Planning Special Events

1. Overview

Welcome to Denver’s Office of Special Events!

We are excited you chose Denver to host your event! Every year, our City proudly supports a wide variety of fun, exciting, and safe events. As an event organizer, you play a critical role in making these events successful.

Explore the sections below to find everything you need for a successful event, including:

  • Understanding the rules and permits required for your event.
  • Meeting deadlines and staying on top of important timelines.
  • Accessing tools and information to ensure your event runs smoothly.

If you have any questions along the way, our team is here to assist you.

You can also access this information 's printer-friendly document below.

Event Planning Guide (English)(PDF, 503KB) Guía de Planificación de Eventos (Spanish)

The information is also available in various languages and accessible formats to meet diverse needs. Please contact us to request these accommodations.

Begin your event planning process by clicking on Step 2 above or the button below to see if you need a Special Events Permit.

2. Do You Need a Special Events Permit?

Now that you’re ready to begin planning your event, the first step is determining whether you need a special events permit. Not every event in Denver requires a permit from the Office of Special Events (OSE). Use the following criteria to determine if your event qualifies:

Criteria 1: Location

Your event is held on public property in Denver:

  • Parks
  • Streets
  • Sidewalks
  • Alleys
  • Plazas

If YES, continue to Criteria 2. If NO, an OSE Permit is not required.

Criteria 2: Public Access

Your event is open to the public. For example:

  • Anyone can attend, no private invitations or guest list.
  • Tickets are sold publicly, or admission is free.

If YES, continue to Criteria 3. If NO, an OSE Permit is not required.

Criteria 3: Activities or Features

Your event includes any of the following elements:

  • Includes tents over 200 square feet, propane, open flames, fireworks, or floats.
  • Uses generators over 5kW, stages, or other structures.
  • Sells items (e.g., tickets, food, alcohol, CBD products, merchandise).
  • Features body art, animals, or water attractions.
  • Requires security or off-duty police officers.
  • Includes marijuana advertising, themes, or sponsors.

If YES, you must submit an OSE application. If NO, an OSE Permit may not be required. 

Next Steps

If you determine that an OSE Permit is required, please continue reading this guide for application instructions and additional details before submitting your application.

For events entirely on private property or with an invite-only guest list, review the Private Event Checklist to determine if other permits are necessary. Private events generally do not need an OSE application but may still require approval from other City departments.

Still unsure? Submit a OSE Contact Us Form and a permitting specialist will follow up with you.

Before submitting for an OSE permit, review the Application Process Overview by clicking on Step 3 above or the button below.  

3. Application Process Overview

The event permitting process involves several steps to ensure your event runs smoothly and complies with all City requirements. Follow this guide to stay on track:

Submit Your OSE Application

Application Deadline: 60 days prior to the event set up date.

Deadline Example:

If your event setup begins on May 29 and the event is on June 1, your application must be submitted by March 30 (60 days before the setup date).

Important Details:

  • First-time or complex events, including those with multiple street closures or extensive infrastructure, should contact OSE 90 days prior to the event set up date.
  • Applications submitted to OSE less than 60 days prior to the setup date may be denied or have a late fee.
  • Some agencies will NOT accept late applications.
  • OSE will NOT accept applications submitted less than 30 days before the event setup date.

What to Include in Your Application:

You do not need all finalized details at submission, but the items listed below are required for your application to be accepted.

  • Section 1 - Applicant Information: Basic details about the applicant.
  • Section 2 - Event Information: Key information about the event.
  • Section 4 - Site Map and/or Route Map: A preliminary layout or map.
  • Section 5 - Community Notification: A draft flyer for notifying the community.
  • Premise Documents:
    • Preliminary Park Permit (for events in parks)
    • Traffic Control Plan (for events on streets, sidewalks, or alleys).

Fees

Processing Fees:

OSE application processing fees are based on the estimated number of daily TOTAL attendees:

  • 1 – 350: ................$25
  • 351 – 3,000: .........$75
  • 3,001 – 10,000: ....$150
  • 10,000+: ...............$250

Late Fees:

Application fees will be doubled for applications submitted less than 60 days prior to the first set up date.

Rush Fees:
All City requirements must be met and submitted to OSE at least 5 days before the event. Events that do not meet this deadline will incur an additional fee equal to the application fee.

Payment Process:

After submitting your application, you will receive an invoice via email from the application system. Payments must be made within three days of receipt for your invoice to be placed “Under Review.” Once the application is “Under Review”:

  • The application will be reviewed by the necessary City agencies.
  • The submitted information will be evaluated for compliance.

OSE Support

Once your application is submitted, an Event Permitting Specialist (EPS) will be assigned to guide you through the permitting process. The EPS will:

  • Review your application to ensure all required documents are included.
  • Generate an invoice for your OSE application fee.
  • Assist you in addressing any issues and completing additional requirements.
  • Issue your final OSE Permit, once all City requirements have been met.

Permits & Approvals

You will work with OSE and other City departments to secure additional permits and approvals based on the elements of your event.  There may be fees associated with the permits issued by other City agencies.

OSE Permit Issued

Once all required permits and approvals are obtained, OSE will issue your Office of Special Events Permit (OSEP). This document confirms your event is ready to proceed.

Tips for Success

  • Submit your application as early as possible to avoid delays and extra fees.
  • Communicate with your EPS regularly to address any issues.
  • Track all deadlines to ensure your event remains on schedule.

 

4. How to Meet Denver's Event Requirements

The sections below outline how to meet necessary requirements and secure permits and approvals from City departments and partner agencies. Requirements are listed in order of deadlines to help you stay on track and meet all deadlines.

Your OSE application in Eproval will guide you through the specific steps for your event, while the printer-friendly PDF below offers a quick, at-a-glance reference for the most common citywide requirements. Event planners can print the PDF to track deadlines, check off tasks, and stay organized throughout the process. For additional guidance, refer to your OSE application or contact the listed department or your OSE Event Permitting Specialist.

Event-Application-Timeline.pdf(PDF, 245KB)

IMPORTANT: All City requirements must be met and submitted to OSE 5 days before the event setup to receive your OSE Permit.