Denver Arts & Venues
We’re glad you’ve chosen to host your event in Denver.
Public Event & Film Permitting (PEFP), a division of Denver Arts & Venues, supports a wide variety of safe, successful, and vibrant events across the city. As an event organizer, you play a critical role in bringing these experiences to life.
This guide is designed to help you:
- Understand the permits and requirements for your event
- Stay on track with important timelines and deadlines
- Access tools and resources to support a smooth planning process
You can also access this information 's printer-friendly document below.
2026 Event Permitting Guide (English)(PDF, 662KB)
The information is also available in various languages and accessible formats to meet diverse needs. Please contact us to request these accommodations.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on event regulations, you may find these resources helpful:
Denver Arts and Venues Ordinance
PEFP Rules & Regulations (printer friendly)(PDF, 1MB)
Begin your event permitting process by clicking on Step 2 above or the button below to see if you need an Event Operational Permit (EOP).
Not every event in Denver requires an Event Operational Permit (EOP). Public Event & Film Permitting (PEFP) issues EOPs for qualifying events. 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 EOP 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 EOP is not required.
Criteria 3: Activities or Features
Your event includes any of the following elements:
- Propane, open flames, fireworks, or floats.
- Generators over 5kW, stages, or other structures.
- Sale of items (e.g., tickets, food, alcohol, CBD products, merchandise).
- Body art, animals, or water attractions.
- Hired security or off-duty police officers.
- Marijuana advertising, themes, or sponsors.
If YES, you must submit an EOP application. If NO, an EOP may not be required.
Next Steps
If you determine that an EOP 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 EOP but may still require approval from other City departments.
Still unsure? Submit your question online via our Contact Us Form and an Event Permitting Specialist (EPS) will follow up with you.
Before submitting an EOP application, review the "Application Process Overview" by clicking on Step 3 above or the button below.
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 EOP 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 PEFP 90 days prior to the event set up date.
- Applications submitted to PEFP less than 60 days prior to the setup date may be denied or have a late fee.
- Some agencies will NOT accept late applications.
- PEFP 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:
The EOP 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 PEFP 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.
PEFP 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 EOP Application.
- Assist you in addressing any issues and completing additional requirements.
- Issue your EOP Permit, once all City requirements have been met.
Permits & Approvals
You will work with PEFP 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.
EOP Issued
Once all required permits and approvals are obtained, PEFP will issue your EOP. 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.
The following sections 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.
Your EOP 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 EOP Application or contact the listed department or your PEFP Event Permitting Specialist.
Event-Application-Timeline.pdf(PDF, 345KB)
IMPORTANT: All City requirements must be met and submitted to PEFP 5 days before the event setup to receive your EOP.