2026 Event Applications Open November 1!

Planning an event in 2026?

The Office of Special Events (OSE) is now accepting completed applications for 2026 events.

However, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) will not accept early applications. If your event is in a park, please wait until November 1, 2025, to submit your DPR permit request.

Don’t Miss These Deadlines

OSE applications are due at least 60 days before the first day of setup — not the event date itself.

For example:

If your event is on October 1 and setup begins on September 29, your application must be submitted no later than July 31.

Late applications are subject to additional fees (see Rules and Regulations for more details).

What You Need to Submit With Your Application

Your application doesn’t need to be 100% complete to start the review process — but these three items are required before it can be accepted:

Premise Documents
Preliminary Park Permit (for events in parks)
Traffic Control Plan (for events on streets, sidewalks, or alleys).
Section 4 - Site Map and/or Route Map
A preliminary layout or map that shows where everything will be located at the event.
Section 5 - Community Notification
A draft notification flyer created with the provided template.
Do not upload an outdated document as a placeholder.

Key Changes to the 2026 Event Permitting Application

The City is making several updates to improve the event permitting experience for organizers. Below is a summary of the most important changes you’ll see in the 2026 online application and related requirements.

Step 2. Event Information

We’re simplifying this section and improving how your event details are shared with the public.

The Event Purpose field has been removed.
Be sure to complete the Event Description field — this text will appear on the City’s public event calendar.

Step 3.1 Road Closures

We’re providing more tools to help you plan around construction and road impacts.

Detailed road closure resources and parameters will now be linked in this section to support event closure planning and logistics.
These resources are designed to help you understand how ongoing or planned infrastructure projects may affect your event.
Community Notification and Site Map requirements remain mandatory but will no longer be part of Step 3.1. They will now be completed exclusively in Step 5 and 7 of the application respectively.

Steps 3.5, 3.6, and 3.9 – Acknowledgements

The following sections will now use simple checkboxes instead of text fields for initials to acknowledge the requirements:

Denver Sales Tax
Food Safety
Security Guard Licenses

Step 3.19 – Amplified Sound

We’ve simplified the noise review process and updated requirements based on changes to City ordinance.

Electronic Communications Forms are no longer required for noise review. Instead, please ensure that your onsite contact information is accurate so you can be reached in the event of any noise compliance issues.
Please carefully read the details in the “View Requirements” box to ensure you understand the most recent updates to the City’s Noise Ordinance and how they apply to your event.

Step 6 – Emergency Action Plan

We’re combining related safety requirements into a single, more comprehensive plan.

Health and Medical Plans are now included as part of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) template, rather than being submitted separately.
The new EAP templates and additional planning resources are available on our website by clicking the following link: Emergency Action Plan Toolkit and Training Modules. More information about these exciting offerings to come!

Construction Impacts at Civic Center Park

Construction at Civic Center Park is expected to begin in November 2025, which will limit the amount of usable space for events.

Explore other available locations through Parks & Recreation’s Permitting website to find an alternative venue that suits your event needs.
Parks & Recreation will also begin accepting applications for new and non-historical events on November 1, 2025.
For ongoing project updates, visit The Outdoor Downtown website.

Waste Management Requirements

– Enforcement September 1, 2026

Beginning September 1, 2026, events will be required to provide recycling and composting services in addition to submitting a Waste Management Plan in Step 8 of the application.

Who Must Comply:

Events with 350+ daily attendees on public property requiring a permit from OSE, DOTI, or Parks & Recreation.

Requirements:

Provide recycling and composting services for attendees, staff, vendors, and volunteers.
Offer adequate and conveniently located collection containers.
Post clear signage and provide training and education on waste sorting.
Submit a waste diversion plan with your permit application.

Exemptions:

Events with fewer than 1,000 weekly attendees do not need to provide composting.
Exemptions may also apply for events experiencing economic hardship, producing minimal material volumes, hosting no food vendors, or when hauling services are unavailable.

Next Steps:

Denver is taking an education-first compliance approach, focusing on guidance to help event organizers understand and comply with the updated requirements.
If an event isn’t in compliance, city officials will work with permit holders to get them on track.
Additional definitions and details will be finalized through a Rules and Regulations process in late 2025 and early 2026.
Technical guidance and resources will be provided ahead of the compliance date.

Stay Informed on Future Updates

Event permitting requirements continue to evolve as new city ordinances, sustainability standards, and planning resources are developed. We’re committed to keeping organizers updated every step of the way.

The Event Permitting Guide and online application will be updated as new policies and resources become available.
New requirements, guidance, or process changes will be shared at the 2026 Special Events Forum or in future OSE newsletters.
We strongly encourage organizers to attend the 2026 Forum and stay connected with OSE communications to ensure your event remains compliant and well-prepared.