peak attendance, and they must be placed on approved hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or plywood. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on park property without prior authorization.

Hand-sanitizing facilities or sinks are recommended in restroom areas and required when food vendors are present. As part of the Boulder County Health Department permit process, specific hand sanitizing and/or sink facilities are required in all food and beverage areas. Using water from public facilities without prior written consent is not allowed.