Host An Event In Gainesville

A special event is a non-routine happening that brings people together within the City of Gainesville. Special events can occur on city-owned property, public right-of-ways, and private property. They require City services to ensure safety and coordination. Special events include, but are not limited to, activities such as festivals, concerts, sporting events, parades, walks and runs.

Events that need a permit

You must apply for a Special Event permit on all public, city-owned, and private property where the event will affect public safety and city services. You must complete a Special Event application if you have any of the following activities at your event:

• 50+ people
• Alcohol
• Animals
• Athletic events (5Ks/running events or walkathons)
• Rental of city facilities
• Drones
• Event advertisement signs
• Film production
• Food vendors
• Noise
• Parking
• Road and/or sidewalk closures
• Retail sales
• Special effects
• Temporary structures
• Temporary utilities
• Traffic control
• Waste and recycling

Events that do not need a permit:

Small events like birthday parties and community celebrations that occur at a public park and will not affect city services do not need a special event permit. The City of Gainesville has wonderful parks that are in high demand. It is highly recommended that you reserve facilities (for a fee) or arrive early when the park opens to “claim” a spot.

Reserve a park or facility 

The base fee for a special event permit is $67. Additional services may be applicable based on the activities at your event. Below is a sample of popular activity fees. Please refer to the Code of Ordinances Appendix A for all current fees.

It takes 3-4 weeks to review and process a permit application once submitted. We encourage you to apply for a permit as early as possible. This allows time to schedule inspections or site visits and to promote the event.

Special Events can occur on public, city-owned, and private property. Here is a list of common city-owned locations where Special Events occur. 

City Facilities:

• A. Quinn Jones Museum, 1013 NW 7th Avenue
• Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E University Avenue
• Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Avenue
• Ironwood Golf Course, 2100 NE 39th Avenue
• Rosa B. Williams Center, 524 NW 1st Street
• Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Avenue

Recreation Centers:

• Albert Ray Massey Recreation Center, 1001 NW 34th Street
• Clarence R Kelly Community Center, 1700 NE 8th Avenue
• Eastside Community Center, 2841 E University Avenue
• Gainesville Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd
• MLK Multipurpose Center, 1028 NE 14th Street
• Porters Community Center, 512 SW 2nd Terrace
• TB McPherson Recreation Center, 1717 SE 15th Street
• Thelma Boltin Center, 516 NE 2nd Avenue

For a full list of city-owned parks and facilities, visit the Explore Gainesville page. 

Yes! All Events that are held in the City or on City property must go through the Special Event process including events that pass through the City limits (like on the Hawthorne Trail).