Planning Your Event

City-wide Special Events and Film Production functions as a public resource on all aspects of event production and as a liaison to the many festivals, outdoor concerts, runs, walks and parades held in the City. It is recommended that all event coordinators contact the Special Event office very early in the planning process.

Regardless of the size of your event, we recommend you fill out the Event Information Form and the Not-For-Profit Form. Once both forms are completed, contact Kevin Scott, Event and Film Liaison at kevin.scott@denvergov.org  or call 720-865-4311

The Special Events Guide is designed to provide you with the necessary current information about permitting, planning and producing your event and should be used as a resource for you to add your own information.

The inter-agency Events Task Force reviews requests for City assistance. The Task Force may grant City services, as well as cash support for events with cash budgets under $50,000. More established events, or those with larger cash budgets, are eligible to apply for in-kind support only.  Requests must be made at least 60 days prior to event.

The Special Event Calendar is used as an important notification resource for neighborhood organizations, city agencies, event coordinators and as a guide when coordinating new events. Listing on the event calendar is limited to outdoor public events that are free and take place in a Denver park, on a Denver street, or in the Denver right of way. 

Your festival or special event is a valuable part of attracting visitors to Denver. Visit Denver, the travel and visitor’s bureau for Denver, want to assist you in promoting your event. Submit your information and be listed on Denver’s comprehensive entertainment and event website. Go to Denver365 to submit your event details.

*Remember to post your dates to as many event calendars as early as possible. Some publications seek information as much as six months prior to your event.


Timelines for Planning a Special Event

Contact: the Special Events office with event dates, questions, or advice

Submit: 2013 Event Information Sheet

(PR)  Parks & Recreation Facility Use Permit—to reserve park and/or stages

(PW) Public Works - Street Closure/Right-of-way (60 days if requesting a liquor license)

Contact : Neighborhood organization and City Council Representative for your event district

(SA)   Police Application Permit for a Parade or Race/Walk (Apply up to 200 days before)

(PR)  Event Diagram, Letter to Manager of Parks & Recreation if applying for a liquor permit

(PR)  Admission Based Event Permit application

(SA)  Office of Emergency Management Safety Plan

(EL)  Special Event Liquor Permit & Special Event Cabaret Permit

(PW) Street Closure right-of-way if requesting a liquor license

(EH & EL) Temporary Retail Food License
(EL)            Temporary Amusements Application
(EL & EH)  Temporary Body Art Establishments Application/Temporary Body Artists Application
(TX)             Notify Tax Collections Unit of your event– a Tax Revenue Agent will be assigned to the event
(PW)           Street Closure—Right-of-way at least 30 days if not requesting a liquor license 
(SA)            Police Application Permit for a Parade or Race/Walk

(SA)            Schedule meeting to pull permits and submit signed applications from vendors  (Denver Fire Department)
(PR)           Schedule pre and post walk-through with Parks personnel  (Parks & Recreation)
(EH &EL)  Food/Beverage vendors -complete menu review (Environmental Health) and obtain Temp Food License (Excise and Licenses)

  • Have all permits and licenses on site
  • Confirm vendors have all their permits and licenses on site
  • Create a communication plan during the event and for event staff and volunteers
  • Make a list of emergency numbers for all your staff
  • Prepare for changes in weather
  • Maintain your composure!
  • Take time to enjoy your event
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