30 Days Prior to Event

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: Anisha Borthakur at Anisha.Borthakur@denvergov.org

All events are required to submit a Special Event Emergency Action Plan (EAP) at least 30 days prior to your event. 

Emergency Action Plans are designed to mitigate against potential harm and protect the liability of the event host in case of emergencies. For your convenience, please use the provided EAP template linked below. Any events not using the provided template must ensure their plan meets the Special Events Emergency Medical Requirements (see the following section 3H below). An EAP must be scaled appropriately to the size and complexity of an event.  A more complex event requires a more comprehensive EAP. 

EAP Template (English)   |   Plan de Acción de Emergencia (Spanish)

Additional EAP resources can be found on the Education Programs and Resources webpage here.  

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: DDPHEInformation@denvergov.org

Event organizers must be prepared for possible injuries or accidents. Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) has created Emergency Medical Requirements to help keep people safe at events.

All are required to submit a Health and Medical Plan. For your convenience, please use the provided EAP template linked in section EG above. The Health and Medical Plan details are included in section E/page 8 of the EAP template. Any events not using the provided template must ensure their plan meets the Special Events Emergency Medical Requirements.

For more information, visit DDPHE’s website. You can also request a one-on-one meeting with DDPHE to review your plan by emailing DDPHEInformation@denvergov.org. 

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: justin.lamascus@denvergov.org and nathaniel.rosenberg@denvergov.org

All event organizers must review and follow Denver’s Noise Ordinance. Disruptive sounds like live music, DJs, speakers, airhorns, or generators must comply with the guidelines to avoid fines of up to $5,000 per day.

Important Step:

Review the Denver's Noise Program recommendations to understand acceptable noise levels and how to manage noise at your event.

For more information, visit Denver's Noise Program website and for questions, contact justin.lamascus@denvergov.org or nathaniel.rosenberg@denvergov.org.

DEADLINE: a minimum of 30 days and as early as 200 days prior to event
CONTACT: dpdspecialevents-dpd@denvergov.org or 720-337-1030

If you are organizing a parade, run, walk, or ride on Denver streets, you must obtain a permit from the Denver Police Department’s (DPD) Special Events Unit (SEU).

Important Steps:

1. Submit your application in person at least 30 days before the event and no more than 200 days in advance.
2. Call 720-337-1030 to schedule an appointment before submitting your application.
3. Plan your route and include a detailed map with your application—DPD does not create routes for events.
4. Permits are issued only after DPD reviews and approves your application and route.

Note: A park or street permit does not guarantee police resources for your event. You must confirm resource availability with DPD. DPD resources are finite so be sure to reach out as early as possible for races, runs, walks, and rides.

For more information on permits, fees, and requirements, visit the DPD's Special Event Unit website or call 720-337-1030.

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: DPD.SecondaryEmployment@denvergov.org

If you need to hire Denver Police for your event, contact the Office of Secondary Employment at least 30 days before your event. Call 720-337-0775 or email DPD.SecondaryEmployment@denvergov.org.

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: licenses@denvergov.org

If you need to hire security guards for  your event, the company and guards must be licensed in the City and County of Denver. For more information, visit the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection website.

If your security vendor isn't licensed, they must apply at least 30 days before the event.

For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: exlapplications@denvergov.org

Who Can Apply:

• Only non-profits are eligible.
• All proceeds from alcohol sales must directly benefit the non-profit.

Important Steps:

• Submit your liquor permit application via the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection website.
• Be sure to review the Required Documents section on the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection website.  You will need to upload your final Park Permit and/or SERSOP to your liquor permit application.  However, you can begin the liquor permitting process while waiting for your other permits to be finalized.

Additional Requirements for Entertainment:

Events with entertainment must include a Special Event Cabaret Permit Application with their liquor permit application.

Contact the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection with any questions about the Special Event Liquor Permit or Special Event Cabaret Permit at exlapplications@denvergov.org or call 311. 

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACTS: Denver Fire Department at 720-527-9418 or at specialeventsDFD@denvergov.org and carol.pafford@denvergov.org with Denver Development Services.

Generators 5kW and over require two permits:

1. Fire Permit: Needed for the generator's fuel. Submit the Fire Permit Application at least 30 days before the event. For questions, contact Denver Fire Department at specialeventsDFD@denvergov.org or call 720-527-9418.
2. Electrical Permit: Required from Denver Development Services. Only licensed electricians can apply, and an on-site inspection is needed. Ensure your vendor is licensed. Contact Development Services at carol.pafford@denvergov.org or call 720-865-2827 for more information.

