The City of Greensboro Special Events Office assists event producers with many aspects of hosting an event. Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of the requirements and guidelines of hosting an event and to facilitate City services available for those events.

What is considered a "Special Event?" Any event that takes place in the public right-of-way or has a significant impact on City resources is deemed a "Special Event."

All special events require a permit in order to be lawfully conducted within city limits.

Examples of special events include filming, concerts, parades, circuses, fairs, festivals, block parties, community events, mass participation events, sporting competitions such as marathons and running events, bicycle races or tours, or spectator sports such as football, basketball and baseball games, or golf tournaments.

Application Process

Applicants must submit one of the following Permit Applications based on the magnitude of the event:

• Special Event Permit Application – Must submit Permit Application 60 days in advance for special events, including:
  • Walk, Run, Other Competition
  • Athletic Events
  • Trail or Greenway Events
  • Charity or Fundraising Event
  • March or Protest
  • Concert
  • Festival
  • Film
  • Parade
• Neighborhood Block Party Permit Application – Must submit Permit Application 30 days in advance. Neighborhood block parties wishing to have any of the following on public property must apply for a Special Event Permit: prepared food, inflatables, tents or canopies.

Park Reservations

For Neighborhood Park Reservations, contact Ethan Lodics, 336-373-7820. Permit applications do not guarantee park availability or exclusive use of park. 

Useful Website Links

• City of Greensboro Special Events Ordinance 
• Guilford County Health Department: Temporary Food Establishment Permit
• NC Alcohol Beverage Commission