In 2021, the Colorado General Assembly expanded the list of license holders that could apply for a festival permit. While the festival permit is issued by the state, applicants must notify a local jurisdiction when they plan to seek a festival permit there. Applicants who have not notified the local jurisdiction could be denied a festival permit.
If you are seeking a festival permit from the state for an event in Denver, notify us at least 30 calendar days before the event by using this form.
Complete the festival permit notification form
Required documents:
After completing the festival notification form, you will receive a confirmation email. You can include it as proof of notification when submitting your state application.
For events that close a public street, sidewalk, alley or plaza, contact the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for a street occupancy permit.
For events in public parks, contact the Parks and Recreation Department for a park permit.
All events where there will be sales of any kind must ensure that vendors have the proper sales tax license. Events held on public property or in public venues that charge for admission/tickets must collect and remit the Facilities Development Admission (FDA) tax. For information about these requirements and how to comply, contact Treasury.
Events that include live entertainment, music, or amplified sound should follow Denver's limits on noise. For more information, refer to the Office of Special Events website and event planning guide(PDF, 1010KB) (see section F).
Events that include food should ensure that all vendors have the appropriate Denver license. Common food licenses for events include food truck licenses and temporary restaurant licenses.
Events that use private security services should ensure that all guards are licensed. For more information about obtaining security services licenses, visit the Security Services webpage.
Event organizers who want to verify the license status of any private security (company or guard) can access the City's Open Data Catalog. Search for "licensing." The active business licenses and individual licenses catalogs will have the necessary information.
Events that include tents that are 200 square feet or more, stages or other structures, open flames, pyrotechnics, fuel storage, propane, or generators that produce 5 kilowatts or more of electricity must have approvals or permits from Community Planning and Development or the Denver Fire Department. For more information, consult the Office of Special Events website and event planning guide(PDF, 1010KB) (section N, O, and P).
The Office of Special Events (OSE) helps event organizers understand and meet all city requirements for public events on public property.