Special Event Permits

If your event uses Old Town Square, contact the Downtown Development Authority before applying for a special event permit. 

Deadline:

Submit permits at least 60 business days before your event.

Late permit applications may be denied.

Cost:

All permits include an application fee and security deposit due when you apply. Fees depend on expected attendance and alcohol service.

Application Fee: $100. Non-profit organizations pay $50. 

Security/Damage Deposit:

• Under 500 people (no alcohol): $250
• Under 500 people (with alcohol): $500
• 500-1,499 people: $1,500
• 1,500-2,499 people: $2,500
• Over 2,500 people: $5,000

The City may keep your deposit to pay for damage, unpaid services or invoices. You're responsible for damage beyond the deposit amount. The City refunds deposits within 30-90 days after your event if there are no outstanding costs or damage. Events using multiple City locations may need separate deposits for each location.

Other Fees: All events pay security deposits and any rental fees for parks, trails or open spaces.

Insurance:

Most large events, races, animal events, alcohol events or events with rides/attractions (including bounce houses) need liability insurance.

Insurance Coverage Information

Site Plan/Route Map:

Required for all events. Upload with your application. View example of a site map(PDF, 496KB). 

Example is provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading this document, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

Work Area Traffic Control Plan:

Required for events with road or lane closures. You must provide traffic control devices from a professional company at your expense. The City determines other requirements based on your event's size and impact.

Reimbursement Agreement:

You and any sponsors must sign this agreement before permit approval. It protects the City from liability. Not required for City departments.

Park Event Permits are required for large events planned in a City-owned park.

Learn About Park Event Permits

If your event will take place in Civic Center Park, Oak Street Plaza, Library Park or Washington Park and/or includes one of the following, a special event permit is required:

• 2,500+ people
• Street closures
• Alcohol 

Depending on the type of event, additional permits may be required for events taking place in Fort Collins-owned Natural Areas. 

Learn About Natural Areas Permits

Block parties are social gatherings of neighbors on a residential street. A block party includes neighborhood barbecues, picnics, music or games taking place on a street. 

Block parties that close a street require a Block Party Permit. Block parties that will close an arterial or connector street, also need a Special Event Permit.

Deadline:

Submit at least 20 business days before your event.

Cost:

Free

Cost of barricades and traffic control equipment for road or lane closures must be covered by the Block Party Permit holder. 

Apply for a Block Party Permit

Block Party Trailer Reservations

Questions about block parties? Email BlockParties@fortcollins.gov. 

Deadline:

Submit at least 45 business days before your event.

Late permit applications may be denied.

Cost:

Application fee and security deposit due when you apply. Additional fees depend on expected attendance.

Application Fee: $100. Non-profit organizations pay $50. 

Security/Damage Deposit:

• Under 500 people (no alcohol): $250
• Under 500 people (with alcohol): $500
• 500-1,499 people: $1,500
• 1,500-2,499 people: $2,500
• Over 2,500 people: $5,000

The City may keep your deposit to pay for damage, unpaid services or invoices. You're responsible for damage beyond the deposit amount. The City refunds deposits within 30-90 days after your event if there are no outstanding costs or damage. Events using multiple City locations may need separate deposits for each location.

Other Fees: All events pay security deposits and any rental fees for parks, trails or open spaces.

Insurance:

Most large events, races, animal events, alcohol events or events with rides/attractions (including bounce houses) need liability insurance.

Insurance Coverage Information

Site Plan/Route Map:

Required for all events. Upload with your application. View example of a site map(PDF, 496KB). 

Example is provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading this document, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

Work Area Traffic Control Plan:

Required for events with road or lane closures. You must provide traffic control devices from a professional company at your expense. The City determines other requirements based on your event's size and impact.

Reimbursement Agreement:

You and any sponsors must sign this agreement before permit approval. It protects the City from liability. Not required for City departments.

Events with alcohol are subject to specific Liquor Licensing rules and applications. 

Special Events Liquor Licensing Information 

Deadline:

Submit at least 60 business days before your event.

Late permit applications may be denied.

Cost:

All permits include an application fee and security deposit due when you apply. Fees depend on expected attendance and alcohol service. 

Application Fee: $100. Non-profit organizations pay $50. 

Security/Damage Deposit:

• Under 500 people (no alcohol): $250
• Under 500 people (with alcohol): $500
• 500-1,499 people: $1,500
• 1,500-2,499 people: $2,500
• Over 2,500 people: $5,000

The City may keep your deposit to pay for damage, unpaid services or invoices. You're responsible for damage beyond the deposit amount. The City refunds deposits within 30-90 days after your event if there are no outstanding costs or damage. Events using multiple City locations may need separate deposits for each location.

Other Fees: All events pay security deposits and any rental fees for parks, trails or open spaces.

Insurance:

These events need a certificate of insurance with an "Alcohol Endorsement."

Insurance Coverage Information

Site Plan/Route Map:

Required for all events. Upload with your application. View example of a site map(PDF, 496KB). 

Example is provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading this document, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

Work Area Traffic Control Plan:

Required for events with road or lane closures. You must provide traffic control devices from a professional company at your expense. The City determines other requirements based on your event's size and impact.

Reimbursement Agreement:

You and any sponsors must sign this agreement before permit approval. It protects the City from liability. Not required for City departments.

All race events require a Special Event Permit, and may be subject to additional requirements to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. 

Only four, non-competitive walking or running events are permitted to take place on the City's trail system each year. Bike races are not allowed on the trails.

Deadline:

Submit permits at least 60 business days before your event.

Late permit applications may be denied.

Cost:

All permits include an application fee and security deposit due when you apply. Fees depend on expected attendance and alcohol service.

Application Fee: $100. Non-profit organizations pay $50. 

Security/Damage Deposit:

• Under 500 people (no alcohol): $250
• Under 500 people (with alcohol): $500
• 500-1,499 people: $1,500
• 1,500-2,499 people: $2,500
• Over 2,500 people: $5,000

The City may keep your deposit to pay for damage, unpaid services or invoices. You're responsible for damage beyond the deposit amount. The City refunds deposits within 30-90 days after your event if there are no outstanding costs or damage. Events using multiple City locations may need separate deposits for each location.

Other Fees: All events pay security deposits and any rental fees for parks, trails or open spaces.

Insurance:

Most large events, races, animal events, alcohol events or events with rides/attractions (including bounce houses) need liability insurance.

Insurance Coverage Information

Site Plan/Route Map:

Required for all events. Please ensure the site map for your race includes a detailed description of the planned route. Upload with your application. View example of a site map(PDF, 496KB). 

Example is provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading this document, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

Work Area Traffic Control Plan:

Required for events with road or lane closures. You must provide traffic control devices from a professional company at your expense. The City determines other requirements based on your event's size and impact. Races often require fixed traffic control devices, volunteer course marshals/traffic monitors, paid traffic flaggers or off-duty police officers.

Reimbursement Agreement:

You and any sponsors must sign this agreement before permit approval. It protects the City from liability. Not required for City departments.