Special event permits

Permitted special events

Due to the unusually hot weather and drought conditions affecting irrigation, the number of Special Permitted Events at Community Park will be limited in 2026. No additional applications for Special Permitted Events hosted at Community Park will be accepted. 

Applications 

A Permitted Special Event Application is required for:

• Groups of more than 25 people using any City right-of-way, street or trail for an activity —including City-sponsored, nonprofit, school, or commercial groups.
• Events hosting 250 or more attendees in any City park.

Permitted Special Event Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the event. Permit applications are accepted up to 6 months in advance of the event date, but no less than 60 days in advance. Applications received less than 60 days prior to the event will not be accepted.

2026 Special event fees 

• $549.00 — An invoice for the application fee will be emailed and must be paid prior to application review (non-refundable even if the event is canceled or does not take place as scheduled)
• If damage occurs to any city property during the event, an invoice will be issued to reimburse the city.

Insurance 

A Certificate of Insurance is required for all Permitted Special Events. There are several companies that provide "Tenant Users Liability Insurance Programs" (TULIP). Certificates of Insurance are due to the City Clerk's office no less than 14 days prior to the event. Event organizers may purchase this insurance from any company, but the policy must meet the following requirements:

• Coverage of $1,000,000 against all claims, demands and other obligations and $2,000,000 in aggregate. 
• The City of Louisville, its officers and employees must be listed as additional insured on the policy.

Additional requirements for permitted special events

Please review the Permitted Special Event Rules and Regulations. You must acknowledge on the application that you have read, understand and will abide by the rules and regulations.

If your event will be selling or providing complimentary alcoholic beverages, please visit Liquor Licensing Information to find and complete the appropriate liquor permit application.  

Races, certain larger events and those serving alcohol may require Louisville Police Officers to be in attendance. The Louisville Police Department Extra Duty Officer Application and Contract will need to be submitted for these types of events. 

If your event will have Mobile Food Retail Establishments they must be able to provide the required documentation. 

Prior to planning your event, the City asks you consider your impact on the City's general functions, the impacts on neighbors, including noise and limited access, street closure impacts on businesses and residents, as well as emergency responder access. If your event will cause undue inconvenience or disturbances, the City may request you implement alternatives.

Temporary Structures

• If you will be having a tent larger than 10 feet x 10 feet (or multiple 10 feet x 10 feet tents) you will need approval from the Fire Protection District Fire Marshal. You may email or call 303.666.6595 ext. 204 to schedule an inspection.
• If your event will have a temporary structure (i.e. bounce house) in excess of 400 square feet, a Temporary Use permit from the Building Department is required as well as an inspection from the Louisville Fire Protection District Fire Marshal. You may email the Fire Marshal or call 303.666.6595 ext. 204 to schedule an inspection. PLEASE NOTE: Permits from the Building Department require a minimum of 2 weeks to process.

If using a generator, please follow the Portable Generator Safety Recommendations.

It's finally here...the Louisville Block Party Trailer! Special thanks to Marshall Together for donating the trailer, and Andy Zenz of Robots Love Balloons for designing the trailer wrap. 

This reservable trailer comes with everything you need to host a great event!

• Signs and barricades to close the street 
• 4x trash cans
• 4x picnic tables
• 4x small grey tables
• 24x chairs
• 4x canopy tents
• 16x canopy tent weights
• 4x coolers
• 4x cornhole platforms
• 30x cornhole bags
• 2x pool noodles
• Miscellaneous other items

Want to add a little music to your party? The trailer is equipped with a sound system and speakers! Just hook up your Bluetooth device and you're ready to rock out!

Having a gathering in a park and not on your block? No problem, the trailer is available for park events too!

Please note:

• The trailer will only be available for one event per weekend through October. Check to see if it is available for your event.
• The application must be submitted and the deposit paid at least 21 days in advance of the event.
• The trailer will be dropped at the requested location the working day prior to the event and picked up the next working day after the event.
• The applicant is responsible for placement, monitoring & maintenance of barricades and signage during the event and removal afterward. 
• The applicant is responsible for the security of the trailer and its contents for the duration of the trailer placement.
• A $200.00 deposit is required to reserve the trailer. If the trailer and all contents are returned in satisfactory condition, the deposit will be refunded in full. 
  • Missing items, or failure to return in satisfactory condition, will result in forfeiture of the deposit and may incur additional fees. Applicant may also be prohibited from reserving the trailer for the next 12 months. 

If your event is in a park, don't forget to reserve the Park Shelter.