GOV
Obtain a Special Event Permit
Outlines the process to apply for a permit to hold a large event in the City of St. Louis, such as a Parade, Run and/or Walk, Cycling Race or Ride, Festival, Street Fair or Outdoor Concert.
On This Page
Overview
We are pleased that you have chosen the City of St. Louis as the site for your event, and we want to help make your event a success. All events that require a Special Event Permit must submit their applications NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS IN ADVANCE.
What Events Require a Special Event Permit?
Events that are located on public property and have ONE OR MORE of the following elements (Food, Liquor, Street Closures, Tents, Staging, Generators, Etc.) must complete the special event permitting process.
What Events Do NOT Need a Special Event Permit?
- Events located entirely on private property
- Residential block parties
- Private events in a City park
For residential block parties, please contact the Street Department and for private events in a City park, please contact the Parks Department.
Preparation
Large events are complex and require supplemental applications and a detailed event plan. All events that require a Special Event Permit must submit their applications NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS IN ADVANCE.
- Set your event dates.
- Check for conflicting dates. Call the Special Events Office at (314) 589-6640.
- Know the event address or primary intersection.
- Read this entire page and familiarize yourself with the complete process.
- Review the Special Event Application form (see step 1 in the instructions section)
- Identify the additional supplemental forms required to obtain a permit for your event.
Instructions
This application process requires multiple steps: You need to identify all the forms needed, download them, complete them, and later return to this page and submit all the forms using the online submission form.
Step 1: Download the Special Event Application and Supplemental Forms
- Download the Special Event Application and any supplemental forms required for your event.
- Save the forms in a folder on your computer.
- Complete the form and rename the document. Use the "save as" option, rename the file and include the event name and date."
Step 2: Inform Your Vendors
- Inform your vendors and/or licensed contractors that they will have to obtain certain permits as specified on the Special Event Application.
- You, your vendor or licensed contractor are responsible for them. These may include park permits, liquor licenses, temporary food permits, propane tank applications, firework permits, building division permits, etc.
- The list of all vendors that will be at the event needs to be submitted to the Office of Special Events.
Step 3: Online Submission
- Go to the Special Event Online Submission page.
- Upload your completed application forms and other documents.
- Confirm you receive an email confirmation containing a link back to your submission file.
- Save this email! You may be required to use the link to upload more documents regarding your special event.
- Print out a hard copy of all your application forms for your file.
If the online submission process fails or you choose not to use the online submission form, mail or deliver your application forms to:
Office of Special Events
1200 Market Street
Room 416, City Hall
St. Louis, MO 63103
Step 4: Payment
- Mail the $25.00 non-refundable administrative fee to the office of Special Events.
Fees
The fee is a $25.00 non-refundable administrative fee.
The approved method of payment is by check.
Mail check to:
Office of Special Events
1200 Market Street
Room 416, City Hall
St. Louis, MO 63103
In addition to the base $25 special event application fee, there will be other permit fees depending on the size/scope of your event.
What to Expect
- You will receive a confirmation email containing a link back to your submission file. If you don't, call the Special Events Office at (314) 589-6640 and confirm they received your application. The email indicates the start of the approval process for your large event permit.
- The City will review your application for completeness.
- Each of the departments involved will review and approve your event plan.
- The Office of Special Events will request the Board of Public Service (BPS) to issue you a Special Event Permit.
- The Office of Special Events will let you know when your permits are ready for pick up and the amounts due.
- The Office of Special Events will alert you if additional information or clarification of your application is needed. You also may be contacted by the various departments involved with questions about your event.
- When the permitting process is complete the Board of Public Service (BPS) will issue a Special Event Permit.
Additional Information
Review the All You Need to Know About Special Events reference document.
You will find information that covers policies and procedures, including details on tents, street closing, recycling, water, parking, food, liquor, sanitation and more.
Contact
Office of Special Events
(314) 589-6640
1200 Market Street,
Room 416 City Hall
St. Louis, MO 63103
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