For generators under 5kW, no permit is needed, but review the Portable Generators document for proper use and guidelines.

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: Addison.Macmahon@denvergov.org

Stages and structures at your event may require building permits. It is the organizer’s responsibility to make sure the vendor has the right permits.

Important Details:

• Only a Denver-licensed contractor can apply for these permits.
• If a permit is needed, an on-site inspection will also be required.

For more information, check Denver’s Building Permit Policy. To apply, visit E-permits and use the E-permits for Special Events guidance document for assistance.

If you have any questions, email addison.macmahon@denvergov.org.

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: 720-913-9300

All vendors at your event must collect and pay Denver sales tax.

• Denver Licensed Vendors: Existing Denver businesses or licensed vendors don’t need extra permits or fees. Sales from the event are reported on their regular tax returns.

• All Other Vendors: Must register for a Special Event Sales Tax account. Register online by selecting "Register or File for Special Event.”

For more details, visit Denver's Treasury website, and check the "Special Event Sales Tax" section (scroll all the way to the bottom). For questions, contact the Treasury Department at 720-913-9446.

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: taxauditadmin@denvergov.org

If your event charges admission, before selling tickets contact the Treasury Department at taxauditadmin@denvergov.org or call 720-913-9955. Event organizers must collect and submit the Facilities Development Tax aka "Seat Tax" By the 15^th of the month after the tickets are sold. Check the Denver Tax Guide for details.

Important Details:

• These requirements do not apply to races, runs, walks, or rides.
• Only certain Denver parks allow admission-based events. Contact the Parks Permit Office for more information.

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: denverevents@denvergov.org

Denver voters approved the Waste No More initiative, requiring events to submit a Waste Diversion Plan and provide three-stream waste collection (trash, recycling, and organics) with signage.

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: DDPHE at phicomments@denvergov.org and EXL at licenses@denvergov.org

Event organizers must ensure all food vendors are properly licensed to avoid fines and ensure public health compliance.

Important Details:

1. It is the event organizer’s responsibility to verify their vendors have the appropriate Denver licenses.

2. Licensing for Different Vendor Types:

• Brick-and-mortar restaurants must obtain a Restaurant Temporary License to operate at an event.  If the vendor already has a valid temporary restaurant license, they must add each event to their license.

• Required for food trucks - Retail Food Mobile License: This process can take several weeks, so vendors should apply early. Please note, the City and County of Denver does not accept Food Truck Licenses from other municipalities.

• Food sales that fall under the Colorado Cottage foods Act may be exempt from the above licensing requirements.

3. CBD Sales at Events:

• Vendors selling consumable CBD must obtain the proper licenses and ensure their products come from approved sources and follow food safety rules.  Review the CBD Product Sales Guide at special events for more information.

For more details visit the Food license information website or consult this helpful flow chart. Or, email DDPHE at phicomments@denvergov.org and EXL at licenses@denvergov.org.

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: MarijuanaInfo@Denvergov.org

• Consumption: Marijuana consumption is not allowed on public property.
• Advertising: There are strict rules regarding marijuana advertising. Please review Guidance for Marijuana Advertising at Special Events in Denver for more details.
• Sales: If vendors will sell marijuana-related products, you must upload a list of those vendors to your PEFP application at least 30 days before the event.

For more information about marijuana-related vendors, booths, or sponsors, contact your PEFP Event Permitting Specialist (EPS).

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: reid.matsuda@denvergov.org

If your event includes tattooing or body piercing, you will need a Temporary body art establishment permit and each artist will need an individual license.

• Temporary Establishment Permits: Temporary body art establishment permit applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the event.
• Temporary body artist license permit: As the event organizer, you must ensure all body artists are licensed in Denver or apply for a temporary body artist license. Temporary licenses must be submitted at least 30 days before the event.

Contact Reid Matsuda at reid.matsuda@denvergov.org at the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) for licensing details.

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: phicomments@denvergov.org

Water features like pools, water rides, and other attractions must be approved by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) at least 30 days before your event.

• Contact DDPHE: Email phicomments@denvergov.org to schedule approvals and inspections.
• Parks Approval: If your event is in a park, approval from the Department of Parks and Recreation may also be needed.