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Special Events
- Neighborhood Block Party
- Small Special Event
- Large Special Event
- Expressive Activities (Free Speech)
Permit Fee: No Fee
A neighborhood block party is...
- a small event for residents of a neighborhood
- lasts one day, with a defined beginning and end time
- requires the closure of a city street
Applications for neighborhood block party permits are due 30 days prior to the event. Late applications are subject to a $10 late filing fee.
Permit fees:
- 2023 - $124
A Small Special Event is...
- Events expecting fewer than 100 attendees gathering in a public place
- Events held on public streets, sidewalks, walkways or other areas that interfere with regular vehicular or pedestrian traffic
- Any event that has amplified sound
- Serving alcohol. Insurance and a Banquet Permit will be required if you are serving alcohol.
Applications for Small Special Event Permits are due 60 days prior to the event. Late applications are subject to a $50 late filing fee.
Permit fees:
- 2023 - $310
A large special event is...
- Events expecting 100 or more attendees gathering in a public place or that are expecting to have a substantial impact on a public place
- Events held on public streets, sidewalks, walkways or other areas that interfere with regular vehicular or pedestrian traffic or require the use of City Services
- Any event that has amplified sound
- Events that will be charging an entry fee, using sponsors or will rent booths
- Serving alcohol. Insurance and a Banquet Permit will be required if you are serving alcohol
Applications for Large Special Event Permits are due 90 days prior to the event. Late applications are subject to a $125 late filing fee.
Permit Fee: No Fee
An expressive activity is....
- an event in which the sole purpose to express, or communicate opinions, views, or ideas.
- No fee or donation is required to participate
- No goods or services will be sold at the event
- No fundraising will be conducted at the event.
- Excludes sports events
- Excludes events that are principally for entertainment
Less than 100 attendees
- An expressive activity, including spontaneous event, expecting fewer than 100 attendees, which will comply with traffic and safety laws (e.g. will not block roads or sidewalks) does NOT need an expressive activity permit. It must still comply with all applicable regulations in Chapter 5.136 of the Everett Municipal Code.
- Please complete the Small Expressive Activity Notification Form. This notice is to inform the City of your event so that it may continue to promote the health and safety of the community and event participants.
100 or more attendees
- Expressive activities that expect 100 or more attendees must obtain a permit.
If you have any questions regarding what type of special event permit you need, assistance in any portion of the planning process, required documents, or other related information, CLICK HERE Version OptionsSpecial EventsHeadline to schedule a complimentary pre-application consult with staff, or contact Tyler Chism via email.
The City of Everett defines a “special event” as any temporary activity that affects the ordinary use of parks, public streets, rights-of-way, sidewalks, traffic, public transportation, etc. and/or generates large public participation.
All special event organizers must complete a special events permit application according to the appropriate classification. City staff will review the application and department staff will communicate directly with the event organizer to clarify event plans or to provide additional direction. The application is not a guarantee the event will be approved. The City will not approve your permit until all required documents, such as liability insurance, if applicable, has been submitted and approved by our legal department.
A Special Event Permit will be issued to the applicant prior to their event, after the invoice has been paid. To apply, click on the tabs above to view details of the different special event types.
If you are planning a special event taking place on city right of way and in a city park, you will also need to apply for an outdoor/special use permit from the Parks and Community Services Department. If you are planning an event only within a city park, you only need to apply for an outdoor/special use permit and not a special event permit.