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Entertainment Services Division

Special Events

Capital Mall open_in_full

Photo Credit: Downtown Sacramento Partnership

The City of Sacramento’s Special Event Services team helps event organizers through the permitting process, working with other City departments to ensure events meet local requirements and provide a safe, enjoyable experience for the community.

Do I need a permit?

A Special Event Permit is required to use all or any part of a public street, sidewalk or alley for a gathering of more than 50 people. A Special Event Permit is also required for park activities that meet any of the following conditions:

  • Expected attendance is 200 or more people 
  • Event is open to the public 
  • Alcohol will be served or sold 
  • Event includes amplified sound

How to apply

Follow these steps to obtain a Special Event Permit in the City of Sacramento:

1. Review permit requirements - Read the Special Event Permit Application

2. Complete the application - Download and fill out the application. Include: 

  • Event Details: location, date(s), time, estimated attendance, etc. 
  • Site and/or route map 
  • Copy Driver’s License or California ID for the person signing the application 

3. Submit the application - Submit at least 60 days before your event. You can:

                Coloma Community Center – Reservations Office

                4623 T St, Sacramento, CA 95819

                (Walk-in hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30a – 6p)

4. Connect with a special event representative - A representative will contact you with the next steps and to schedule an event review.

5. Receive conditional approval – Once conditional approval is received, the event can be marketed, advertised, or promoted.

6. Meet all permit requirements - Permit requirements are set after the event review. All requirements and fees must be completed at least 10 days before the event. Some requirements may have earlier deadlines.

7. Permit issuance – After all requirements are met, you will receive the Special Event Permit.

Requirements and guidelines

Here are examples of common requirements. Requirements with an asterisk (*) are always required. For full details, see the Special Event Permit Application.

  • Site and or route map* 
  • Certificate of Insurance* 
  • Permit fees* 
  • Security plan
  • Alcohol management plan 
  • Waste management plan 
  • Tent permit 
  • Traffic control plan 
  • Neighborhood notification 
  • On-street parking reservations

Fees

Fees vary depending on event size, location, and required city services. Fee estimates are provided after the event review process. Note:

  • Certain requirements may be invoiced directly by other City departments. 
  • Permit fees may change if event plans change 
  • Post-event charges may apply for damage to public property, etc. 

See Addendum B of the Special Event Permit Application for more information.

Processing time

Processing time varies based on event complexity. Low-impact events may take a few weeks, while complex events may take several months.

Training

The Special Event Services Team offers training and education programs to help event organizers navigate the permitting process.

ESD Training Resources

Contact

For more information, contact Special Event Services at (916) 808-7888 or specialeventservices@cityofsacramento.org .

Helpful resources

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